Tape On Bat

Best guess, would be identification.. but I'm really not sure.

identification sounds right

I heard it was for extra grip when you try and bunt the ball. It seems to be in the right spot where you would put your hand when you bunt too.

identification and also some people use it as a reference to not put anymore pine tar above that point so as to not get it on the barrel

in the NCAA it is required that the bat has this tape 18 inches from the handle so it is easier to see if the bat is illegal due to pine tar, i know becuase i do the same thing in HS

I would have never guessed that GoBackToWood.

By the way, wood bats are great and the feeling you get when you hit it in the sweet spot and time it right WOW! It's great!

yeah the actual rule from the NCAA rule book states this for all nonwood bats

"It is mandatory that all bats have an identification mark 18 inches from the end of the handle. No foreign substance that will in any way discolor the ball may be added to the surface of the bat beyond 18 inches from the end of the handle"

and

"If the bat is not marked 18 inches from the knob, or has pine tar or a foreign substance beyond the 18-inch mark, the bat will be removed from the game (illegal bat) and the player warned. If the practice continues, the player is to be removed from the game."

You are correct and belive me we do check for it when we look at bats......

it will be removed from the game if it is not in compliance...