Friendly match between metal and wooden bats

By Sho Chang-young Late this summer, as a high school baseball fan, I was very interested in two big finals of national high school baseball tournaments in Korea and Japan, respectively. One was the final of the Koshien Baseball Tournament, held in Hanshin, Japan, Aug. 23.

Korean-affiliated International Kyoto High School won the championship. It was widely reported in Korea. The other was the final of the Bongwhangdaegi Baseball Tournament on Sept.



1 in Seoul. In this competition, also called “Koshien Tournament of Korea,” Jeonju High School secured the game. Watching these news and broadcasts, the idea of a friendly match between two countries’ champion teams came to my mind.

But there seemed to be constraints on this. It’s about the types of baseball bat. The high school baseball players in each countries were using different types of bat.

Japan players using metal bats, whereas in Korea, wooden bats. As of now, by the International Competition Rules, in transnational matches, players must use the same type of bat. In fact, 2024 U-18 Asian Baseball Championship held in Taiwan in early September, wooden bats were required for all games.

Then, what are the pros and cons of metal and wooden bats? Metal bats, usually made of aluminum alloy, are known for their ability to enhance performance. They typically have a larger “sweet spot,” which increases the chances of hitting the ball effectively. They are also generally more durable than wooden bats, and can withstand numerous impacts without breaking, making them a cost-effective choice for players at all levels.

But the increased exit velocity of balls hit with metal bats raises safety concerns, particularly in youth leagues. Higher-speed projectiles can pose risks to infielders and pitchers. Conventionally, wooden bats, normally made of maple or ash tree, are often favored in most professional leagues in the U.

S., Japan and Korea. Hitting with wooden bats can improve a player’s technique.

Since they have a smaller sweet spot, players must develop better swing mechanics to make solid contact. Nonetheless, wooden bats are more susceptible to breaking, which can lead to increased costs for players who need to frequently replace their bats. The performance of wooden bats can be inconsistent, with variations in quality affecting how well the bat performs.

The debate between metal and wooden bats will likely shape the future of baseball. Metal bats are becoming more prevalent in youth and amateur leagues due to their performance and durability, while wooden bats remain a staple in professional settings. As technology advances, innovations in materials and design could bridge some gaps between the two bats, potentially leading to hybrid models that combine the benefits of both.

Additionally, leagues may continue to assess safety regulations, especially in youth baseball, balancing performance with player protection. Ultimately, the choice of bat type will depend on player development goals, safety considerations and adherence to traditional values in the sport, all of which will influence the evolution of baseball in the coming years. If we apply these perspectives more broadly, the games between high school baseball teams of Korea and Japan, which are not restricted by bat types or general international rules, would be an inspiring issue.

Of course, to make it a success, there should be consideration and compromise from the two countries, as well as the help of sports technology. I would like to imagine a wonderful scene, where high school players from both countries having friendly matches using their own metal and wooden bats that have similar performances. It would really give a meaningful signal of mutual understanding and respect, at least in terms of sports exchanges.

Sho Chang-young is a retired high school teacher and former principal of Gunsan Girls' High School..