You would notice that not all baseball bats are identical copies of one another. There are subtle differences between them in material, length, and weight. Among these, you might be curious about how much does a baseball bat weigh.
The standard baseball bat size would tip the scale at 33 ounces or 0.94 kilograms. However, this may change, depending on what the bat is made of and its size. Given the differences in available bat weights, players usually choose by personal preference.
Contents
How Much Does a Baseball Bat Weigh?
1. Type
The weight of MLB bat is a range. The average weight of a baseball bat is 33 ounces (0.94 kg). However, you might also encounter players using bats as heavy as 34 to 36 ounces (964 to 1000 grams).
That said, the aforementioned heft only applies to adults bats. For kids, the range is much wider – from 13 to 20 ounces. You’ll find that most young players favor 18-ounce ones, but 9-year-old children and above will typically opt for 19- and 20-ounce options. Once they hit 12, the kids can handle a bat as heavy as 27 ounces.
2. Size
The weight of a baseball bat also depends on how the bat is made. First, the length and weight are directly proportional to each other. A longer bat will be heavier than a shorter one, given that they are made of the same material.
3. Dimensions
The professional baseball bat dimensions can be your starting guide to figuring out the weight that fits you best.
Furthermore, the player’s age, height, and weight can be used as a basis for choosing the bat weight. This is seen in the weight chart as follows:
| Recommended Bat Length And Weight For Different Age Groups | |||
| Age | Average Height (inches) |
Recommended length | Recommended weight |
| 6-7 | 45 to 47 | 24-26” | 13 to 17 ounces |
| 8-9 | 50 to 53 | 26-28” | 17 to 19 ounces |
| 10 | 55 | 28-29” | 18 to 20 ounces |
| 11-12 | 57 to 59 | 30-31” | 21 to 27 ounces |
| 13-14 | 61 to 64 | 31-32” | 28 to 32 ounces |
| 15-16 | 67 to 68 | 32-33” | 32 ounces and up |
| 17 and up | 70 and up | 33-34” | |
4. Material
Furthermore, weights differ due to the baseball bat materials. Generally, the metal baseball bat’s weight is lighter than wooden ones. And when it comes to wooden bat weight, the specific wood used provides varied weights also.
Wooden baseball bats made of hickory are known to be the heaviest, making them undesirable to most pitchers. Ashwood bats, on the other hand, are the lightest bats.
Read more: How to Make a Wooden Baseball Bat?
What is the Importance of Using a Baseball Bat With the Correct Weight?
Talking about bat weights would make more sense when we look at how it affects player performance. Believe it or not, most, if not all, baseball players are taking their time in choosing the most comfortable bat to swing. And weight plays a huge role in this!
The veteran players in baseball take so much consideration on how their swings make an impact on the ball. Major league baseball bats’ weight is important in pitch speed.
A player must have a bat that is light enough to allow them to pitch quickly so that they would not miss the throw.
But, the bat must also have a bit of weight to it because it will provide the power needed to propel the ball as far as possible. Home runs sure are the bread and butter of outstanding hitters!
Generally, a contact hitter prefers a lighter bat. On the other hand, a power hitter chooses a heavier bat because the mass gives the player an added pump of power.
What Are the Purposes of Knowing the Baseball Bat’s Weight?
The baseball bat is used by a player in games and even as training. The bat’s weight plays a huge consideration, depending on where the player uses them and/or their preferences.
Some players train with a heavier bat. Getting used to swinging a heavier bat before entering the big games will greatly increase your power. Hence, your successful hits will propel the ball farther.
To achieve a heavier bat for warm-ups, some players go as far as adding a “doughnut.” This is an added weight for the bat to help them condition themselves before the game.
Furthermore, the weight of the baseball bat will greatly help the player get more control over their swings. In an actual game, the hitter usually feels the pressure of needing to bat successfully. And they can achieve this by using their most appropriate bat weight.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Your Bat?
Players have their differences. Hence, preferences for choosing bats are a personal choice. Furthermore, it can depend on what league the athlete would be playing in.
- If you are looking for a new baseball bat with the perfect weight for you, consider your strength and playstyle.
- The player with a strong swinging power would be better off with a heavy bat. This will slow them down and prevent over-swinging.
- Looking at your opponent’s characteristics is also your clue. If the opposing pitcher is known for swift throws, a lighter bat can combat it as you can swing faster.
Also, how far you are into the game is another factor. Players usually get tired at the near end of the game. This can make their swings more sluggish. To speed up their swing, many strikers switch to a lighter bat by the latter half of the game.
Your height and age also have a say in the bat’s weight and length. As a rule of thumb, shorter players should go for a longer bat, whereas strikers on the taller side can go for the longer (and consequently heavier) options, such as 33 or 34 inches.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bat Weight
Choosing the right bat weight can be overwhelming. There are just too many considerations, and if you do not know where to start, check the following tips:
1. Compare the bat to your body
The dimensions of the bat in contrast to your body are a common parameter to consider. Try holding the end of the bat at your chest level. Then, try holding the barrel. If you can grab it with ease, then it is okay.
Reaching beyond the bat’s barrel means it is too short for you. If you fail to hold it, then the bat is too long.
2. Try out a few swings
Some stores can offer you a batting cage to try their different sizes. Well, there is indeed no better way than to try out a few swings yourself!
The bat is too heavy for you if you keep falling behind on the pitches. Find one that is light enough to swing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses the heaviest bat in the MLB?
There are still weight rules to follow in major baseball games. But it is recorded that the heaviest bat used by a player in MLB is Babe Ruth. He wielded a massive bat that weighed almost 60 ounces.
What is the maximum size of a bat?
A baseball bat cannot be more than 34 inches long and 2 5/8 inches in diameter. At the smallest part, it can only be at 7/8 inches.
Which is better: a lighter or heavier bat?
Indeed, there is a dichotomy in MLB bat weight, as these are usually labeled between lighter or heavier bats. Baseball is a sport where players can choose between bat weights. So, it will vary on individual preference, play style, and player physique.
Conclusion
There is a lot more to discover when you know all about how much does a baseball bat weigh.
On average, a bat weighs 33 ounces. However, it can be lighter or heavier depending on its size and what materials are used for it.
Fortunately, players can use a lighter or heavier bat, depending on what they prefer in terms of play style. Plus, they have the liberty to find the most comfortable bat weight to swing with!
So, if you are looking for a bat for yourself, follow the considerations and tips from this article. Surely, you will find the one for you.
A powerful swing and the ball is flying across the field, just one hit, and we might never forget the thrill it brings. I do not know about you, but I never do. Every baseball game is the chance to compete with others and cooperate with your teammate. It is among my biggest passions.
