by Bob Schmidt

Created on: April 06, 2007   Last Updated: April 16, 2007

Baseball hitters use a donut on their bat as a warm-up routine for several reasons. As they await their turn in the on-deck circle, the additional weight of the donut as they take a few practice swings helps release pent-up tension in their arms and shoulders.

Additionally, when they take their turn at the plate, the lighter weight of the bat will make them feel quicker with their swing, which is largely an illusion. The psychology of feeling quicker is important to many hitters. Often, the difference between success and failure hinges on the psychological state of mind.

Some batters are more old-school and will swing two or three bats at the same time. It's the same exact principle, just the way it used to be done. Since pitchers use body language in an attempt to intimidate batters, it is only fitting that batters rip a few hard swings with extra weight to demonstrate that they are ready for him to "bring it on!".

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