How Custom Baseball Bats are Made

Baseball is not only the country’s favorite pastime, it’s also a Cape Cod (Massachusetts) tradition.  More than a few baseball greats have played on the Cape League baseball fields.  So, it’s only fitting that the Cape should be a place where custom bats take shape.  A while ago, I visited the Barnstable Bat Company and saw, firsthand, how this iconic piece of sporting equipment is made. 

Early batters in the mid-1800s were known to sometimes whittle bats to suit their own hitting style. Even today, hitters are very particular about the size, shape, balance and feel of their bats.  That's where the Barnstable Bat Company comes in.  They make customized bats to suit any hitter -- professional or not.

It all starts with a template that takes the customer's preferences into consideration.  The template is then used to turn the bat on a lathe.  It's not just any lathe, mind  you,  this one will turn out a complete bat in less than a minute.

For more information, watch the video or visit www.barnstablebat.com.