What Is So Good About a Fungo Bat?

Baseball players use a variety of out-of-game techniques to develop their on-the-field talent. Fielders may use an over-sized glove to practice catching baseballs in the field that they otherwise would not be allowed to use during the game. Many hitters use a fungo bat during baseball practice because they are designed to hit balls into the air. This allows everyone on the team to practice game-like situations in an out-of-game situation.

  1. Fungo Bat - Dimensions

    • A fungo bat is designed differently than a Major League Baseball-approved baseball bat; they tend to be longer and thinner to provide more of a pop when the bat makes contact with the baseball. A typical fungo bat is 35 inches long and weighs between 17 and 22 ounces.

    Fungo Bat - Purpose

    • A fungo bat is designed to hit balls into the air so that fielders can practice catching fly balls. Teams will often use multiple fungo batters to allow the entire infield to practice. A fungo circle is a small batter's circle, approximately 7 feet in diameter, located to the right and left of home plate. One fungo batter would hit to shortshop and third base and another one would hit to second base and first base.

    Fungo Bat - Effective Use

    • For the fungo bat to be effective it's normal for a pitcher to loft the baseball in the air as opposed to trying to pitch to the batter. Lofting the ball gives the batter a better view to hit the ball with the traditionally smaller fungo bat and allows for practice sessions to be much more effective.

    Fungo Bat - Practice

    • The disadvantage of using a fungo bat during practice is that, while you will hit the ball more with the longer bat, you won't get used to hitting the ball effectively with a normal bat that you would use in a regular game. A fungo bat is usually used by the training staff for fielding practice. It's also used most effectively by a batter that's not hitting the ball well to get his confidence back up.