Baseball bats are essential components of the game of baseball, and they have been around for centuries. But what do you call a baseball bat? What are the different types of bats, and why are they called what they are? In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more to help you better understand the terminology of the game.
History of the Baseball Bat
The baseball bat has been around since the mid-1850s, when the first “wooden bats” were made from ash, hickory, and other woods. These were the first bats to be called “bats”, and they were made with a round shape and a handle. The original bats were also longer and thicker than modern bats, and they were used for hitting balls made of yarn, leather, and even rolled-up newspapers.
Over the years, the design of the bat has changed. At the start of the 20th century, the bat was more of a “club” shape, with a longer handle and a rounder barrel. This design was used until the 1950s, when the modern “barrel” shape was introduced. This design is the most common shape used today, and it has a shorter handle and a larger barrel that is rounder at the end.
Types of Baseball Bats
There are a variety of different types of baseball bats available today, and each type has its own name. The most common type is the “wooden bat”, which is made from ash, hickory, or other woods. Wooden bats are generally used by amateur or youth players, as they are lighter and easier to swing.
Aluminum bats are another type of bat, and they are made from aluminum alloy. Aluminum bats are typically used by college and professional players, as they are heavier and more durable than wooden bats. They also have a larger “sweet spot”, which makes them easier to hit the ball with.
Composite bats are another type of bat, and they are made from a combination of materials such as fiberglass, graphite, and other composites. These bats are typically used by professional players, as they are very durable and have a very large sweet spot.
The last type of bat is the “BBCOR” bat, which stands for “Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution”. This type of bat is designed to meet certain standards set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and it is typically used by college players.
Why It’s Called a Baseball Bat
The term “bat” comes from the old English word “battan”, which means “to strike” or “to beat”. This term was used to describe a club-like object used for striking things. Over time, this term was adapted to describe the round and handle-shaped object used in baseball.
In addition, the term “bat” was also used to describe a wooden club used in the game of cricket. This term was later adopted to describe the round and handle-shaped object used in baseball, as the two games are similar in many ways.
Conclusion
A baseball bat is an essential part of the game of baseball, and it has been around for centuries. The term “bat” comes from the old English word “battan”, which means “to strike” or “to beat”. There are a variety of different types of bats available today, including wooden bats, aluminum bats, composite bats, and BBCOR bats. Each type of bat has its own advantages and disadvantages, and they are all used for different levels of play. Regardless of the type of bat used, they all have the same purpose—to hit the ball.