Replies

1. 
   Jimurock | Nov 10, 2009 06:36am | #1

   Some info here: http://paws.kettering.edu/~drussell/bats-new/corkedbat.html

   Jim

1. 
   Kenneth | Nov 10, 2009 02:51pm | #2

   Jim, thanks that was just what I needed.  I am surprised that this technique only reduces the weight of the bat by 1.5 oz.

2. 
   Eef | Nov 10, 2009 08:27pm | #3

   ken,

   what if one were to glue up several 4/4 boards to form one square turning blank and the center was left as hollow as one wished by way of a groove or plough? this could also be done by "staggering" the center boards in such a way as to create a hollow.
   hope this makes sense.
   eef

1. 
   Kenneth | Nov 10, 2009 09:27pm | #4

   EEF, that is certainly a possibility.  The trick is to make sure that the void is in the dead center of the bat.

1. 
   Eef | Nov 10, 2009 10:19pm | #6

   ken,
   yes, and this may be facilitated by running both edges of the center boards, in turn, against the fence and moving the fence and cutting until the desired groove width is reached.
   eef

1. 
   joespehar | Nov 11, 2009 04:36am | #7

   There is a good book (I forget the name--maybe The Physics of Baseball.) that discusses corking a bat. Apparently nefarious players do it so that the bat is a little lighter, and the player can swing it a bit quicker. However, the author, who has studied these things, says that choking up has the same effect, without disobeying the rules. Have the kids choke up on their bats and see if that gets the desired effect.

3. 
   Quickstep | Nov 10, 2009 10:08pm | #5

   Is it possible that corked bats are illegal in T-Ball just as they are in MLB?

   It would be bad for your grandkids to get a reputation that might keep them out of the big leagues later on.................

1. 
   Kenneth | Nov 11, 2009 07:10pm | #10

   You've got a point.  Unfortunately, since I can't reduce the weight of the bat to the required 13 oz. and as one other respondent suggested, wood bats may not be allowed anyway, the entire effort may have been for naught.

   Edited 11/11/2009 11:11 am ET by Kenneth

1. 
   stpatrick | Nov 11, 2009 07:52pm | #11

   Ken, if it was for the grandchildren, how could it ever be "for naught"??  It will be a very special reminder to them for years to come, probably even more special  as the years pass . . . . and we do too.

4. 
   stpatrick | Nov 11, 2009 04:51am | #8

   Kenneth,  it has been a long while since my son was in T-ball, but I am not sure they allow wooden bats.  You might want to check with the Coach or see what rules apply.  Just a thought.

    

   Once my son got into high school, he was turning his own (very nice) bats . . . . but even then he was using metal in the games.  . . .  except during summers when they had a wood-bat league and you had to be a purist (ie, use wood). 

1. 
   Kenneth | Nov 11, 2009 07:07pm | #9

   Ineresting observation.  I don't know if they permit wood bats but I'm going to check.  I do know that even if I "cork" the bat, I will not be able to meet the weight requirement of 13 oz.  However, since I have already turned the bats, I guess they can hang them on the wall for decoration.