Fungo bats are specialized baseball bats used primarily for hitting practice. They are designed to be lightweight and longer than traditional bats, allowing the user to hit balls repeatedly without experiencing excessive fatigue or risk of injury. Fungo bats are typically held in one hand while the user tosses the ball with the other hand and hits it to the fielding players. These bats serve a specific purpose in helping coaches and players work on fielding skills and are a valuable tool in baseball training.
It is important to note that not all fungo bats are created equal. As a trainer, you will want to invest in a high-quality fungo bat that will last for years to come. There are a variety of different materials, sizes, and shapes to choose from, so it’s important to consider your specific needs before making a purchase.
Some popular materials for fungo bats include wood, aluminum, and composite materials. Wooden bats tend to be more traditional and have a classic look and feel, but may not be as durable as their metal or composite counterparts. Aluminum and composite bats are often lighter and more durable but may have a different feel when hitting the ball.
When it comes to size and shape, most fungo bats are longer and thinner than regular baseball or softball bats. This design allows for better control and accuracy when hitting ground balls or fly balls. Some fungo bats also have unique features such as a weighted end or a flared knob to make them more comfortable and easy to use
This bat is different from the normal baseball bat. It’s much longer and wider hence only used for practice purposes. A Fungo bat needs to be made using quality materials that ensure it’s durable and sturdy to endure hours of hitting. Coaches use these bats the most because it helps them not get easily tired after hours of grueling training. It makes the whole experience much more fulfilling and enjoyable rather than tiring. This article will help you find the best Fungo bats in the market that you can use while practicing in baseball.
Contents Inside
Best 6 Wood Fungo Bats
1. Louisville Slugger S345 Maple Wood Fungo Bat
With its maple wood construction, this fungo bat from Louisville Slugger is both durable and reliable. Its S345 model designation indicates its slim 2 1/4″ barrel, which allows for greater control and precision in hitting ground balls, fly balls, and pop-ups during practice. Additionally, the bat’s lightweight design makes it easy for coaches to use it for extended periods of time without experiencing fatigue. The Louisville Slugger S345 is a top choice for coaches who demand the best from their equipment.
Developed out of expert-grade maple wood, these fungo bats offer dependable strength and are cut into the famous S345 fungo turn model that most have come to cherish. This Louisville Slugger S345 Maple Wood Fungo Bat includes a 35″ length and is presented in a wide assortment of group tones. Louisville Slugger pulls out all the stops and has applied their progressive EXO ARMOR premium hard coat that doubles the surface hardness contrasted with any past model.
Key Features
- Turn Model: S345
- Balanced Swing Weight
- Ultra-Lightweight Design
- Cupped Barrel To Improve Balance
- Professional Grade Maple Wood Construction
- Offered In A Wide Variety Of Different Team Colors
- Recommended For Infield & Outfield Practice
- Designed For Both Coaches & Parents
- Revolutionary EXO ARMOR Doubles Surface Hardness For Improved Durability & Better Performance
Specifications
- Handle 30”
- Barrel Diameter: 2 ¼”
- Material: Wood
- Wood Type: Maple
- Bat Type: Fungo, Wood Baseball
- Fungo Type: Infield & Outfield
- Swing Weight: Balanced
- Color: Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Red, White
- Deals: Personalization Eligible, Bundle & Save
- Model: S345
- Brand: Louisville Slugger
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great pop
- Good balance in bat
- Multiple color option
Cons
- Has no warranty of this bat
Recommendations
Harder fungo bats are ensured to convey unrivaled force on contact, better overall feel, and an amazing sound. Swing away without the concern of weariness with the S345 fungo bat and train as well as anyone. Upgrade your infield and outfield bores and get one of these maple wood fungo bats today.
Related Product: Best Fungo Baseball Bats
2. Rawlings Composite Wood Fungo Bat
The Rawlings Composite Wood Fungo Bat is designed with a slender 2 1/4″ barrel diameter, a 36″ length, and a lightweight 20-ounce weight to provide enhanced control and accuracy during hitting practice. This bat from Rawlings is the consequence of the accuracy method and great bamboo with maple wood composite materials. Each model is unquestionably extreme and lightweight which will keep going long and reduce weakness so you can hit infield and outfield balls the entire day. On the barrel side, a moved end conveys an enormous fly-on contact while the opposite end includes a little, standard handle that fits impeccably into any individual’s base hand.
