Hitting at 40F.

[FiveFrameSwing]

We moved to hitting outdoors. Temperatures are in the low 40s.

Is there any concern with respect to the bats?

[CoachB25]

We moved to hitting outdoors. Temperatures are in the low 40s.

Is there any concern with respect to the bats?

Our conference "gentleman's agreement" is that we don't play conference games below 40. We do play if 40 is gametime temp. Two years ago, we started a game in the sleet and gametime temp was 29. It was a prestigious tournament and they wanted to get it in no matter what. We had the players use old bats since bats are so expensive. 5FS, we also have our kids buy "cold weather batting gloves." Companies like Palm Guard make them. I think you have a valid concern for the bat. Its been a long time since I've purchased one but you might ask the sporting goods people.

[Jake Patterson]

Our conference "gentleman's agreement" is that we don't play conference games below 40. We do play if 40 is gametime temp. Two years ago, we started a game in the sleet and gametime temp was 29. It was a prestigious tournament and they wanted to get it in no matter what. We had the players use old bats since bats are so expensive. 5FS, we also have our kids buy "cold weather batting gloves." Companies like Palm Guard make them. I think you have a valid concern for the bat. Its been a long time since I've purchased one but you might ask the sporting goods people.

Several years back we started with right field in snow. Anything in the snow and lost was ruled a ground rule double, anything caught was an out.

While the sun-belt states may be able to boast about more good weather, we sometimes play in tougher, "more fun" conditions.

[Go Cardinals]

LOL, its always nice and sunny out here in California

[TL_Dad]

Only time I have ever seen an aluminum bat blow up. In Louisville Kentucky in early April and it just so happened to be a Louisville Slugger. I was wearing long johns and I think it was about 35-40 degrees with wind.

[JeepTJ12]

Whenever it's cold there is the chance of a crack or dent. The atoms in the aluminum come closer together when it gets colder which means the metal can't expand/flex as much when the ball hits it. This in turn will cause a stress that will cause a crack. The metal becomes brittle. A little chemistry for the brain.

[Infinite]

Its pretty common here to practice in 30 degree weather. They practice all year round here in snow or rain. We just had some nice snow fall the day before and kids were diving like it was nothing. The soccer teams practice in the same conditions but they remove as much snow as possible. The kids play in shorts and short sleeve shirts. UNFREAKN BELIEVABLE!
There doesnt seem to be any concern here for the bats though but they dont use wood just aluminum.

[Maxx]

What about if you leave your bats outside in your truck for a week in 30 degree weather. Any concern for damage to the bats, or does damage only occur if the bat is USED while it is cold?

[JeepTJ12]

Keeping a bat in the cold for weeks won't do damage. As stated earlier the atoms will come closer together but once you bring it to room temperature you will restore it to it's original state. The only damage that can occur is using the bat right away before letting it come to room temperature. Metal is a very elastic material. It can take a temperature decrease and increase without a problem. The problem with the cold is that the atoms are closer together which pulls the metal tighter. This in turn doesn't allow the metal to be as elastic. When the metal cracks this means it has reached plastic state or the point of failure.

[Maxx]

Thanks, this is good information to know for my hypothetical situation above

[hawkiirock]

I believe the damage is more b/c of the ball being more "dense" for lack of a better word. If it is under 50, you have a greater risk of ruining your bat. I would not use a nice bat unless it is under warranty or warmer


I could be mistaken but am pretty sure the BALL is the problem. Not the bat

[TG Coach]

Several years back we started with right field in snow. Anything in the snow and lost was ruled a ground rule double, anything caught was an out.

While the sun-belt states may be able to boast about more good weather, we sometimes play in tougher, "more fun" conditions.

I never considered it fun to freeze my rear off playing baseball.

[JeepTJ12]

When I was in college a physics professor did a test with frozen balls hitting them with wood and aluminum. The balls didn't damage the bats at all. Not even a dent. They also didn't go as far as room temperature balls would. It's the properties of the bat. That's why wood breaks easier. One it's not as strong as metal. Two metal's modulus of elasticity is far greater than wood. In turn, that makes it more elastic allowing it to bend more when the ball applies force to the metal. When it's colder the bat can't flex as much to the atoms being closer together.

[TG Coach]

When I was in college a physics professor did a test with frozen balls hitting them with wood and aluminum. The balls didn't damage the bats at all. Not even a dent. They also didn't go as far as room temperature balls would. It's the properties of the bat. That's why wood breaks easier. One it's not as strong as metal. Two metal's modulus of elasticity is far greater than wood. In turn, that makes it more elastic allowing it to bend more when the ball applies force to the metal. When it's colder the bat can't flex as much to the atoms being closer together.

Were the balls being pitched 80+ miles per hour in the test? Did the hitter have a quick, hard swing?

[JeepTJ12]

The hitter is now pro and yes it was coming out of the pitching machine at 85mph. We also did tee test.