wood bats
History of Wood Bats- Wood baseball bats have been around for the past 150 years. During the 1850's, the sport of baseball was just beginning. In that time period there were no rules for the bats. Players could make the bats as long, wide, and as heavy as they chose. Bats could also be in any shape. It was not illegal to use a rectangular bat for bunting to have a larger surface. In 1859 a rule was made that the diameter of the barrel could be no larger than 2.5 inches, although the bat could be any length. That would change when ten years later, in 1869, a rule was made that the bat could not be longer than 42 inches long. That rule is still in effect today.
Legend has it that the bat making industry began in 1884 in Louisville Kentucky. According to the story, 17 year old John Hillerich watched his favorite player Pete Browning break his favorite bat. Hillerich offered to make Browning a new bat. Browning watched as John and his father made a new ash bat under Browning's supervision. The next day Pete went three for three hitting, and the Hillerichs started a new bat making industry.
In the 1890's, the rule committee stated that bats could not be sawed off at the end, and the maximum barrel diameter was moved up to 2.75". During this time almost everyone used an ash bat. After Barry Bonds had his 73 home run season, everyone found out he was using a maple bat. Soon, maple was a popular selection.
Legend has it that the bat making industry began in 1884 in Louisville Kentucky. According to the story, 17 year old John Hillerich watched his favorite player Pete Browning break his favorite bat. Hillerich offered to make Browning a new bat. Browning watched as John and his father made a new ash bat under Browning's supervision. The next day Pete went three for three hitting, and the Hillerichs started a new bat making industry.
In the 1890's, the rule committee stated that bats could not be sawed off at the end, and the maximum barrel diameter was moved up to 2.75". During this time almost everyone used an ash bat. After Barry Bonds had his 73 home run season, everyone found out he was using a maple bat. Soon, maple was a popular selection.
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