The obvious difference between a wood bat and an aluminum bat is simple--one is wood and one is aluminum. The internal differences, however, make for a huge change in how well the bat can hit the ball. All baseball leagues use aluminum bats, up to collegiate level. The minor and major leagues must use wood bats, which requires a bit more skill from the players.
Construction
An aluminum bat is hollow and a wood bat is solid. In order to change a wood bat--to make it longer or rounder--the bat must get heavier. An aluminum bat can be made longer or rounder by thinning the outer shell, which makes the inner hole wider. The advantage here goes to the aluminum bat, since it can be manipulated without changing its weight.
Center of Gravity
Swinging an object is easier when the center of gravity is closer to the hands. A wood bat's weight is focused in the barrel. This places the center of gravity farther from the hands, unlike an aluminum bat. An aluminum bat's weight is evenly distributed throughout the bat. The advantage here, for a quick swing, goes to the aluminum bat, because the batter can react quicker than when holding the heavier wood bat.
Sweet Spot
Because the weight of a wood bat is focused in the barrel, the sweet spot is also focused in the barrel. An aluminum bat has a much longer sweet spot since the weight is distributed throughout the bat. If a batter hits the ball close to the handle with a wood bat, the chances of it breaking the bat are much higher than with an aluminum bat. An aluminum bat can also usually produce a successful hit wherever the ball contacts the bat.
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