Baseball bats vs. Fastpitch Softball Bats – Know The Basics

1. Baseball bats vs. Fastpitch Softball Bats – Know The Basics Baseball and softball bats both send balls flying, but they are different when you look closer.  Length and barrel size First off, baseball bats are usually a bit longer—think 32 to 34 inches. The barrel is chunkier, too, so you get more power when you smack a fast pitch. Softball bats, on the other hand, tend to run a little shorter, usually between 30 and 34 inches. Their barrels are slimmer, which makes it easier to control your swing and whip the bat around faster. That is huge when you are dealing with a bigger, slower softball.  Weight and drop weight Let us talk about weight and dropping weight. In baseball, most bats stick to the BBCOR standard. If you hear someone mention a Drop 3 bat, they mean the bat’s length in inches minus its weight in ounces equals three. So, a 33-inch bat that weighs 30 ounces? That is a Drop 3. High school and college players use these. Softball bats are a little different. Their drop weights usually range from -8 to -13. This provides players with more speed and control, which is crucial in both fastpitch and slowpitch games.  Material Differences BBCOR baseball bats are made from aluminum, composite, or a combination of both. The idea is to get the right balance between power and performance. These bats have to follow strict rules to keep the game fair and safe. Take Louisville Slugger fastpitch softball bats as an example—they utilize advanced composite technology to make the bat more flexible and give it more “pop.” That extra whip helps send the ball flying.  Barrel Diameter Baseball bats come with a 2 ⅝-inch barrel. That gives players more surface to hit the ball hard. Softball bats are a bit slimmer, with a 2 ¼-inch barrel. This design makes the bat lighter, allowing players to swing faster.  Performance certification Baseball bats should meet BBCOR certification for use in collegiate and high school play. To read more about this blog visit here: https://www.nameofthegame.com/fastpitch-softball-vs-baseball- bats-key-differences-every-player-should-know/