Bat Size

For what it's worth, my son is 5'11" 215 lbs, stocky and built.  Like your kid, hits for high average and power, to all fields.  He swings a 33".  For where he's at now, I don't see a reason to increase his bat length.

What size is he currently using? Unless he's used a 34 and likes it, I'd stick with the 33. There's a reason that older model 34s are usually available at a deep discount. Most guys like the 33s better.

Thanks guys. He swings a 32 now.  33 is what I was thinking as well. Just wondering,  I've heard college coaches like to see kids swinging bigger bats.

You need to understand a few things.  First and foremost, what swing weight is and how it relates.  Basically, swing weight is the measurement of the head-weight feel.  So, basically what you need to really determine is what loading does he need/want and what that does to his bat speed.

A 33" end loaded bat may produce more for him than a 34" balanced bat.

I'd be less worried about length and more concerned with bat speed and what the various bat swing weights and lengths do to his bat speed.  If you are fortunate enough to have a local store with a large stock of bats and a swing speed device, you can test this in store.

We've been through this with my son and always use this to find the best fit for him based on feel, bat speed, and size/weight.  You'd be amazed at the difference that three identical length bats will yield with regard to bat speed.

2ndMarDiv posted:

Thanks guys. He swings a 32 now.  33 is what I was thinking as well. Just wondering,  I've heard college coaches like to see kids swinging bigger bats.

To this point, college coaches like to see mechanics and results.  They plan on putting strength and weight on players when they get in school, so they're projecting, but they are looking at current results to see how and how soon a player will contribute.

If they see a player with great mechanics and results swinging a 32, they'll worry about putting a 33 or 34 in his hands when he gets on campus.

Many thanks. Fortunately he's got another high school year left before he gets to college. Hoping he'll grow a bit and get even stronger by then.  He's been swinging a demarini voodoo since he's 7,  he's had great success with it.  It's well balanced and loves the pop. 

Then if he likes the Voodoo, and he's having success with the 32, I would definitely not jump to a 34. Like MidAtlanticDad mentioned, 33 is a very popular size for both high school and college players.  No need to put a 34 in his hands just to say he's swinging it.  I'd get him a 33 Voodoo and call it a day.

Agreed thank you. 

Often the problem with such a decision is keeping the ego out of it.  Swinging a longer bat will generate more bat speed, IF . . . the player has the strength to manage it.  If he has a good short swing and tends to be a pull hitter, going to the next length would likely be a good idea.  He might borrow a 33 or 34 from some other player during practices to see how it might work out.  Then, if he's comfortable with either one, then that would seem the way to go.   Generally, I'd think he's likely ready for a 33.   From my observations, it seem the 34's tend to be best suited to the much larger and stronger guys who can accelerate the bat to get good bat speed, so I wouldn't think your son is there yet.

2ndMarDiv posted:

I'd like to get the opinions/comments of those more experienced bloggers.  I'm upgrading my son's bbcor bat soon but I'm not sure if he needs 33 or 34.  He's a jr playing varsity baseball.  Big stocky kid with power.  He will be playing summer ball with a very competitive team so I wonder if I should get him the smaller size and give him the advantage.

Here are my son's brief bio.

Height: 5' 9" and 6 ft. wide.
Weight: 180 lbs
Usually a pull hitter but can hit to all fields.  For power and average.

 

 

What grade/age is he?  You only said he's playing varsity ball. big difference between a Freshman and Senior. 

If you buy a 34" have your son learn to choke the bat like Ted Williams and Barry Bonds. To measure place the knob in the center of your chest then extend your left arm to cup the end of the barrel. Take a dozen baseballs and a 34", a 33.5" and a 33" start on the RF foul line and fungo to left field line. Which bat is most comfortable. One of my friends Mike Diaz, Pirates OF
had several bats. His 32 oz was for hitting off Gooden. forget the thin handle, use a medium handle with a long barrel and learn to choke the bat.

Bob

34 is the most common mlb bat size but there are many Players using 33 and 33.5 inches. 33 is probably Minimum for college Level and above and a 34 can make sense for some Players but you don't have to use one to succeed. use what you like better.

There are places that will let you try their bats first before you buy.  I'd suggest finding one and trying it before you make the purchase.  Here is an example:

http://www.demarini.com/en-us/...ouse/?sport=baseball

Goblue33 posted:

2ndMarDiv posted:

I'd like to get the opinions/comments of those more experienced bloggers.  I'm upgrading my son's bbcor bat soon but I'm not sure if he needs 33 or 34.  He's a jr playing varsity baseball.  Big stocky kid with power.  He will be playing summer ball with a very competitive team so I wonder if I should get him the smaller size and give him the advantage.

Here are my son's brief bio.

Height: 5' 9" and 6 ft. wide.
Weight: 180 lbs
Usually a pull hitter but can hit to all fields.  For power and average.

 

 

What grade/age is he?  You only said he's playing varsity ball. big difference between a Freshman and Senior. 

17 year old junior.   Thanks for the input all.  I think a 33 makes better sense.

http://www.playinschool.com/profile/jp-roque/

Why ponder...just go to a 33.5