The familiar crack of the wood bat in baseball has been gradually replaced over the last 30-odd years by the ping of an aluminum bat. Aluminum outperforms wood, is relatively easy to manufacture, lasts longer and does not break as wood is prone to do. Today, aluminum is the bat material of choice for many who play both baseball and softball.
History
While the first metal baseball bat was patented by William Schroyer in 1924, metal bats were not used in the game until the 1970s, when the Worth company introduced the first aluminum baseball bats. Easton also began manufacturing aluminum bats in the 1970s. They use a stronger aluminum alloy which was embraced by many as an acceptable choice over wood. Louisville Slugger then became involved in producing aluminum bats as well, eventually introducing the lightest and strongest of aluminum bats in the 1990s.
Manufacture
To produce an aluminum bat, tubing is first cut to length, then placed on a tapered mandrel and inserted through a die. This forms the wall of the bat to a taper. The metal is then annealed and moved on to the swagging process, where two opposing dies rotate around the bat at high speed, further shaping the bat and reducing its diameter to the proper size. The bat is then cleaned, heat-treated and aged. To seal the ends of the bat, it is spun along its axis in a machine at a rapid rate of speed. The machine then rolls the ends of the bat closed to form the handle and tip. It is then finished with paint, printing and clear coat sealant.
Uses
Bats made of aluminum are used in most sanctioned baseball and softball competition. These include everything from tee ball and little league, up through the college level. Professional play, sanctioned by Major League Baseball, is the only form of the game where aluminum is not allowed and wood is the only approved choice for bats.
Performance
Aluminum bats have been shown to outperform wood bats. The hollow barrel of an aluminum bat allows for better distribution of weight along the length of the bat. This allows the bat to be swung faster, resulting in more hitting power. Aluminum bats also tend to have a balance point that is more centrally located. This translates to an easier, more controllable swing. They are also heavier and have a wider sweet spot, and also produce a greater "trampoline effect," allowing the ball to rebound from the bat more effectively.
Controversy
Concerns about pitcher and infielder safety have been raised because baseballs and softballs are generally hit faster by aluminum bats. In 1998, both the National College Athletic Association and the Amateur Softball Association of America began establishing standards for limiting aluminum bat performance. Actions taken by other athletic organizations ensued, and several lawsuits over the use of aluminum bats influenced policy decisions. While the controversy continues, composite bats may make the argument moot, as they are outperforming aluminum bats.
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