Best Tips for Taking Care of a Baseball Bat

When you get together with your friends for a friendly baseball game, you take great satisfaction in hitting home runs with your favorite bat. However, nothing lasts forever, and you might wonder, “How long will my bat last?” Discover how to delay its inevitable retirement by learning the best tips for taking care of a baseball bat.

Store It at a Good Temperature

A baseball bat is not a perishable item, but extreme temperatures can still affect it. Keep your bat out of temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit when storing it. That can make your bat more prone to getting damaged. You should also avoid exposing your bat to hot temperatures, which can happen if you store it in a car trunk.

Don’t Clean Your Cleats With It

Another important tip for taking care of a baseball bat is to not clean your cleats with it. Although you might feel the temptation to tap your bat against your shoes to remove dirt, don’t give in. The spikes may cause damage that can hurt your bat.

Rotate Between Swings

A simple move that you can do to take care of your bat is to rotate it one-fourth of an inch between swings. You may wonder why, but this helps you break in the circumference of your bat’s barrel. It also helps ensure that one side is not getting worn down faster than the others.

Hit Only Regulation Balls

Another essential tip for taking care of your bat is only to use it to hit regulation balls. If you go to a batting cage, it’s a good idea to use a different bat since the balls in the cage are harder and can cause more damage. Although you may consider using sleeves when in a batting cage, there is no guarantee that they will protect your bat.

When you follow these tips, you will extend the life of your baseball bat. You will spend less time and money looking for a new one and more time enhancing your performance on the field.