Ryan McVay/Getty Images
DCL
If you like sports, then you probably like baseball. It's simultaneously one of the easiest and hardest sports there is. You spend, like, 90% of the time doing nothing, then some dude throws a tiny ball that's moving at about 85mph+ at your head. You have to hit the ball with a stick. Then when you are done with that ordeal, you go back to standing around waiting for someone to hit something.
One way you can score a hit is by taking proper care of your baseball bat. It helps reduce the amount of baseball bat waste that goes into landfills and a well-maintained bat is better for the planet than buying a slew of new bats.
How to Care for a Baseball Bat
1. Clean the Bat
Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth. Wipe down the bat. Thoroughly clean the handle. The oil in your hands can damage the wood.
2. Storage
Bats should be dried before they are put away. Keep them away from humidity. Store them handle-side up.
3. Remove Dings
You can remove dings from a bat by smoothing it against another bat. A rolling pin works just as well. Press hard until the bat's surface is smooth.
4. Clean Spikes Properly Don't clean your spikes with the barrel end of your bat. Flip the bat over and hit your spikes with the little knob at the bottom of the handle. According to the Louisville Slugger Company this is how you care for an aluminum bat. Limit the bat to your individual use only. Rotate the bat ¼ turn each swing. Do not use in temperatures below 60° (16° C). Do not store the bat in extreme hot or cold temperatures, such as in a car trunk or garage. Do not clean metal spikes or cleats with your bat. Use with leather-covered balls only, not plastic or rubber cage balls. Do not hit waterlogged balls. If using a softball bat, do not use balls that exceed 400lbs. compression. Routinely check your plastic end cap and replace it if it cracks or becomes loose.
