Bat rolling is a process that improves a bat’s performance by breaking it in more quickly and evenly. Yes it is illegal, but is unlikely to be noticed if you keep your mouth closed. It is best done with a machine that has two rollers that run perpendicular to the bat. Pressure is applied as the bat is rolled between the rollers, stretching the fibers and making the bat more flexible. Rolled baseball bats can result in a number of benefits, including:
- Increased pop and distance: When a bat is rolled, the fibers are stretched and the trampoline effect is increased. This means that the ball will travel further when it is hit with a rolled bat.
- Larger sweet spot: The sweet spot is the area on the bat that, when hit, will produce the most power. When a bat is rolled, the sweet spot becomes larger and more consistent. This means that you are more likely to hit the ball with the sweet spot, resulting in more powerful hits.
- Reduced risk of breakage: Rolling a bat can actually help to reduce the risk of breakage. This is because the process helps to evenly break in the bat, preventing the formation of weak spots.