The baseball bat is used in the game of baseball to hit the ball when thrown by the pitcher in the direction towards the batter. The batter, using a two handed grip, aims to score a run by hitting the ball far thus allowing him to then advance around the bases with his team mates. The baseball bat can either be made from wood or metal. Unlike the cricket bat the baseball bat is of a cylindrical shape, with the thickest part at most just under 3 inches, the length of the bat being no more than 42 inches.

The bats are designed to help the batter score runs. The bats are thinner towards the end to become a handle, which is shaped so that the batters hands can sit comfortably whilst allowing for a strong grip. The knob of the bat is located just under the handle, ensuring that the batter's hand does not slip from the edge of the bat mid-swing. The 'sweet spot', where the ball can be struck furthest, is located towards the middle of the baseball bat (the mid section is known as the 'barrel'), with the farthest end of the bat known as the tip.

In professional baseball, including Major League Baseball, metal baseball bats are not permitted, only wooden ones, however in amateur baseball all baseball bat types are permitted, even ones that have been 'corked' or hollowed, which is where the baseball bat is filled with an additional substance often added to increase the swinging speed of the baseball bat without sacrificing hitting power. There are several different manufacturers of baseball bats, including Louisville Slugger, Rawlings, Wilson and Mizuno.

More baseball equipment: Baseball Glove