Have you ever experienced when you are up on the plate and batted with the same power as you normally do, but the ball does not go far as expected? Are there times when you hit the ball and you do not hear the satisfying noise you have grown accustomed to hearing?
Bats, just like any other sports equipment, do not last forever. They are bound to lose their pop and stop hitting like they used to. It does not matter how expensive a bat may be or what type the bat is. All bats have a limited lifespan.
What are Dead Baseball Bats?
A dead baseball bat is one that has significantly lost its power. It does not give off the same exit speed and can severely limit your performance in games.
Many players may not know that their bat is dead or dying already and still keep on using the equipment. Here, you will get to learn about dead bats and how to identify them.
How to Identify if a Baseball Bat is Dead
It is difficult to determine whether a baseball bat is dead or not by just looking at it. The best way to know for sure is to observe the bat intently when using it, particularly when it makes contact with the ball.
Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that would give you an idea if you need to use or buy a new bat already. Below are the qualities that are exhibited by a dead baseball bat.
Noticeable Power Decrease
One of the first things you would notice if your baseball bats are about to lose their pop is a decrease in power or performance. The ball does not fly with the same velocity and distance as before even though you hit it with the same force.
However, when using a composite baseball bat, you have to be careful before declaring the bat is dead because it behaves differently than other types of bats. The reduction of performance in composite bats does not necessarily entail that the bat is useless.
Composite bats require a minimum amount of swings to fully break in, usually about 300 to 500 times, before they achieve peak performance. To tell whether or not a composite bat is dead, make sure to gauge its performance only after it has passed its break-in period.
Unusual Sound
Different bats produce different sounds. But as your experience with your bat lengthens, you would get used to the sound it produces when its sweet spot comes into contact with a pitched ball. If the bat sound starts to become duller, that is a sign the bat is losing its pop. An example is if the bat used to make a “ping” sound on solid contact, then it changes to a “pong” sound over time.
Even experienced players can find it difficult to distinguish changes in the sound a bat produces. There are a couple of techniques that have helped others in this regard.
For one, if you hold your bat by the barrel and tap the knob on the ground, normally, it would result in a high-pitched ping. On the other hand, a dead baseball bat will produce a dull thud sound. It is important to note, though, that this method is not highly recommended because tapping the knob on the ground is not a good idea.
Another way is to find a newer but identical bat that is not dead and use the sound it creates as a reference to compare the sound of the bat in question.
Why do Baseball Bats Break?
Look for Cracks or Dents
A physical symptom of a dead bat that may be easier to check is a crack or dent. What to look for between the two depends on whether the bat is a composite bat or an aluminum bat.
Dead Composite Bats
A possibly dead composite bat has a massive crack along the barrel, which could also split the bat in half. Some other signs that you should take into consideration are hairline fractures, stress cracks, spiral cracks, or spider web cracks. These physical damages may either be a sign the composite bat is about to be broken or it could mean nothing at all.
If your bat has paint chips, it is no cause for worry because cosmetics falling off is normal for composite bats. It does not mean the bat is dead.
Furthermore, like aluminum/alloy bats, the dent can sometimes be seen in composite bats that have been used for a long time. The appearance of dents is an indication that the bat on the way to becoming a dead bat.
Dead Aluminum or Alloy Bats
You will not see cracks or fractures in alloy and aluminum bats because of the way they are constructed. Such a baseball bat is dead or about to be broken if a significant part of the alloy or aluminum baseball bat becomes indented.
The recommended way to test for dents is to run your hands through the length of the barrel. If you notice that some parts of the bat’s surface are not smooth anymore or there is a concave, the bat will not perform as it was originally designed to. Dead aluminum baseball bats have decreased power and hit like a wood bat.
Do Your Hands Sting?
When your hands sting after hitting the ball with your bat, there are two possible reasons behind this.
One is that the ball was poorly hit. If you hit away from the bat’s sweet spot, the post-impact vibrations the bat produces can cause a buzzing sensation at the edge of the palm or a painful sting in the thenar web space, or the area of skin between the thumb and index finger.
If you are hitting the ball on the sweet spot yet there is still a stinging sensation, that is a sign that the bat is dead or about to be dead.
Knock the Knob
When you knock the knob of a dead baseball bat, you will hear a dimmed sound. To make sure you are hearing correctly, you can check a new bat that is newer and of a similar model then check how it should sound like when you knock its knob.
Handle Gets Pushed Into the Barrel
Most composite bats are two-piece constructions, which consist of the barrel and the handle. These two parts are attached with a connection piece. Once you notice the handle starting to get pushed into the barrel, that may be an indication that the bat is nearing the end of its life.
If the baseball bat is relatively new and still covered by warranty, you could have it checked to see if it is a manufacturing defect.
Access to a Compression Test
Most slow pitch softball leagues provide access to a compression tester because a softball bat must be tested before it can be used in a game. For those who have this kind of bat, the compression test will not just determine if the bat is legal for play or not, it will also let you know if the bat is dead or not.
When Should You Replace an Old Baseball Bat?
If you want to perform well on the field, you should conduct a thorough check of your baseball bat for damages or excessive wear at least once a year. The moment you notice these imperfections and your bat is losing its pop, you should start considering purchasing a new one.
How Long Do Baseball Bats Last?
There is no definitive research that illustrates how long baseball bats last. Several considerations also factor in the lifespan of a bat, including a number of hits, ball types, weather, pitching speed, player behavior, and more.
However, experience shows that baseball bats can endure for up to two years, particularly those that are used in little leagues. Also, when you purchase a new bat, the coverage period of the warranty is typically one to two years. This can give you an idea of how long the bat is expected to last.
Check This Out!
Maintenance Tips
While all baseball bats will not last forever, there are ways to make sure they are in the best possible shape for a very long time. Below are some preventive maintenance tips that can prolong the lifespan of your bat.
Keep Your Bat Clean
Dirt buildup on the bat will not only compromise your grip and affect your performance during games, it can also quicken the deterioration of the equipment. Thus, it is essential to clean the bat with alcohol or other appropriate cleaning compounds after use.
Remember as well to avoid using the bat to clean your baseball cleats or shoes.
Avoid Sharing Your Bat
You would sometimes see teammates share a baseball bat. Although if it can be avoided, you should refrain from lending your bat to others. Limit it to individual users. This way, you can limit its wear and tear and prevent others from mishandling and damaging the bat.
Store it Properly
Like other baseball equipment, bats have to be stored properly to prevent elements from doing damage. Make sure to keep it in a cool and dry place, making sure it does not come into contact with water or anything wet. Be sure as well to place it somewhere it would not fall to the ground.
FAQS
Do composite bats lose their pop?
Yes. Just like any bat, composite bats do lose their pop or power over time after enough use. Remember though that a composite bat has to be fully broken in before you start assessing if the quality of the bat is declining.
What does a dead bat sound like?
In general, a dead bat produces a dull thud sound even if you hit it on its sweet spot. In contrast, a bat that is not dead typically makes a normal, high-pitched ping.
Final Thoughts
It is normal for your bat to become dead after a couple of years. To know for sure if it is, you can use the tips written above before considering buying a new one. There are also ways to prolong the lifespan of your bat to get the most out of it. You just have to take care of your bat properly.
Updated on
