Moody: Wooden bats should be saved for post-collegiate baseball. Though some players could still put up similar numbers without an aluminum bat, the majority of college baseball players would struggle with a wooden bat.

Aluminum bats are designed to hit baseballs harder and farther than wooden bats. The truth is, games are much more fun to watch when players are making solid contact.

As for an increased potential for injuries resulting from the use of metal bats, freak accidents will happen regardless of the type of bat. The major leagues have their fair share of injuries from pitchers getting hit with “come backers” [i.e. Bryce Florie, Rafael Soriano]. Flukes like these happen and can’t be prevented by switching the type of bat.

If college athletes are good enough to get drafted by a professional team, then they can focus on hitting with wood. For now, it’s better for college baseball players to stick with aluminum bats to keep games exciting for fans. The benefits outweigh the risks at this level. Watching a game filled with doubles and homeruns is far more exciting than broken bat pop-ups and weakly hit flares.

“Chicks dig the long ball,’ not the ground ball.

Varner: The aluminum bat has become a big part of college baseball. The ping of the bat hitting the ball is what separates college baseball from other sports. It’s a part of the sports’ essence because people identify that ping with the sport. It also helps the sport because young players are not as developed as players in the major leagues, meaning they most likely cannot hit the ball as far as the pros can. Aluminum bats help provide the offensive bang and the excitement found in the majors, while the players still provide all the defensive excitement needed with their gloves.

Wilkins: Pitchers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine said it best, “Chicks dig the long ball.” Not only do chicks dig the long ball, but everyone digs the long ball. The casual fan doesn’t watch baseball for the strategy or to see a pitching dual, they watch for the 500 foot bomb that clears the stadium. However, there is more to baseball then a shot that goes over the fence. The pros use wooden bats. So why do college players use aluminum bats?

The sound of “ping” off a bat is something that distinguishes college from the pros. However, the aluminum bat must go. Aluminum is a dangerous weapon to use against the defense. First, the ball travels farther off metal bats. Not only is it bad for the pitcher, but if the batter goes to the pros, then there is the chance of a let off in production. Also, aluminum bats cause balls to travel faster, which adds to the risk of injury for infielders.

Aluminum is popular and makes the ball travel farther, but wooden bats are safer and are the bats the pros use, so college baseball players should do the same.