If your bat has difficult to remove buildup or scuff marks, wet your cleaning rag with a little bit of rubbing alcohol. [1] X Research source
Pine tar is less likely to get on your hands when using it in stick form, but to avoid accidentally transferring it somewhere else, wear plastic gloves while applying it to the bat.
When you feel like you need more stickiness on the bat’s handle, tap your hand against the barrel and then back on the handle to transfer a little bit of tar to the handle at a time. Avoid applying pine tar onto or beyond the bat’s label. Most baseball leagues have rules against applying tar this far up the bat. [4] X Research source
When applying a rosin bag, use only a little bit at a time. You can always add more, but to remove grittiness, you’ll likely have to clean off the entire bat.
If your pine tar didn’t come with an applicator, use a rigid piece of scrap plastic or wood instead. A sturdy plastic spoon, for example, might work well. Because liquid pine tar tends to spread easily, you may want to wear latex gloves so it doesn’t get on your hands.
Be careful not to spread the pine tar farther up the barrel of the bat than the label. Doing so will likely be a violation of your league rules for pine tar application. [9] X Research source Pine tar will apply most easily to bats with a rough or textured surface. Bats with a smooth surface may require a second application of tar. Wait about 24 hours between applications. [10] X Research source
As the pine tar scrapes away, it will fall off in bits and pieces, making quite a mess. Make cleanup easier by covering your work area with a layer of newspaper or a drop cloth. It’s best to remove old pine tar completely before adding a new layer, otherwise impurities can spread from the old to the new. Fine-grit sandpaper is useful for taking off stubborn tar. Lightly sand areas with stubborn tar until the wood is clean and smooth to the touch. [14] X Research source
This process will be easiest if you scrape away excess pine tar and peel off tape first. [16] X Research source For improved cleaning power, use a specially formulated compound for cleaning bats, like Goo Gone or CleanUp Batter. Some cleaners may be harsh on your skin. Always follow the label instructions of cleaning products for the best results, and wear latex gloves when necessary.
One of the most popular ways of applying athletic tape is by rolling it around and up the handle of the bat at a 45° angle. Leave thin gaps in the tape to improve the grip. [18] X Research source Unless it makes the grip uncomfortable, use two layers of tape. Like the first layer, use an upwards 45° angle, but fill in gaps left in the first layer with the second. [19] X Research source Generally, baseball leagues limit how far tape is allowed to travel up the neck of the bat. Look up your league rules and mark the bat with a permanent marker at the maximum allowed tape length.
When practicing, it’s a good idea to tape the barrel of your bat. This will drastically lower the chances of your bat breaking. [20] X Research source
