The Baseball Bat: From Trees to the Major Leagues, 19th Century to Today

Product Description

Why do modern-day sluggers like Aaron Judge prefer maple bats over the traditional ash bats swung by Ted Williams and others? Why did the surge of broken bats in the early 21st century create a crisis for Major League Baseball and what steps were taken to address the issue? Are different woods being considered by players and manufacturers? Do insects, disease and climate change pose a problem long-term? These and other questions are answered in this exhaustive examination of the history and future of wooden bats, written for both lifelong baseball fans and curious newcomers.

Review

“Written in a clear, memorable style that includes a generous number of engaging stories…Bratkovich uses his scientific background regarding forestry and wood products to acquaint the reader with the detailed history of an essential component of ‘America’s pastime’.”―
Wood and Fiber Science

About the Author

Stephen M. Bratkovich is a retired forester and wood products specialist with the U.S. Forest Service in St. Paul, Minnesota and Dovetail Partners, Inc. in Minneapolis. He lives in Medina, Minnesota.