Taping the handle of a baseball bat is an age-old practice that has been around for decades. Yet, despite its long history, there is still a lot of confusion around whether professional baseball players use it. So, do pros tape their bats? The answer is yes—many Major League players do use tape on the handle of their bats.
Why Do Pros Tape Their Bats?
There are several reasons why professional players choose to wrap the handle of their bats with tape. The primary purpose of taping the handle is to provide extra grip and control when hitting. This is especially important for players who bat in the rain or in cold weather, as the tape can help prevent the bat from slipping out of their hands.
Additionally, some players like the feel of the tape on the bat handle, as it can provide a different sensation that allows them to get more comfortable with the bat. This can help them to feel more confident when swinging.
Finally, some players use the tape to add a personal touch to their bats. They may write messages, draw pictures, or even add a favorite color to their bat for added motivation.
Types of Tape Used by Pros
There are several types of tape that professional players use to wrap their bats. The most commonly used is electrical tape, as it’s durable and provides great grip. However, some players also use athletic tape, as it is more comfortable on the hands and can be easily removed.
Other players have started to experiment with new types of material, such as hockey stick tape. This is a form of grip tape that is specifically designed for hockey sticks and is becoming increasingly popular in the baseball world.
How to Tape a Bat
If you’re looking to tape your bat like a pro, there are a few steps you should take. First, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right type of tape for your needs. Electrical tape and hockey stick tape are the two most commonly used types of tape for bats.
Once you have the right type of tape, you’ll want to make sure that you’re wrapping it correctly. Start by wrapping the tape around the handle of the bat in a spiral motion, overlapping slightly with each wrap. Once you’ve reached the top of the bat handle, you’ll want to make sure that the tape is tightly secured by pressing down firmly.
Finally, you may want to add a personal touch to your bat. Many professional players choose to write messages or draw designs on their tape. This can be a great way to add a little extra motivation or style to your bat.
Conclusion
To sum it up, many professional baseball players do choose to tape the handles of their bats. This provides them with extra grip and control when hitting, as well as a personal touch to their bats. If you’re looking to tape your bat like a pro, make sure you have the right type of tape and wrap it tightly around the handle in a spiral motion.