The Speed Of A Baseball Using Different Bats

In 2003, a study conducted at Kettering University in Michigan by physics professor Daniel Russell found that the kind of bat used has a direct correlation to the speed of a baseball after it is hit. That doesn't, however, tell the whole story. Other variables affect the speed of a baseball after it leaves the bat, including but not limited to wind velocity, where the ball made contact on the bat and the weight of the bat. When comparing the speed of a ball off of a bat, however, these variables need to be taken out of the equation to have fair, comparable data.

Significance

The faster the velocity of a ball after it meets the bat, the farther the ball is going to travel. With rare exceptions, the goal when hitting a ball with a bat is to get it to travel as far as possible. Knowing what bat will ultimately yield the best results can save you extensive time doing trial and error in the batting cages and improve your game considerably.

Material

Bat material is a major catalyst in the speed of a ball after contact. An aluminum bat itself is hollow, and the outer shell is made from two, slightly separated thin layers. When a ball meets an aluminum bat, these two layers compress slightly, creating what's called a "trampoline" effect. The bat absorbs some of the shock at contact, and the ball retains nearly all of its energy after leaving the bat. When a baseball meets a wooden bat, which is solid and has zero give, the ball compresses to nearly half of its diameter. When this happens, at least 75 percent of the energy stored in the ball is lost upon impact, and, thus, the ball travels at a reduced rate.

Considerations

Composite bats, typically manufactured using a combination of graphite and glass fiber, are relatively new. They perform quite well when compared with other bats on the market. The reason is threefold. First, the swing weight balance -- the location of the center of gravity -- can be adjusted. The closer to the handle the balance is located, the lighter the bat will feel and the more control you will have over it when swinging. Second, the trampoline effect found in aluminum bats can be fine-tuned to be more effective in producing harder-hit balls. Lastly, the "sweet spot" -- or spot that produces the most solid hits -- is extended in length.

Warning

A batted ball traveling at a higher velocity raises eyebrows for more reasons than a longer home run. Safety issues have become a concern, and many competitive leagues have banned the use of composite, and even aluminum bats. A faster-traveling ball gives fielders less time to react to a low-hit line drive, which increases the risk of a player being struck in the head. Wood bats also contain potential dangers. The latest trend is to use maple bats over traditional ash. When broken, ash bats splinter and crack. Maple bats, however, often shatter, sometimes sending large, dangerous shards across the infield. In September 2010, a piece of a shattered maple bat struck Tyler Colvin of the Chicago Cubs, resulting in a puncture of the chest cavity and forcing Colvin to miss the remainder of the season.

Verdict

The various kinds of bats on the market produce different results when hitting. According to the 2003 study by Russell, "Are Composite Bats better than Aluminum Bats?" composite bats yield the fastest-hit balls, aluminum come in a close second, and the traditional wood bats come in third. Before making a decision on which bat you feel is best, consult with your league's office to ensure that your bat of choice isn't banned.