Types Of Baseball Bets
In baseball, batting does not only mean a batter's bat makes contact with the baseball. In baseball betting, a parlay bet is betting on the outcome of multiple games, usually between two and 12. The trick with this bet type is that you have to win every bet in that bet for it to be a successful parlay. Make one mistake and you lose the whole parlay. Gold Best Baseball Bats are often perfect fits for the right type of hitter. To qualify for Gold, bats must at least do spectacular in one of the major categories (Performance or Feel) and reasonable in the others. Bats with a Gold rating may have great technology, come in a wide variety of sizes (relevance) and get great performance ratings. Adult Baseball Bats: Wood Adult wood baseball bats are most commonly made from Ash, Maple, Bamboo, Birch, or Composite Wood. Maple is stronger than Ash, while Bamboo serves as the strongest and tends to last a longer than the other wood bats.
At one time, baseball bats were all manufactured out of some type of hard wood, but this is no longer the case. Today, there are actually several different types of baseball bats in common use. Which ones are used most often depends on official specifications that govern the equipment that is considered the standard for all teams associated with a given league and the divisions that make up the league. This means that different bats will be in common use in a minor or amateur league that would not be allowed in a major league game.
In spite of the proliferation of differences in the bats used today, the old fashioned wooden baseball bat still tends to be the most common of all types. At one time, hickory bats were the most common variety. While providing a great deal of durability, hickory is also among the heaviest woods used to make bats.
Currently, white ash is often the wood of choice for most baseball bats, since the wood is sturdy and resists cracking under pressure. White ash also produces a bat that is light enough to allow the batter to achieve a swing of adequate speed and force, but not so light that it makes hitting a baseball out of the park an easy task. Along with white ash bats, maple is also a popular option, although this wood tends to cost a little more.
The aluminum baseball bat is of more recent vintage than wooden bats. First produced in the 1970s, aluminum quickly gained supporters, mainly due to the fact that these baseball bats are lightweight but also extremely durable. In the early years, it soon became apparent that the aluminum bat made it very easy to hit the ball great distances. The major leagues discontinued their use, mainly in order to prevent rendering previous records set with the heavier wooden bats irrelevant. Some amateur and minor leagues allow the metal bats, however, although the usage is not universal by any means.
Other designs for baseball bats have appeared over the years. The so-called Baum Bat of the early 1990s attempted to create a transition bat that would help a minor league player who is picked for a major league team to make the transition from lighter bats to a heavier wooden model. A few companies have produced and attempted to market a bat made from billets of bamboo. Ones composed of various of hardwoods continue to be the types of baseball bats favored by the majority of players across the board, however.
It might just seem like a normal baseball, but the details encapsulated in those 108 stitches mean a lot to the athletes throwing, catching and hitting it. From the interior makeup to the exterior casing, each piece of the ball serves a purpose.
With its signature white surface and figure-eight stitching, today’s modern baseball is as recognizable as the game itself. Learn how the anatomy of a baseball plays an important role in its performance on the field.
ABOUT BALL COVERS
When buying baseballs, you can expect to find two exterior materials: leather and synthetic. These materials make up the outer shell of the baseball, called the cover. Long-lasting leather covers are the traditional choice for many baseball players due to their secure grip, consistent play and proven durability.
Synthetic covers, often made of vinyl, can resist dirt and maintain color while remaining a more cost-effective alternative to a than full-hide leather baseballs. Some players purchase synthetic cover baseballs for practice and save the leather baseballs for in-game use.
BASEBALL STITCHING
When it comes to the 108 stitches that are synonymous with the baseball’s profile, there are a few options available to players. The stitching on a baseball typically falls into three categories: raised, rolled or flat.
Raised-seam baseballs have the stitching elevated from the surface of the ball. These seams are designed to “grip” the air for easier control and are used for casual play or instruction. Beginner baseball players can also benefit from using raised-seam baseballs.
Rolled seams have far less elevated stitching, giving them less air resistance than raised seams, while remaining comfortable to grip. Many competition-level baseballs (including Little League, high school and professional baseballs) use this style of stitching.
As the name suggests, flat-seam baseballs lie flat against the surface of the ball, which can make them more difficult to grip and control. Flat seams are great for use in pitching machines, however, as the minimal stitching creates less interference for a clearer trajectory.
A LOOK INSIDE
What Are The Different Types Of Bets
It’s what’s on the inside that counts. Just below the cover is where your baseball gains its bounce and worth, thanks to the connection between a baseball’s core and windings.
At the heart of your ball lies a small, round center called the core. The core consists of cork, rubber or a combination of the two. Cores can differ in density to better suit the league they are designed for, which are typically stamped on the cover.
Wrapped around the core you will find thick layers of wool yarn or a wool blend. The wool windings have a high compression threshold and can help extend the life of a baseball.
In addition to your baseball’s lifespan, the wool windings can also affect your ball’s circumference. Baseballs recommended for competitive play are between 9 and 9 ¼ inches in circumference.
REDUCED INJURY FACTOR OR “R.I.F.”
For younger players, especially those just learning the game, safety should remain a prime concern with any equipment piece. To help soften the structure of a baseball, and aid youngsters in overcoming their fear of being hit, manufacturers offer specialized “Reduced Injury Factor” balls. These balls have a softer, typically polyurethane core, and come in both reduced and official weights. They perform like regular balls, bouncing and rolling true to expectations.
What Are The Different Types Of Baseball Bats
Understanding the ins and outs of baseball construction can help you take the field with confidence this season. Catch these Pro Tips and choose the right baseball for you.