All sports have their own set of rules and regulations that govern the sport, but it is especially important for baseball.
In this blog post, we will discuss what makes a baseball bat illegal in the MLB, and why it is important.
A Baseball Bat Can be Illegal (What Makes A Baseball Bat Illegal)
Let’s start with the basics of what makes a bat illegal in MLB baseball games.
The original specifications of any baseball bat should be respected and followed. Changing these will result in their illegal use for play, no matter how insignificant the change may seem.
Tampering a baseball bat is not just adjusting its weight or length, it also involves changing the surface of the bat. Bat specifications are an important part of the game and must be followed.
What Other Baseball Bats are Illegal?
There are a few other types of baseball bats that are illegal in the MLB.
A Corked Bat
One is the corked bat, which is made from compressed cork. This makes the bat lighter and gives it more power when swinging. However, it also increases the risk of breaking since there is less material to absorb impact.
Another type of illegal bat is the loaded bat. This is a bat that has been weighted on the barrel to make it heavier. Again, this gives the player more power when hitting the ball, but also increases the risk of breaking the bat.
Illegal bats can lead to confusion and disputes on the field. Players and umpires need to be aware of the different types of illegal bats and what makes them illegal.
Shaved Baseball Bat
A shaved baseball bat is perhaps the most well-known type of illegal bat. This is a bat that has been altered to make it lighter.
This can be done in a variety of ways, but the most common is shaving down the barrel or knob of the bat. This makes the bat swing faster and gives the player more power.
While this may seem like an advantage, it is actually against the rules and can lead to punishment from the league.
Illegal Substances on Baseball Bats
The bat is illegal if it has been coated with anything that affects its flight or rotation. This includes substances like pine tar, which is used to improve a player’s grip on the bat.
Pine tar is not illegal in and of itself, but it becomes an issue when it is applied in excess. This can help the ball stick to the bat better, making it harder for the opposing team to catch the ball.
A baseball bat is illegal if it has been altered in any way that gives the player an unfair advantage. Whether it is for adding weight or applying substances, these alterations can affect the game in negative ways.
Baseball Bats with Flat Surface
It is also illegal to use a baseball bat with a flat surface. This includes bats that have been drilled or cut down in any way.
While this may seem like an easy way to make the bat lighter, it goes against the rules. Bats with a flat surface are more difficult to control and can lead to dangerous situations on the field.
The only way to make a bat lighter is by shaving it down and removing material from the surface. This can be done in small ways that do not affect its performance, but changing the weight or length of the bat will result in an illegal use for play.
Adjusted Weight of a Baseball Bat
The regulation size of a baseball bat may not exceed 2.75 inches in diameter at its thickest point and should be no more than 42 inches long. Bat weights have increased over time, with bats reaching a maximum weight of 36 ounces or 1kg.
A bat that is heavier than the regulation weight will be illegal. This includes adjustments to the weight by adding or removing material from the bat.
While this may seem like a minor change, it can affect how the bat swings and its performance on the field. It is important to follow the original specifications of any baseball bat in order to avoid any penalties.
Bats with Illegal Drop
Another type of illegal baseball bat is one that has an illegal drop. This means the weight distribution on the ax-style side of the bat does not match up with the original specifications.
This can cause problems when swinging, affecting how easily it hits balls and other objects in play. It may also be harder to control since there will be less weight on the barrel end of the bat.
White Bat
White bats are a safety issue for pitchers because they can’t be seen against the white ball. The major leagues don’t allow them to play with these types of balls since there is no contrast between their color and the ball.
What are Baseball Bat Rules?
Baseball bat rules are important to know for anyone who plans on using a bat in a game of baseball. The most important rule is that the bat must be made of wood. Other materials, such as metal or plastic, are not allowed.
In addition to being made of wood, the bat must also meet a certain length and weight requirements. The bat must be at least 34 inches long and it cannot weigh more than 42 ounces.
- Baseball bat rules are important to know for anyone who plans on using a bat in a game of baseball. The most important rule is that the bat must be made of wood. Other materials, such as metal or plastic, are not allowed.
- In addition to being made of wood, the bat must also meet a certain length and weight requirements. The bat must be at least 34 inches long and it cannot weigh more than 42 ounces.
- These requirements are in place to make sure that all players are using an equal playing field. A player with a bat that is too heavy or too long will have an advantage over other players.
- It is also important to note that the bat cannot have any type of sharp object on it. This is to prevent players from injuring other players with the bat.
The most important thing to remember when using a baseball bat is to always follow the baseball bat rules. This will help ensure that everyone is playing by the same rules and that no one gets injured.
