Posted by: Scott B (baseball@integritycorp.com) on Wed Jun 12 11:42:12 2002

MD's comments were right on. I'd add one more suggestion. Have him keep is eyes closed so that he won't pick the "pretty" one, or the larger one so hit can hit that ball longer. (Of course, clear everything out of the way that might be breakable during the test, including bones!)

If the store has a radar gun, "demo" that too, and check his bat speed (half dozen times each swing). If if the bat "feels good" to him, but he swings it 10mph, the radar gun will convince him that he needs to go lighter.

I've been told that rotational techniques helps a kid swing a heavier bat with more batspeed, but kids still tend to go to the biggest stick they can find. Keep the length reasonable and go lighter if in doubt, especially for the little guys. And once you find your target bat, look for deals on the internet (i.e. Ebay). It can cut your cost in half. (Walmart has some pretty good deals, too.)

Regards.. Scott