My (un)Expert Thoughts on MLB Bats - Part 1

MeteoriteGuy

I am not a bat expert. I never played organized baseball. I am not a sports equipment expert. I can hit the 80 mph pitch in the batting cage (although it hurts my wrist to hit the ball a few times with the alum. bats...those things really ring), and I did one day a decade ago tag sports equipment while working temporary.

But more so, I do own a pile of used in the MLB bats. So, I thought I would share my (lack of) knowledge and/or thoughts on MLB bats.


I have no survey or the like, but from the bats I own and the bats I have seen, the Louisville M9 is used maybe 4-6x any other bat in the Majors. It appears to be the basic bat most team's buy a player they just hired and the basic bat of almost all pitchers.



An online seller notes...

"The unique grain structure of this wood prevents the barrel from flaking. The M9 Maple is also kiln dried for optimum moisture content. The pro cupped end is ideal for controlling the weight for maximum bat speed and durability. The medium barrel offers one of the best sweet spots possible without compromising durability."

The M9 I have I like the best is my Derek Lowe. I tend to collect bats of players that helped the Red Sox win a World Series and were let go. I just need a Manny for a complete set.





Personally, If I was player, I would prefer a Mizuno...(yes, I am picking them the way a woman picks a car).


Same seller...
"The game's best players rely on bats crafted in Japan. Such as Mike Piazza, Todd Helton, Scott Rolen, Inchiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui. The Mizuno bats are hand selected and crafted in Japan from top quality materials. Mizuno's exclusive microwave dying process controls moisture for maximum consistency and performance. The MZM331 Maple bat is an excellent choice for players looking for superior durability. All models are cupped for balanced feel. The MZM331 is a brown wood classic maple bat. This model is used by Miguel Tejada."


I really like this Roberto Kelly Mizuno from his Yankee's days. Nice heavy bat.





I don't like Marucci's. The while ring in the center is a thick band. I guess that is why I don't like it.


"Every Marucci Bat is 100% handmade or turned in small batches from an original design, then finished and detailed by hand. Each pl16 is made to exacting specifications maximizing balance and ease of handling. Marucci's maple and ash billets are cut from selected, naturally growing trees in Pennsylvania forests. This selection process insures the highest possible grade of wood for each Marucci bat."

A player like Peralta would like it.




Of course....I have to bring up the Rawlings Big Stick.

And of course, I can't be cool enough to have a Frank Thomas Big Stick. I know, others in the past used Rawlings. Likely since Rawlings started. I seem to remember it being the other bat when I was a kid...used in the Majors I mean. If I was getting paid to write this, I would look all this up, but I only remember off hand Cecil Cooper using a Rawlings. No matter, Frank Thomas re-invented the Rawlings Big Stick as far as I am concerned.

I think this LaRoche Big Stick is cool. A, he has a cool name...not that I would want it, and B, it has a lot of tape on the handle.


(Yes, I know I said pitchers use the M9...I also said I was not an expert).


...to be continued likely tomorrow.

ArchStanton

Don't forget BWP bats. They are made a few miles from my home. They will give you a factory tour anytime you show up. You can also buy bats right there, and they will engrave them on the spot in about five or ten minutes.