There is something about the hearing the crack of a wooden bat that evokes feelings of nostalgia and an appreciation of the rich history of baseball. Wooden baseball bats have been around since the beginnings of baseball in the mid-1800s. Wooden bats lost their widespread popularity after the introduction of aluminum bats in the 1970s, but they are still used in the major leagues today.
White Ash
Bats made from white ash are durable and lightweight. White ash is one of the most popular materials used for wooden bats because the bats can withstand a great amount of pressure without breaking. Ash bats flex slightly when they hit the ball, which creates greater force than a rigid bat would, but they do wear out over time.
Maple
Maple bats are strong and heavy, but modern versions are becoming lighter due to better wood drying techniques. Maple bats do not flex the way ash bats do. Maple bats rose in popularity after legendary slugger Barry Bonds hit a record-breaking 73 home runs during the 2001 season using bats made of maple.
Birch
Birch bats have more flex than maple and are stronger than ash. Because birch is a lighter weight wood, the barrels are larger, which creates a larger sweet spot (ideal placement) to hit the ball.
Hickory
Hickory bats were once very popular, but today they are seldom used. Hickory bats are much more expensive and heavier than bats made from maple or white ash, which led to their decline.
Composite
Composite wood bats are manufactured with different types of wood that are fused together. Composite wood bats are the most expensive of all types, but they are also the most durable. Many of these bats have lifetime warranties against breaking.
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