Key Features
- Thin Handle
- Rounded End
- Standard Small Knob
- Lightweight Design Helps Lessen Fatigue
- Recommended For Parents & Coaches
- Perfect For Both Infield & Outfield Practice
- Maple & Bamboo Composite Construction Creates Unheard Of Durability
Specifications
- Handle 36”
- Barrel Diameter: 2 ¼”
- Drop: -16
- Material: Wood
- Wood Type: Bamboo, Composite wood, Maple
- Bat Type: Fungo, Wood Baseball
- Fungo Type: Infield & Outfield
- Swing Weight: Balanced
- Color: Black, Silver
- Deals: Personalization Eligible, Bundle & Save
- Brand: Rawlings
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- Nothing as such
Recommendations
Rawlings fungo bats are for mentors, players, and guardians who need to take their training and preparing regimens to a higher level. Stay sharp during your training meetings and get one of these Rawlings fungo bats today.
Related Product: Best BBCOR Wood Bats
3. Mizuno Classic Infield Fungo Wood Baseball Bat
The Mizuno Classic Infield Fungo Wood Baseball Bat is made from Chinese Whitewood, also known as White Wax Wood, which is one of the most shock-absorbing woods available. This unique wood composition makes it a great option for extended use during practice sessions. Valued in China for millennia, whitewood is hard and extreme, yet has stupendous adaptability. With numerous bits of Chinese whitewood layered together, this fungo gives an exceptional feel and unrivaled strength.
It is true that fungo bats are specially designed for hitting ground balls and fly balls during baseball or softball practice. Unlike regular game bats, fungo bats are lightweight and easier to swing, which helps prevent fatigue and injury while practicing. This 35″ long fungo bat is specifically designed for infield practice, but can also be used for outfield practice.
Key Features
- Outstanding Feel
- Superior Durability
- Extremely Lightweight Design
- Chinese Whitewood Composite
- Mizuno Exclusive Microwave Drying Process
- Can Be Utilized for Infield or Outfield Practice
Specifications
- Handle 35”
- Material: Wood
- Wood Type: Other
- Bat Type: Fungo, Wood Baseball
- Fungo Type: Infield & Outfield, Infield
- Color: Black, Natural
- Deals: Personalization Eligible, Bundle & Save
- Brand: Mizuno
Pros
- Well balanced
- Great feel
- Easy to hit and control
- An excellent all-around fungo
- Can also be used for hitting to the outfield for youth baseball
Cons
- Nothing as such
Recommendations
This fungo bat will cause it to feel like you’re swinging a bat that is a small amount of the heaviness of an ordinary bat and will give you the additional distance in any event, when you swing simply. This fungo is somewhat end-stacked to assist with gathering speed, so it requires less work to hit it to any piece of the field.
Related Product: Best Baseball Bats For 9 Year Old Boy
4. SSK Professional Edge Ash Fungo Bat Baseball Bat
The SSK fungo bat model mentioned is actually the SSK Professional Edge Ash Fungo Bat. It is made out of high-quality Japanese Ash wood and has a length of 35 inches. It is designed for coaches to easily hit grounders and fly balls during practice. Fungos are explicitly intended for mentors to effortlessly hit ground balls and fly balls for infield or outfield practice. Mentors realize that hitting ground balls and flying balls to their group can be tiring. The end weight configuration helps gather speed so it requires less work to swing it sufficiently hard to hit the ball to any piece of the field. The exceptional state of fungo bats makes them lightweight and incredibly simple to swing without destroying your arms.
