• Baseball bats have been used by many for family fun to Major League Baseball games. Dating back to the 19th century, they are an essential tool in the game of baseball. A bat is no more than 2.75 inches in diameter, and no more than 42 inches in length. The weight will vary, depending on desires of the batter. There are different types of bats, and the most significant difference is metal or wood materials.
  
  

Metal Bats

• Metal bats were introduced to the game of baseball in the 1970s. They are generally made of aluminum alloy. Because of their weight for the size, batters can swing an aluminum bat faster, thus allowing the ball to go farther. When a metal bat hits a ball, it creates a "ping" sound. Metal bats are not used in Major League Baseball because the speed at which a ball comes off the bat is a potential threat to a player.
  
  

Wooden Bats

• Professional baseball leagues only uses wooden bats in the game today. Because of their traditional look, wooden bats are preferred to the use of metal bats. They create the sound of "crack" when they strike a ball. There are different types of wood used in the making of baseball bats.
  
  

White Ash

• A majority of the bats made today are made of northern white ash. Most are harvested in New York or Pennsylvania. This type is used because it is hard, durable and inexpensive.
  
  

Maple

• Maple is the most recent popular wood used to make bats. Maple is generally more expensive than other types of wood, but they do last longer. Because of recently created drying technology, the weight of these bats has decreased.
  
  

Hickory

• Hickory was a popular wood for bats during the early days of baseball. Hickory is hard, strong and heavy. This type of wood is rarely used in baseball today because it is heavy. This typically means a slower bat speed for the athlete.
  
  

Bamboo

• Bamboo was recently introduced as bat-making material. It is stronger than steel, but it is not widely used for making bats. This bat is becoming popular among people who like to "go green." Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource, so it is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to other woods.