What tips do you have for a baseball player making the transition from hitting with an aluminum bat to hitting with a wood bat?
“With a wood bat you just feel like you’re weaker. You need a shorter, more compact swing.”
Derek Jones, Washington State University recruit, 2008 Snohomish High School graduate and two-time Herald All-Area Player of the Year
“It’s repetition. You’ve got to be able to get a piece of wood in your hands and just hit, and feel it and know how it responds as opposed to aluminum.”
Jim Fitzgerald, Seattle Mariners’ Northwest scouting supervisor
“Don’t hit it off the end of the (wood) bat or the handle or it will break. And it will cost you $75.”
Aaron Cunningham, Midland RockHounds (Class AA) outfielder, former Everett Community College player
“Take what the pitcher gives you. If the pitcher throws you outside, over the plate, with wood you must attack the ball into right-center field or the opposite way (for left-handed hitters).”
Harold Pyatte, Everett Merchants manager
“You’ve got to be a lot more direct with the ball. You’ve got to be a lot more accurate. It’s not about how hard you can swing. It’s about how well you can swing.”
Beau Blacken, former college and pro player, Lake Stevens High School alum
“Always swing a wood bat during the (high school and college) offseason because No. 1, you’ll get stronger because the wood bat feels heavier, and you’ll learn how to square up.”
Brent Lillibridge, Atlanta Braves shortstop, former Jackson High School and University of Washington standout
“Hand strength and core strength are two big things that really separate guys from having quicker success from guys who don’t.”
Levi Lacey, Everett Community College head baseball coach
“The one thing I would say that would apply to everyone is not to try to do too much. Let the bat do the work.”
Dennis Raben, Everett AquaSox outfielder, former University of Miami standout
“You have to be a lot better hitter. There’s a smaller sweet spot and when you make a mistake the ball doesn’t go too far. It’s a big difference.”
Jake Locker, University of Washington quarterback, played baseball this summer for the Bellingham Bells of the wood-bat West Coast Collegiate Baseball League
Compiled by Herald Writer Mike Cane. Herald Writer John Boyle contributed to this report.
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