What Are Some Known Illegal Bats
1. DeMarini CF Zen
The news that eleven (11) Demarini CF Zen youth bat models failed the BPF audit caused a stir, being officially eliminated from USSSA certification. The ruling affects two models of the company’s youth baseball bat lineup, and they were dropped due to this.
The DeMarini CF Zen bats are designed for the youth field, but it seems that they have more pop than what is needed.
2. RIP-IT Prototype
The Easton Stealth caused BBCOR, but the prototype bat B1403 attempted to break a rule. The NCAA deemed the Prototype too hot for competition, so it was de-certified in July 2011. The RIP-IT Prototype II (PROB2) was approved by the NCAA and allowed for original prototype to be re-listed.
3. Marucci CAT 5 BBCOR
The Marucci CAT series put the bat company on a whole new level. The Marucci CAT 5 BBCOR bats (MCB2) were not banned in their entirety, just the 33 inch and 34 inch models. The reason for the decertification was because this bat made any player a homerun threat.
4. Louisville Slugger oneX Fastpitch
In 2013, Louisville Slugger released their oneX softball bats. They were only available for a short time. Between the barrel and handle, there were a number of cracks and in some cases, whole breakage. 170+ reports have been filed because of this manufacturing flaw. Louisville Slugger was fast to react and introduced their most popular bat, the Xeno.
5. COMBAT B2 Youth
The COMBAT B2 Composite Youth Baseball Bat (B2YB1 – 12) is the bomb! It has received 71 five-star product customer reviews. The bat’s sweet spot was huge and it had a well-weighted design which turned any little league player into an elite star. When Little League officials saw that the new bats weren’t performing as they’d hoped, it didn’t take long before they changed course on their certification.
Tips in Choosing the Right Legal Bat
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the right legal bat.
1. Bat Feel
The most important factor is finding the bat that feels comfortable in your hands. You should also consider the weight and length of the bat, as well as its barrel size.
2. Bat Weight
When choosing a bat, you’ll want to find one that’s the right weight for you. Most bats weigh between 2 and 3 pounds, but some can weigh as much as 4 pounds.
3. Bat Length
Bat length is also important to consider when choosing a bat. You’ll want to find a bat that’s the right size for you and fits comfortably in your hands.
4. Barrel Size
The barrel size of a bat also affects its performance. Larger barrels provide more power and are better for hitting balls farther.
What Does Heat Rolling Mean in Baseball Bats
Bat rolling is not an illegal practice. All composite bats must go through testing before they can be legalized for play, and all tests show that bat manufacturers are meeting rigorous standards to ensure compliance with regulations.
Heat rolling is a technique used to make bat-rolling easier. The process heats up the baseball before it’s rolled, which supposedly stretches out its fibers and makes for better contact when you hit balls with your bats in practice or games!
It’s easy to spot a baseball bat that has been rolled. The graphics peel off in odd places, usually where the end of the roller’s fingers touch the bat.
- Some experts say that heat-rolling does improve the bat’s performance. It makes the ball jump off the bat a little bit more and gives you a few more inches of distance when you hit it.
- Others experts believe that heat-rolling can cause damage to your bat. The repeated rolling and heating of the bat can weaken the structure and make the bat more likely to break.
- If you heat roll your bat, you will almost always see black smudges of soot on it afterward. The heating changes the surface of the bat’s composites, and some fabrics give off a black substance when they burn or melt under heat.
Remember: Bat rolling is not an illegal practice, but it can damage your bat. Be sure to weigh the risks and benefits of heat-rolling before you decide to do it!
Bats Used in MLB
The most popular bats in the MLB are made from Maple and Ash. Maple wood bats have been the preferred choice of 95% or MLB Baseball players for a long time. The reason for this is that Maple bats are more durable and have a harder surface than ash bats. This makes them less prone to shattering or chipping when they make contact with the ball.
- A recent study by the University of Massachusetts found that Maple bats were also more likely to produce a louder sound when the ball makes contact, which could give the batter an advantage. The study also found that ash bats were more likely to produce a “ting” sound, which could indicate to the pitcher that the ball was going to be a strike.
- As a result of this study, many MLB players have begun to switch to maple bats. In fact, the majority of players in the MLB now use Maple bats. This has led to a decline in the use of ash bats, as fewer and fewer players are using them.
- There are a few drawbacks to using Maple bats. They are more expensive than ash bats, and they can also be harder to break in. It can take up to 100 hits for a Maple bat to reach its full potential. However, the benefits of using Maple bats outweigh the drawbacks.
