One of the best parts of watching a baseball or softball game always starts with a good and smashing hit. The thrill begins right exactly when a batter smoothly hits the ball, and ends when that same player gets back to the home plate for a gratifying score! It is the hitting of the ball and the completion of a tour around the diamond field that builds the kind of momentum sports enthusiasts and fans crave for. In this particular aspect, viewers owe that to a good batter and to an equally good bat.
Via engadget.com
Yes, baseball and softball bats, aside from the team players, also play an important role in the game! But did you know that baseball and softball bats have a few primary differences that most watchers – especially those who are watching on TV – fail to notice? And can you use a softball bat for baseball? Baseball and softball may be played on similar principles, but they do differ on one important component – the characteristics of the bats. For those who want to personally try the sport, the piece of information below should be helpful. It doesn’t promise perfect selection of bats during purchase since personal preference still matters. However, it provides insights for knowing what is appropriate or not for a certain game, for a certain style or even for a certain body type.
So what are the recommended best softball bats in town? What bats work perfectly well for baseball? Are these bats safe to use? What bat should I purchase? Get to know baseball and softball bats better.
Via aliexpress.com
Major Differences Between Baseball And Softball Bats
Little League
The quality of one’s baseball or softball bat is of no value if the batter will not be able to use it efficiently according to his or her own potential, strength and skill. Bats used for youth leagues – both baseball and softball – are shorter in size and are relatively lighter compared to adult baseball and softball bats. Its length ranges from 29 to 32 inches, and weighs at least a minimum of 14 oz to a maximum of 27 oz. The noticeable variety of the weights allow young players to choose one that purposely matches their body proportions, such as age, height and weight. Do you know someone who’s interested in joining the Little League? If he or she makes it to the age requirement, purchasing a Little League bat should easily and immediately follow.
Adult Softball
There are two kinds of adult softball: the slow-pitch softball and the fast-pitch softball. Generally, softball bats range from 32 to 34 inches in length, but take a look at the greatly noteworthy difference in weight! Slow-pitch softball bats weigh a minimum of 26 oz to a maximum of 30 oz. On the other hand, fast-pitch softball bats are 2 to 3 oz lighter than the former. Why is that so? It is because the pitching determines the swing speed of the batter. Fast-pitched balls usually give batters little time to commit to a full swing – the lighter the bat, the faster the swing.
Both types of softball vary in bat swinging speed requirement. Knowing what kind of softball game you play is the key to finding the best softball bats to use. This means to say that appropriate bats are the best softball bats to use in the field.
Adult Baseball
Did you know that back in the day legendary baseball players used baseball bats that weigh up to 42 oz? Imagine that. Today, however, major league baseball bats usually range from 31 to 34 inches in length, and weigh up to 28 oz to 31 oz with the “minus 3 rule.” Whether a bat is made of aluminum or wood, as long as it follows the standard implemented by the NCAA, it’s good to go.
Bats Diameter
Moreover, aside from the length and weight, baseball and softball bats also differ in diameter. Youth league bats and softball bats have similar barrel diameters of 2-1/4 inches. On the other hand, baseball bats are slightly bigger with a 2-5/8 inches measurement in diameter.
Choosing a baseball or softball bat shouldn’t be that difficult. It’s a matter of finding a bat that perfectly matches a specific type of game. At the end of the day, you only want three things: a bat that is comfortable, safe and efficient, an exciting game and a roaring applause from the crowd!