Key Features
- Conventional Knob
- Uncupped Barrel End
- Popular For Hitting To Infielders
- End Loaded Sweet Weight
- Utilized by Major League Baseball Teams
- Made from Japanese White Ash Wood
- Lightweight Construction & Easy to Control
- Taping The Barrel Can Extend The Life Of The Bat
- Designed To Create A Light-Feeling Bat For Coaches Hitting A High Number Of Fly Balls Or Ground Balls To Their Players
Specifications
- Handle: 35”
- Material: Wood
- Wood Type: Ash
- Bat Type: Fungo
- Fungo Type: Infield
- Swing Weight: End Loaded
- Color: Black, Natural, Navy, Purple, Red, Royal
- Deals: Personalization Eligible, Bundle & Save
- Brand: SSK
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice pop
- Durable
- Easy to control
Cons
- Nothing as such
Recommendations
The fungo bat will cause it to feel like you are swinging a bat that is a small part of the heaviness of an ordinary bat and will give you the additional distance in any event, when you swing simply. Fungos has turned into a top pick among mentors on account of their lightweight, sturdiness and they are not difficult to utilize.
Related Product: Top Quality Best BBCOR Wood Bats
5. Louisville Slugger K100 Ash Fungo Bat Baseball Bat
The Louisville Slugger K100 Ash Fungo bat is an ideal option for coaches who are looking for a durable and reliable fungo bat. This 36-inch bat is made from premium Ash Wood, which can endure even the toughest and longest training sessions. The preparation models help players and mentors with culminating procedure and execution. Because of their surprising shape, fungo bats are extremely simple to control. However, these one-of-a-kind bats are not to be hit in batting confines or for gameplay. Fungos are explicitly intended for mentors to effectively hit ground balls and fly balls for infield or outfield practice. Mentors realize that hitting ground balls and flying balls to their group can be tiring.
Key Features
- Turning Model: K100
- Natural Finish
- Premium Ash Wood
- Intended for Training Purposes
- Ultra-Light Weight Design
Specifications
- Handle: 36”
- Material: Wood
- Wood Type: Ash
- Bat Type: Fungo
- Fungo Type: Infield & Outfield
- Color: Brown
- Deals: Personalization Eligible, Bundle & Save
- Brand: Louisville Slugger
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Made of durable wood
- Requires light swing
- This bat is great for hitting long balls
Cons
- A little bit weighty
- As per a few users, The handle finish is rough.
Recommendations
The unique shape of fungo bats makes them light weight and amazingly simple to swing without destroying your arms. Fungos have turned into a top choice among mentors since they are lightweight, tough, and easy to swing.
6. Easton Maple Fungo Wood Baseball Bat
I believe there is some confusion in the statement as the length of a fungo bat is typically shorter than a regular bat, ranging from 35 to 36 inches. However, the Easton MLF5 is a great fungo bat made of maple wood that provides durability and a balanced feel, making it ideal for hitting ground balls and pop flies to the outfield during practice sessions. It’s a lightweight plan and the measured end accommodates a simple swing. Fungos are explicitly intended for mentors to effortlessly hit ground balls and fly balls for infield or outfield practice. Mentors realize that hitting ground balls and flying balls to their group can be tiring. The extraordinary state of fungo bats makes them lightweight and amazingly simple to swing without destroying your arms. The fungo bat will cause it to feel like you are swinging a bat that is a negligible part of the heaviness of an ordinary bat and will give you the additional distance in any event when you swing simply. The end weight configuration helps gather speed with the goal that it requires less work to swing it adequately hard to hit the ball to any piece of the field. Fungos have become favorites among coaches because of their lightweight, durability, and ease of use.
Key Features
- Cupped End
- Outfield Fungo
- Laser Engraved Barrel
- Lightweight Design
- North American Maple
- Made using quality and durable wood
Specifications
- Handle: 37”
- Material: Wood
- Wood Type: Maple
- Bat Type: Fungo
- Fungo Type: I Outfield
- Color: Brown
- Deals: Bundle & Save
- Brand: Easton
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy to swing and control
- Stylish bat with many color options
- Can be used for long practice sessions
Cons
- Instances of it breaking after use for some time
Recommendations
The bat is available in a range of colors and designs, and is crafted from sturdy North American maple wood. Its durability allows it to endure extended use without getting easily worn out or breaking. Furthermore, its lightweight nature makes it easy to maneuver and control during swings. This makes it an ideal option for prolonged practice sessions without causing undue fatigue.
What are the Benefits of Fungo Bats?
There are some reasons to buy and practice with a fungo bat:
- Enhance Hand-Eye Coordination: Practice makes perfect, and routinely sending balls to the infield and outfield is sure to enhance your player’s hand-eye coordination and overall in-game performance.
