Alright, so the other day I decided my trusty bat needed a little extra grip. I’d been noticing my hands slipping a bit, especially during those sweaty summer games. So, I figured it was time to try out some pine tar. I’d heard all about it, seen the pros use it, but never actually done it myself. This is how it went down.
Getting Started
First things first, I grabbed my bat and the pine tar stick I picked up at the local sports store. I’d opted for the stick instead of the liquid stuff, seemed less messy. I also made sure to have a rag handy, just in case. I find a good place, lay down all my stuff and I’m ready to begin the real work!
Applying the Pine Tar
I started by warming up the pine tar stick a little – just rubbing it in my hands for a bit to make it more pliable. Then, I began applying it to the bat handle. I wanted to focus on the area where I grip the bat most, not the entire handle.
I rubbed the stick up and down, kind of like I was coloring with a crayon. I didn’t want to cake it on, just a nice, even layer. My goal was tacky, not sticky-icky, you know?
- First Pass: A light coat, just to get a base layer down.
- Second Pass: I went over it again, focusing a bit more on the areas where my hands make the most contact.
I used the rag a few time to even put the pine tar.
Checking the Grip
After applying the pine tar, I picked up the bat and took a few practice swings. Immediately, I could feel the difference. My grip felt much more secure, and I felt like I had more control over the bat. Success!
It wasn’t overly sticky, which was good. Just a nice, comfortable tackiness that felt perfect. I did notice a little bit of residue on my hands, but nothing major. I’ve heard that some people like to use rosin after applying pine tar to reduce that, but I didn’t have any on hand. Might try that next time.
The Aftermath
Overall, the whole process was super easy and took maybe 10 minutes, tops. The improved grip was definitely noticeable, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it performs during a game. I am so excited to try it in a real game!
If you’re thinking about trying pine tar, I’d say go for it. Just remember, less is more. Start with a thin layer and add more if you need it. And don’t be afraid to experiment a little to find what works best for you. That’s the beauty of this – it’s all about personal preference.
