How to Hold Wooden Baseball Bats

How to Hold Wooden Baseball Bats
Photo Credit Siri Stafford/Photodisc/Getty Images

The classic crack of a wooden bat as it meets ball is the quintessential sound of baseball. While metal bats have come to dominate most recreational and college fields, wooden bats are still the norm among professional players. If you use a wooden bat, it is important to grip it properly so you can continue hearing the crack of the bat, rather than seeing it.

Step 1

Grasp the bat with both hands, one hand on top of the other so they are touching and the bottom hand is touching the nub at the bottom of the bat. For right-handers, your left hand will go on the bottom. The right hand goes on the bottom for left-handers.

Step 2

Work the bat in your hands so it rests in your fingers rather than being tucked back into your palms. Your first knuckles on both hands should be aligned parallel to the bat handle.

Step 3

Rotate the bat so the label or emblem faces you, and then get into your batting stance.

Tips and Warnings

  • After hitting several balls, look for where the ball contacts your bat. You want the ball to contact on the side of the bat opposite the emblem. Because of the way that you twist your hands during you swing, you might need to adjust the starting point of the emblem when you are in your stance.

References

Article reviewed by Kirk Ericson Last updated on: Feb 7, 2011

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