The Effects of Various Warm-Up Devices on Baseball Bat Velocity in Collegiate Baseball Players: A Pilot Study
Jordan L. Cola, Ph.D., CSCS; Toni Lasala, Ph.D., CSCS, LMT

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of various weighted warm-up devices on standard baseball bat velocity and trajectory in collegiate baseball players. Methods: Three, right-handed (age 19.3 years ± 1.5 years; height 1.74 meters ± .13 meters; mass 81 kilograms ± 20.4 kilograms; baseball experience 14.2 years ± 1.3 years)volunteered. Maximal bat velocity was obtained by swinging the 30oz standard bat for the control condition. Participants were then instructed to perform a general and specific warm-up with each of the weighted bats (standard bat with 16oz donut ring (46oz total) and standard bat with 24oz power sleeve (54oz total)) on separate days. Following the warm-up procedures, participants were instructed to swing 3 times with the 30oz standard bat for maximal velocity while impacting the ball resting on the tee located belt-high and in the middle of home plate. Results: No significant differences were revealed by Shewart Chart method for baseball bat velocity. Conclusion: Based upon no changes in the dependent variable in the population tested, Division II collegiate athletes can choose any of the warm-up devices investigated because no deleterious effects were observed.

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