Bat rolling
Encyclopedia
Currently, the performance of composite baseball bats typically improves with age. The reason for this is the breaking-in process; in other words, the force of striking the ball over and over eventually breaks down the bat's composite fibers and resin
ous glues that different manufacturers use. This improves the bat's Bat Performance Factor (BPF) or Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR). These factors are directly related to the rate of speed at which a struck ball comes off the bat; with higher speeds representing a greater danger to players in the infield (closer to the batter). Bats used in Little League play are required to remain below a league-specified values to be allowed in league play when new and after Accelerated Break-In (ABI).
One method of accelerating this is called Bat rolling. This is a process in which a machine uses rollers to apply pressure perpendicular to the composite baseball bat
's surface, breaking down the composite fibers, etc.. This causes the fibers to expand and create a trampoline effect, projecting the ball farther and faster than possible with a metal type bat. As mentioned, bats eventually break-in on their own; rolling a bat simply speeds up the breaking-in process.
Bat rolling was started in Southern California
, around late 1999 to early 2000, but grew in worldwide popularity significantly after 2002. A 17-year-old with an English wheel
machine alias "Chepe" originated the process, which eventually led to further improvements in the machinery by English wheel manufacturers. Modern machines have bigger nylon rollers to roll the bat either parallel or perpendicular, without causing damage to the barrel.
Resin
Resin in the most specific use of the term is a hydrocarbon secretion of many plants, particularly coniferous trees. Resins are valued for their chemical properties and associated uses, such as the production of varnishes, adhesives, and food glazing agents; as an important source of raw materials...
ous glues that different manufacturers use. This improves the bat's Bat Performance Factor (BPF) or Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR). These factors are directly related to the rate of speed at which a struck ball comes off the bat; with higher speeds representing a greater danger to players in the infield (closer to the batter). Bats used in Little League play are required to remain below a league-specified values to be allowed in league play when new and after Accelerated Break-In (ABI).
One method of accelerating this is called Bat rolling. This is a process in which a machine uses rollers to apply pressure perpendicular to the composite baseball bat
Composite baseball bat
Composite baseball bats incorporate a recent advancement in the technology of aluminum baseball bats for high school and collegiate players. In general, composite bats are constructed with the same aluminum exterior as standard aluminum baseball bats, but have a "woven" graphite wall on the inside...
's surface, breaking down the composite fibers, etc.. This causes the fibers to expand and create a trampoline effect, projecting the ball farther and faster than possible with a metal type bat. As mentioned, bats eventually break-in on their own; rolling a bat simply speeds up the breaking-in process.
Bat rolling was started in Southern California
Southern California
Southern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
, around late 1999 to early 2000, but grew in worldwide popularity significantly after 2002. A 17-year-old with an English wheel
English Wheel
The English wheel, in Britain also known as a Wheeling machine, is a metalworking tool that enables a craftsman to form compound curves from flat sheets of metal such as aluminium or steel. The process of using an English wheel is known as Wheeling...
machine alias "Chepe" originated the process, which eventually led to further improvements in the machinery by English wheel manufacturers. Modern machines have bigger nylon rollers to roll the bat either parallel or perpendicular, without causing damage to the barrel.