- The popularity of Maple bats is sure to continue in the MLB, as more and more players switch to them. This is good news for bat manufacturers, as they will continue to see increased sales of Maple bats.
Players who are looking for a durable and powerful bat should consider using a Maple bat.
Aluminum Bats Versus Metal Bats
There are many arguments both for and against aluminum bats. Some people believe that aluminum bats give an unfair advantage to the batter because the ball comes off the bat faster than with a metal bat.
Others argue that aluminum bats are safer than metal bats because they are less likely to cause serious injury if a player is hit by one.
Whether you are for or against aluminum bats, there is one thing that everyone can agree on: aluminum bats perform differently than metal bats. So, which is better? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each type of bat.
Aluminum Bats
Pros:
- Aluminum bats are lighter than metal bats, which makes them easier to swing.
- Aluminium bats are cheaper than metal bats.
Cons:
- Aluminum bats don’t last as long as metal bats.
- Aluminum bats can cause more damage if they hit someone than metal bats.
Metal Bats
Pros:
- Metal bats last longer than aluminum bats.
- Metal bats cause less damage if they hit someone than aluminum bats.
Cons:
Metal bats are heavier than aluminum bats, which makes them harder to swing.
Metal bats are more expensive than aluminum bats.
Which is better? It depends on your preferences. If you are looking for a bat that will give you more power and is cheaper, then an aluminum bat is the way to go.
However, if you are looking for a bat that will last longer and won’t do as much damage if someone gets hit by it, then a metal bat might be best for you.
Pros and Cons of Using Legal Wooden Baseball Bats
There are several reasons to consider using legal wooden baseball bats. Wooden bats are often considered more traditional and can provide players with a better feel for the ball. They are also thought to be more durable than other types of bats.
However, there are some disadvantages to using legal wooden baseball bats. Wooden bats can be heavier than aluminum bats which can affect players’ speed and power. Likewise, they often require more maintenance than aluminum bats.
A Closer Look at the Pros of Using Legal Wooden Baseball Bats
Let us cover some of the pros of using legal wooden baseball bats.
Traditional to MLB Players
Wooden bats are traditional in that they have been used in the Major Leagues since before the 1950s while their aluminum counterparts did not come on the scene until near the 1970s. Wooden bats are often preferred by some players as they provide a better feel for the ball. They can also be customized with unique patterns and colors so they can stand out from other player’s bats.
Heavy Hitter Advantage
Some critics claim that using legal wooden baseball bats gives you an advantage as heavier weight can lead to increased power and speed on the ball. However, there is no official data that supports this claim. For example, players who use aluminum bats can hit balls with equal force as those batters using wooden bats; it all depends on the batter’s technique.
In addition to being heavier than aluminum bats, legal wooden baseball bats have a longer barrel. This gives the player’s more time to make contact with the ball, which could result in a homerun.
More Durable
Wooden bats are often considered to be more durable than aluminum bats as they do not dent as easily. Furthermore, wooden bats tend to break less frequently than aluminum bats.
While this may seem like an advantage, there have been some arguments that a broken or cracked baseball bat could cause serious harm to other players. In this way, both types of bats may be equally as dangerous.
A Closer Look at the Cons of Using Legal Wooden Baseball Bats
There are several reasons why you should consider using legal aluminum baseball bats instead of wooden bats.
Weight
One of the main disadvantages to using a legal wooden baseball bat is that they are often heavier than aluminum bats. This can affect players’ speed and power as they may not be able to swing the bat as fast or hit it as hard.
Maintenance
Wooden bats also require more maintenance than aluminum bats. This includes cleaning, drying, and oiling the bats before and after every game.
Decrease in Durability
While wooden baseball bats can be more durable than aluminum bats, over time they tend to break down while aluminum bats remain intact. Wooden bats are also susceptible to warping which causes the ball to curve or mis-hit when contact is made with the bat.
Expense
Wooden bats can also be more expensive than aluminum bats. While this is not always the case, some wooden bats can cost up to $200 compared to the average price of an aluminum bat which is around $50.
Which One is Right for You?
Now that you have a better understanding of the pros and cons of using legal wooden baseball bats, you can decide if they are right for you. These types of bats may provide some players with the extra edge over their opponents while others prefer to use aluminum bats which require less maintenance and weigh less.
Before committing to either type of bat, consider what is more important to you: legality, performance, or tradition. This will help you make a decision that is best suited for you and your baseball-playing needs.
Conclusion
With baseball bats legal, it is important to do your research before deciding which one fits you the best. This will help ensure that you have a bat with maximum power and speed so you can catch up to those fast pitches without being disqualified.
Other Posts:
