Every baseball player knows that a new bat needs breaking in before you can use it in a game. Many players, especially those who are novices, often struggle with this, though.
Properly breaking in a new bat can heighten its performance, increase its longevity, and even improve its appearance. Let’s look at a step-by-step guide on breaking in a new baseball bat in 2024.
Choose the Right Baseball Bat
The first step in breaking in a new baseball bat is choosing the right one. Picking a bat specifically designed for your level of play, age, and size is essential. A bat that’s too small or big will be harder to break in and may not perform as you want. You may also want to consider the material inside the bat. Some players prefer wooden bats, while others prefer composite or aluminum bats. Knowing how to choose the right baseball bat is crucial in the breaking-in process.
Use the Bat for Practice Swings
Once you’ve chosen the right bat, the next step is to use it for practice swings. Doing this will help loosen the bat’s fibers and make it more flexible. However, you must remember that too much usage during the first few days can overstress the bat and cause structural damage. Taking breaks is essential to ensure you aren’t overusing the bat.
Hit the Bat With a Ball
After a few days of using the bat for practice swings, it’s time to start hitting the bat with a ball. This will help compress the bat’s fibers and increase its trampoline effect. Start by hitting the bat with a softball and gradually progress to harder, more solid balls. Be sure to focus on hitting the bat in different spots by rotating it between hits to help break it in evenly.
Use the Bat in Live Games
The final step in breaking in a new baseball bat is to use it in live games. You’ll be able to fully break into the bat this way and experience its full potential. However, remember that it may take a few games before the bat performs at its best.
Don’t Forget Maintenance
Breaking in a new baseball bat isn’t a one-and-done process. Maintaining the bat after each use is essential to keep it performing at its best. Keep the bat clean and dry, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, as this can cause the fibers to dry out and crack.
Breaking in a new baseball bat can be challenging and time consuming, but ensuring it performs to its best potential is essential. Following these steps, you can break in your new bat and enjoy its full potential in live games. You’ll be off to a great start in your 2024 baseball season when you have a new, perfectly broken-in baseball bat.