What happens to Broken MLB Bats?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada. Every year, baseball players take the field with wooden bats in hand, ready to swing and hit their way to victory. But, as we all know, sometimes these bats don’t make it through the season intact. So, what happens to broken MLB bats?
The Different Kinds of Broken Bats
There are two types of broken bats: those that are cracked and those that are shattered. Cracked bats typically have a golf ball-sized patch of exposed wood, whereas shattered bats are broken into multiple pieces.
What Causes MLB Bats to Break?
There are several factors that can lead to a broken bat. Poor quality wood, weak grain lines, even excessive use can all contribute to a bat breaking. But the most common cause is an exceptionally hard hit. Hitting a baseball at high speeds is incredibly difficult, and the sheer force of the impact can be too much for the bat to handle.
The Recycling Process
Once a bat is broken, it’s no longer usable, so MLB teams send the broken bats off to be recycled. The bats are broken down into their component parts—wood chips and sawdust—which are then used to make other products, such as mulch and particleboard.
The Reuse Process
Fortunately, not all broken bats are sent off to be recycled. Some teams choose to send their broken bats to be reused. The bats are broken down into their component parts, which are then used to make other bats. The broken pieces of wood are cut and shaped into new bats, and the metal components are reused as well.
The Reuse of Broken Bats for Charitable Causes
Some teams choose to donate their broken bats to charity. The bats are broken down into their component parts, which are then used to create a variety of items, such as bats, bats for batting cages, and even benches for baseball fields. The proceeds from the sale of these items are then donated to charity.
The Sale of Broken Bats to Collectors
Broken bats are often sold to collectors as well. The broken pieces of wood are cut and shaped into unique pieces, which are then sold to collectors. Some of these collectors are willing to pay a premium for these one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Sale of Broken Bats to Fans
MLB teams often sell broken bats to fans as well. The teams typically sign the broken pieces of wood, making them even more valuable. Fans can then display these signed pieces of memorabilia in their homes or offices.
The Use of Broken Bats in Art
Broken bats have also been used to create unique pieces of art. The broken pieces of wood are cut and shaped into unique designs, which are then used to create sculptures, wall art, and even furniture.
The Use of Broken Bats in Other Industries
Broken bats are also used in a variety of other industries. The broken pieces of wood are used to make architectural components, such as mantles and stair railings. The metal components are also used to make a variety of items, such as knives and jewelry.
Conclusion
So, what happens to broken MLB bats? The answer is, quite a lot. Some broken bats are recycled, some are reused, and some are sold to collectors or fans. Others are used to create art or even architectural components. Broken bats can be put to a variety of different uses, and it’s an inspiring example of how something that might otherwise be considered trash can be repurposed into something new and beautiful.