When getting ready to purchase a bat for your child's Little League games or for batting practice, you may be confused about whether to get a metal or a wood bat. Coaches may sometimes advise metal because it tends to last longer, and parents are always looking for longevity when they're going to spend money.

But be aware that metal bats, while initially stronger, can also erode and wear down, especially in colder climates. Wooden bats can break, it's true, but that usually happens with the cheaper ones. It also happens because youngsters don't take care of their equipment. Bats need to be stored carefully when not being used. They also need to be used with the trademark facing up or toward the player, as this ensures that the strongest part of the barrel will hit the ball.

Bats of good quality will stay sturdy in this way. Also, young players are generally not hitting the fast balls like professionals are, so breakage is not as likely. You don't often hear of a Little Leaguer breaking three bats in a season, as you do with the pros, though of course anything is possible and parents need to think ahead to all eventualities! What are the price differences between metal and wood?

Well, generally wood is cheaper. An aluminum bat can run anywhere from $150 - $400. The lower end of the price spectrum is for younger players, and the higher end for high school, college, and beyond. Bear in mind that you probably have to buy a new one every year because the child's dimensions cannot be allowed to outgrow those of the bat. Wood can be cheaper, even for good quality bats.

You can buy a standard one of nice wood second-hand for about $30 - $45. Woods are typically sturdy ones like ash, birch, bamboo, hickory, or oak. However, it may not be the best choice to buy a pre-used bat. You can buy one new for somewhere between $50 - $100, give or take a little, and it can be customized to your personal tastes and needs.

Weight and length will be perfect for you or your child so that success and self-confidence will be more likely, very important when helping build children's self-esteem. It can also be engraved so that it's your personal bat. This is the right choice if you want a bat specially fitted to you or your child for a fair amount of money. The president of Zinger Bats, Fred Lieberman, advocates this approach, as he takes great pride in his product, using only 20 inch straight grain wood for the bats he sells at pro levels. A nice compromise is to get a customized bat for games and a less expensive standardized one for batting practice or informal sessions.

And if you're wanting to buy in bulk for your family or to outfit a team, it's usually possible to get a discount on large orders of good wooden bats. A half dozen of these might cost you less than $400 and that would include shipping.