Reasons Why Children Need New Baseball Bats
Knowing the most obvious reasons why children need new baseball bats offers perspective to know when changing the bat is necessary for success.
It can sometimes feel like Little League baseball is more competitive than anything we see in the pros. But that’s because parents want the best for their children.
To that effect, they often upgrade their tools of the trade to improve performance. These reasons why children need new baseball bats explain when the time is right to make the switch.
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New League Requirements
As your children progress through the ranks, they must adhere to a slew of new restrictions. One of the strictest rules that any league won’t sway on is the type of bats the children can use. With children’s safety in mind, many leagues for younger children don’t allow any bats that could double as a weapon when they put the ball in play.
Each bat has a minus rating, signifying the weight differential or drop. Like a golf score, the higher the drop, the larger the minus number will be. Many leagues have definite rules on a bat’s weight differential, so what might have worked for your 11-year-old won’t fly when they are 13, requiring you to find a better bat.
Starts Showing Wear and Tear
Although aluminum bats can last many years compared to wooden bats, they are still prone to wear and tear. If you or your child notice any dents, scrapes, or brash markings, it can imply that bat is on its last leg, especially if the pop off the bat is nonexistent. Coming to the plate with a dead bat could make for a frustrating year for your kiddo.
A Popularity Content
Keeping up with the Joneses can extend into the world of baseball bats, with many parents and children following the current trends and styles. The odds are your child wants to be the “cool kid” with the best baseball bat on the squad, making them a favorite on the bench.
But purchasing the hottest bat on the market goes beyond making them the center of attention. Having the best bat can instill confidence when they step to the dish, overcoming any doubts they may have had previously.
New Field of Play
Every state, city, and Little League district is different; however, when your little all-star is going to the next level, they may need a new bat to accommodate the switch. A 13-year-old jumping to a senior league field must adjust to a larger field and longer fence. What worked on a fence 200 feet down the line won’t hold up when it’s approaching 300 feet.
Body Changes
The field of play isn’t the only thing that changes, considering how much adolescence affects a child’s body. Your child may need a new bat simply because they have hit a growth spurt. Their old bat may feel like a toothpick in their hand, and it won’t accommodate their recent height change. Just as you switch out their wardrobe when they grow, you’ll need to upgrade their bat.
It’s likely many parents are experiencing one of these reasons why children need a new baseball bat. Luckily, whether your child quits playing or stops growing, there is a finish line in sight. Until then, upgrading their bats is a hassle you must be willing to take.
