Baseball bat

A baseball bat is a smooth wooden or metal club used in the sport of baseball to hit the ball after it is thrown by the pitcher. By regulation it may be no more than 2.75 inches in diameter at the thickest part and no more than 42 inches (1,100 mm) long. Although historically bats approaching 3 pounds (1.4 kg) were swung, today bats of 33 ounces (0.94 kg) are common, topping out at 34 ounces (0.96 kg) to 36 ounces (1.0 kg).

Terminology

Although using a stick to hit a ball is a somewhat simple concept, the bat is a complex object. It is carved or constructed very carefully to allow a quick, balanced swing while providing power. The bat is divided into several regions. The barrel is the thick part of the bat, where it is meant to hit the ball. The part of the barrel best for hitting the ball, according to construction and swinging style, is often called the sweet spot. The end of the barrel is not part of the sweet spot and is simply called the top, end or cap of the bat. The barrel narrows and becomes the handle. The handle is very thin, so that batters can comfortably grip the bat in their hands. Sometimes, especially on metal bats, the handle is wrapped with a rubber or tape grip. Finally, below the handle is the knob of the bat, a wider piece that keeps the bat from slipping from a batter's hands. Over the decades, the bat's form has become more refined. During the 19th century, many shapes were experimented with, as well as handle designs. Today, bats are much more uniform in design.