To be great in baseball means you need to master the use of its tools. By mastering the bat, you will undoubtedly have an easier time playing baseball.
Looking for the right bat to use takes time, which is why they have numbers. And what does the number on a baseball bat mean?
The answer is, it is related to the weight and drop of the bat; these will determine what will fit your skills.
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The Bat Guide – What is the Number on a Baseball Bat?
For starters, the baseball bat numbers encrypted among the bats are the details you need to note. These numbers will tell how skilled someone is in baseball. Because of this, anyone, beginner or pro, can track their game performance by looking at their bat.
So, let us dive deeper into the purpose of bat numbers and what they signify.
The Purpose and Significance of Bat Numbers
Just like stated earlier, the numbers on the bat play a big role in the sport of baseball. The attached negative number on a bat signifies if it is a match with the player’s weight and height. Apparently, the digits entail even the baseball hitter’s drop weight, speed, and other data.
In addition, the purpose of the numbers will also tell the mixed markers in the bat’s weight, in ounces, and length – all in metric inches. It is also known as the drop weight. This is the negative (-) number on the bat and states the length-weight ratio of the baseball bat.
How do you think big-time hitters in Major League Baseball (MLB) hit so well? That is because they know their bats well! The right numbers will help you get on the right track.
Now, let’s talk about “weight drop.”
How is the Weight Drop Calculated?
Weight drop or drop weight is an important metric calculation in baseball. Aside from showing the detailed contrast of your gaming bat, it also serves as your guide, ensuring that you will be cozy using it.
For starters, knowing how much your bat weighs will make it easier for you to know which bat is perfect for you to use in the game. You might have seen these numbers when looking at bats: -4 oz., -5 oz, -7 oz, -8 oz. But what does it mean?
How this is calculated is you take the weight of the baseball bat in ounces and deduce it by the length of the bat in inches. For clarity, you can check the formula here:
Formula of the Baseball Drop Weight
(Weight of the Baseball Bat in Ounces) – (Length of the Baseball Bat in Inches) = (The Drop Weight)
Example: 12 oz – 20 inches = – 8 (this is the drop weight of your chosen bat)
In this formula, minus 8 is the result you get. The minus sign means that the bat is lighter than its length.
Needless to say, if the results are 0, it means there is no difference between the weight and length of the bat.
Determining the Perfect Baseball Bat Number
You should pay attention to three points before buying a baseball bat. And since you learned about the formula, the factors within it are almost the same.
We have rounded them up for you. These are:
- Arm length or Height. These should match the player’s body form. Extra attention should be paid if you are buying for children. Taking into account their body growth can save you time and money going to buy a new bat.
- Weight. Another factor that should affect your decision because it will determine the drop and swing.
- The Measurement of your Chest to Fingertips. With this, you will know which bat can parallel your dimensions.
The following points are the main ones that affect the drop number on bats. Now, the other factors that you should consider:
- The Bat Material. In shopping for the right bat, you also need to see the materials used.
- The Barrel Size. This is the largest part of the bat. Thus, it will affect the bat’s number since it determines the bat’s speed.
Know that the smaller the size of the barrel, the lighter it is – making it faster to swing during the game.
- The Taper of the Bat. On the other hand, this is the size of the handle. It is the overall weight of the bat. Its standard measure is 31/32 inches.
Examples of Different Types of Baseball Bats and Their Numbers
Players can use different bat types depending on what league they want to join. Each of these types got its respective number.
Read on to find out:
- Wooden Type Bats: All Leagues (even for kids or beginners)
- Alloy/Metal Type Bats: For High School or College Playing Leagues
- Composite Type Bats: For Senior Playing Leagues or MBL
- Special Type Bats like Fungo Bats & Hybrid Bats: Hybrids are unique-made bats that can be a mix of composite and alloy materials). At the same time, Fungos are the practice type of bats since they are super light – perfect for mock games and all.
The batting numbers of the following bat types will vary depending on the player that will use it. There is a corresponding size chart for that. In this chart, you will see which bat drop suits the age and even the skills of the player.
Moving to the last part, the importance of baseball bat numbers!
Why Does the Number on a Baseball Bat Matter?
You might think that they are just numbers but no. These digits matter more than you think, especially for self improvement. The numbers imprinted among the bats will help any hitter to utilize his batting mechanism and style.
If you have trouble with strength, then you need a bat with a positive number since it is lighter to carry. And if you are comfortable with your swing control, go to the ones with negative numbers. Learning the baseball bat drop meaning will step up your A-game.
Conclusion
Now that this guide post is about to end, we hope that you find our article helpful. Knowing bat numbers is crucial for the sport. Super cool, right?
So, what does the number on a baseball bat mean? It represents all things that matter in a bat: the length, the weight and the drop.
This knowledge improves the skill set of any player. You can say it is an extension of one’s batting knacks.
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.
