Although the differences between a softball bat and a baseball bat are not monumental, these do exist. Take the size of the barrel. Softball bats have a maximum barrel diameter of 2 1/4", making it a bit difficult to make solid contact with the ball. On the other hand, baseball bats have a maximum diameter of 2 3/4" and have a longer range. Another characteristic is the shape of the softball bat from that of the baseball bat. Fast pitch softball bats have a shape of a bottle. The softball bat quickly tapers from the barrel area. This allows the barrel of the softball bat to be lengthened. The advantage it gives the softball bat is that it gives it more hitting area. Also, fast-pitch bats have a greater drop weight, which makes them lighter. Another difference is softball bats have two markings that baseball bats do not have. One of these markings on the softball bat is the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) logo (which all softball bats must have), and a Bat Performance Factor (BPF) rating of 1.20. The Bat Performance Factor (BPF) is a method which determines one bat's performance over another. However, there is one quality that softball bats and baseball bats share is that they are now composed of more durable composite materials. 1. Softball bats lighter. 2. Softball bats stiffer. 3. Softball bats stronger. This is because the newer composite softball bat materials are less prone to breakage, a safety and cost improvement. Then because innovative composite softball bat materials make the game safer; they can be customized for an individual or for league needs, making the game more enjoyable. Under these situations and conditions a baseball umpire has no control, so that is why it will benefit him to continuously appear as a professional, showing devotion by dressing properly. When there is a doubt over decision, this can add to your credibility as a baseball umpire. You can make decisions correct if you watch umpire training videos. Your baseball umpire cap must be straight, collar of shirt folded in place and shoes shined. A broad black belt and black or navy socks are normal and standard clothing. Wearing one of the in the pants stretchable belts effective and helps to keep the baseball umpires shirt tucked in. The high quality and best baseball umpire pants have elastic on the inside of the waist for this reason. But wearing this wide belt even with these kinds of pants can make sure your shirt stays tucked in. For gaining respect umpire training is essential and very important. If you are wear sun glasses then you should wear a sport strap if need to stop them from sliding down. If the baseball umpire is consistently pushing his sun glasses up to keep them in place when the game is on, it will be noticed. You can get the some very useful information if you watch the umpire training videos. And wearing correct and proper clothing is very important and necessary to appearing professional. Choosing a baseball bat can be quite a difficult task with all the options out there. I've been a baseball coach for many years and in the recent years, I've noticed that the "golfer" syndrome has been present in baseball. Many golfers don't get to work on their game as much as they like, so they believe by purchasing the best technology in golf clubs, that their game will automatically improve. There are the super fiber shafts, or over sized heads that cost hundreds for each club. Unfortunately, youth baseball players have caught on to this syndrome. The technology can definitely help, but it's not the answer. Players have become too used to relying on technology and it gives them an excuse to become lazy and they forget the real way - practice, practice and practice! In the early 90s there were several studies that said lighter is better for baseball bats. Following these studies, it's been impossible to find a bat with a differential smaller than -8 when shopping for youth bats. These studies have completely ignored the kinesiology of the body. They simply just focused on the bat and the ball. I read a great example that discusses how it is not a linear relationship. If a batter uses a 20 oz baseball bat, then switches to a 19 oz bat, does not mean they'll swing 5% faster! The batter is also losing 5% in mass and they won't be able to swing hard enough to make up for the loss. In all my years of coaching, I rarely notice a difference in the bats used. There's maybe a 5% difference between the old and new bats. The difference between bats that are 1-2 years apart is such a small fraction of a difference. After analyzing my hitters for many years, I suggest to buy the heaviest bat your child can use, while still swinging with speed. Make sure the size of the bat fits within the little league rules of 2 1/4 inch diameter. A good estimate for a 10 year old is 29 - 32 and -7 to -10 oz from the length selected. Using certain bats can also come back to hurt your children later on, when they're preparing for college ball. Every bat must be BESR rated to determine the speed of the ball after its hit. This helps protect pitchers. So with that said, almost all BESR bats are created equally. In conclusion, we know there are many bats out there. You're better off spending the money on batting lessons, rather than an advanced bat. If your child knows how to hit the ball, the bat won't matter as much as their form.