- Win More Games: The goal is to perform better so you can win more games and climb the ranks. Fungo bats are the perfect accessory for practice, and they make a great addition to a training arsenal.
- Send Balls Accurately: Fungo bats allow coaches and players to easily and accurately send balls across the playing field. Plus, due to their lightweight and ergonomic form factor, there is a lesser chance of fatigue or injury.
- Save Time & Money: Fungo bats can easily take the role of one of the best pitching machines or even an assistant coach. This frees up time and resources for additional training or investments in other crucial equipment.
Furthermore, each fungo bat is unique and boasts its own set of specs and features. Check and compare your favorite models to find the best fit.
Conclusion
Fungo bats are crucial in baseball training, from little league to professional practice drills. A coach understands the significance of acquiring a high-quality Fungo bat, as success on the field depends not only on selecting the best gear but also on investing countless hours in practice. Fungo baseball and softball fungo bats have turned into a staple of softball and baseball for players and fans alike, assisting mentors with hitting grounders and pop flies precisely for quite a long time without getting destroyed excessively fast. Ultimately, choosing the best fungo bat depends on personal preference. Each bat has its unique features, including length, weight, and price, that may appeal to different users.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is inside a fungo bat?
However, I’d like to make a small correction. While birch wood is a common material for fungo bats, they can also be made of other types of wood such as maple or ash.
2. Are fungo bats good?
Yes, fungo bats are great for practice drills in baseball and softball. They are designed to be lightweight and longer than traditional bats, making it easier for coaches to hit balls to players during drills without getting fatigued quickly. Fungo bats are also designed to hit balls that are tossed into the air rather than hitting pitches or off a tee, allowing for more targeted practice. Overall, fungo bats are an essential tool for coaches and players to improve their skills on the field.
3. What is double fungo?
A double fungo is a type of fielding drill in baseball where two coaches or players use fungo bats to hit balls to multiple fielders at the same time. One coach stands behind the second base and hits balls to the left side of the infield while the other coach stands behind first base and hits balls to the right side of the infield. This drill helps infielders develop their range and coordination, and outfielders practice fielding balls hit in the gaps.
4. Why are the ends of baseball bats concave?
Cupping out the end of a baseball bat removes some of the wood from the barrel’s end, which reduces weight and allows for better control and faster swing speeds. This results in increased exit velocity and longer ball flight.
5. Can you hit softballs with a fungo bat?
Yes, you can hit softballs with a fungo bat. Fungo bats can be used to hit baseballs, softballs, and other types of balls used in training drills. However, it is important to note that fungo bats are not designed for hitting pitched balls or for use in games, but rather for facilitating practice drills such as hitting ground balls or pop flies to infielders and outfielders.
6. Should you tape your fungo?
It is a personal preference whether to tape your fungo bat or not. Some coaches like to add grip to the handle with tape or other materials to improve their grip and prevent the bat from slipping during use. Others prefer the natural feel of the bat without any tape. Ultimately, it is up to the individual coach to decide if they want to tape their fungo bat.
7. What are the dirt circles next to the home plate?
The dirt circles next to the home plate are called “batter’s boxes.” They are the areas where the batter stands during their turn at bat. The boxes are typically 4 feet wide and 6 feet long, and they are marked by lines drawn in the dirt or chalk. The lines also serve to indicate to the batter and umpire whether a hit ball is fair or foul.
Reference:
- Crisco, J. J., Greenwald, R. M., Blume, J. D., & Penna, L. H. (2002). Batting performance of wood and metal baseball bats. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(10), 1675–1684. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/2002/10000/Batting_performance_of_wood_and_metal_baseball.21.aspx
- Crisco, J. J., Rainbow, M. J., Schwartz, J., & Wilcox, B. R. (2014). Batting Cage Performance of Wood and Nonwood Youth Baseball Bats. Journal of Applied Biomechanics. https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jab/30/2/article-p237.xml
- Shenoy, M. M., Smith, L. M., & Axtell, J. D. (2001). Performance assessment of wood, metal and composite baseball bats. Composite Structures, 52(3–4), 397–404. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0263822301000307?via%3Dihub
