How to Tape a Baseball Bat
The baseball player is a warrior; his gloves are his gauntlets, his cap is his helm, his uniform is his armor, and his bat is his sword. Stepping into the diamond with a bum bat or an ill-maintained bat will not get you the home runs and hits you need to win the game. By taping your bat properly, you can have the grip and look needed to be at your best in the game.
Why Tape a Baseball Bat?
The weight, length, and materials that a baseball bat is made of can only be made better by wrapping its handle. There are three reasons why you should take the time to tape the handle of a bat:
Control. Most baseball bats come pre-taped, but the tape used to wrap the handle at the factory may not be to your liking. A taped bat can provide you with the grip and control needed to swing the bat full-force without letting it slip from your hands.
Maintenance. Taping the handle of your bat can help protect the handle from sweat, therefore improving control. It can also lengthen the lifespan of your baseball bat.
Looks. One way that you can stand out on the plate is to tape your bat in a specific pattern, or use different colors and designs for the bat. Try experimenting with different kinds of wrapping material to see what best suits your swinging style, and how you want the bat to look.
Steps
To wrap a baseball bat, follow these steps:
Sit on a comfortable yet stable chair, and place the bat in between your feet.
taped baseball bat
Remove the tape that came with the bat. You may need to use a knife, a razor blade, or a utility knife to help remove the tape.
Apply adhesive remover to the handle to remove the glue or adhesive residue.
Electrical tape or specialty athletic tape may be used to wrap the bat. Starting from the knob of the bat, wrap the handle in your desired pattern. The most common design is one layer of tape wrapped around the bat handle, to give the necessary cushion but still maintains the grip and handle on the body of the bat.
After you finish wrapping the bat, cut the tape and firmly secure the end of the tape on the bat handle.
Test the bat to see if it gives you the grip and control you need on your hardest swing.
Taping a bat can give you the warrior’s edge needed to succeed in the battle on the field. With these tips, you can swing your bat comfortably and powerfully to whatever kind of pitch the opposing team throws at you.