Finding the Right Baseball Bat

Baseball bat weight

A player's age, height, weight, strength, and hitting style determine baseball bat weight. Generally, players in Little League or Youth League should use baseball bats between 16 and 23 ounces. At the high school and collegiate level, baseball bat weights generally range from 27 to 33 ounces

Sellers may list baseball bat weight as a negative number, meaning the bat's weight equals the bat's length minus the indicated number. For example, a 32-inch baseball bat with a bat weight of -5 weighs 27 ounces (32 - 5 = 27). Baseball bats used at the high school and college level cannot have more than a -3 ounce weight-to-length ratio.

Heavier baseball bats can generate more power, but reduce bat speed. Lighter baseball bats offer increase speed and control, but reduce pop. The pros often gravitate toward lighter baseball bats which allow a player to make contact with the "fat of a bat" or its "sweet spot" more easily.

Baseball bat length

When standing on end, a baseball bat should come to your waist. Length ranges from 26 to 31 inches for Youth League and 32 to 36 inches for high school, collegiate, and professional players. A Little League baseball bat cannot measure more than 32 inches long.

Baseball bat shape

Look at the shape of a baseball bat, taking its barrel, taper, and grip into consideration.

• Barrel: Most barrels, the wide portion of a baseball bat that strikes a ball, measure 2 1/2, 2 5/8, or 2 9/16 inches in diameter. Longer and wider barrels provide a larger sweet spot. Lighter baseball bats have shorter and narrower barrels for increased speed and control.

• Taper: Taper refers to handle diameter and must fit a player's hands, allowing a comfortable grip. The taper on most baseball bats is 31/32 of an inch. A narrower taper allows you to rotate your wrists faster and "square up" on pitches more effectively. Little League baseball bats cannot measure more than 2.25 inches in diameter and baseball bats used in high school and college cannot measure more than 2 inches in diameter.

• Grip: Make sure your metal baseball bat has a proper leather, synthetic leather, or rubber grip. Leather grips will provide the best hold, but do not absorb vibration as effectively as rubber.

• Categories: Use the links in the Categories list on the left side of the page to begin narrowing down item listings. You'll find links for adult baseball bats, wood baseball bats, fastpitch softball bats, slowpitch softball bats,

• Keywords: Keywords can quickly help you narrow down your choices. Type the words you want to find into the Search box to find listings that match your specifications.

Buy Baseball Bats With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the ask the seller a question link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $1,000.

• eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.

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