Do Wood Bats Wear Out?

[TallPaul]

We hear a lot about metal bats wearing out or going dead, but what about wooden bats?

I have a 20-year-old wooden bat that is in nice condition, but when hitting fungos I felt that my 1-year-old Rawlings Big Stick was giving more speed to the ball and has a better sound hitting the ball. Both weight about the same and are the same length. The old bat is slightly narrower (1/16 in the handle and 1/8 in the barrel).

I'm going to get a T and see if I can further compare them. I think having the T will provide more consistent swings and so a better basis for comparing the two bats. If I hit 20 balls with each bat I'll be able to see if one is hitting the balls farther.

[batmaker06]

I wouldn't say that they wear out, but I would say that the wood does get old. With Ash, the wood will dry out and begin to flake a little. It may just be coincidence, but it seems that last years wood never quite lasts as well as the new stuff. I make mostly maple bats, and I know lots of guys that make it through an entire season with one bat, just to have it break early on the next year. I have also seen guys buy a bucket of 20 year old bats at a yard sale and they never seem to last more than a couple at bats.

[TallPaul]

Well, I took the 20-year-old bat out to the park today and got some nice hits off the T. So I think it is as good as the new Rawlings bat. Of course, what you say about breakage very well may be the case Oh well, I think I'll use it anyway. If it breaks, it breaks. At least I'll have some fun with it.

[batmaker06]

I totally agree, use it or it's useless. Realize though, that the forces on the bat are a lot less without the incoming baseball having some velocity. A fungo doesn't break in a similar situation, but would never stand up to live pitching.

[Coach 10025]

Once it's off the tree, wood cures and continues to cure -- it becomes drier and harder. Bat makers accelerate this in a kiln before turning the bat.

A good bat, well cared for in a dry (but not too dry) environment will continue to improve if it doesn't crack or break, and will generally become lighter and harder.