Midwest's Premier High School Baseball Wood Bat Tournament

The Bartlett Wood Bat Blast Tournament

The Bartlett Wood Bat Blast is an exciting amateur baseball tournament held annually in Bartlett, Illinois for elite high school players from around the Midwest. As the name suggests, all players in the tournament use wood bats rather than metal or composite bats. Using wood bats helps prepare players for the next level, where wood is required for NCAA and professional play.

History of the Bartlett Wood Bat Blast

The Bartlett Wood Bat Blast tournament first began in 2008 as an event to showcase top high school talent in the Chicago suburbs using wood bats. Over the years it has expanded into a highly competitive three-day tournament drawing in an average of 64 teams and over 900 players from 4 different states.

The tournament is held at the Bartlett Community Park which contains eight baseball fields allowing for up to four games to occur simultaneously. It takes place in mid-July each year, bringing together athletes during a time when most travel teams have paused their schedules.

Tournament Format and Rules

The 64 participating teams in the Bartlett Wood Bat Blast are divided into four 16-team brackets. Each bracket plays a pool play format leading into a single elimination playoff round. Teams are guaranteed four games - two in pool play, and at least one in the playoff rounds.

Games follow standard high school rules with seven innings per regulation game, however some exceptions are made to accommodate the tournament schedule. There is a strict two hour time limit enforced on all games, with tied games ending in a draw after the final completed inning. Run rules also apply to shorten lopsided games once an eight run differential is reached after five innings (or 4.5 innings if the home team is ahead).

Using Wood Bats

The key distinguishing factor of the Bartlett tournament is the wood bat requirement. Using wood bats over the more common metal bats provides players with important developmental experiences. The wood bats have less pop, requiring players to focus more on perfecting their swing mechanics and making solid contact.

Learning to use wood bats effectively helps hitters improve their balance, bat speed, and bat control. It also makes them better at hitting breaking balls and adjusting to different pitch velocities. All critical skills needed when facing advanced pitching in college and the pros where wood is required.

Elite Talent and Competition

The Bartlett Wood Bat Blast attracts some of the top high school prospects in the Midwest region looking to test their abilities. The high level of talent and competition makes it a preview of post-season conference tournaments and state championships.

Hundreds of college and professional scouts attend the tournament each year to evaluate players. The event has helped numerous alums go on to be selected in the MLB draft or receive full college scholarships.

Memorable Tournament Moments

There have been many legendary performances throughout the history of the tournament. In 2016, Anthony Rizzo of the Chicago Cubs made an appearance and treated fans to a home run derby show. Other Bartlett alumni like George Springer have gone on to MLB stardom after showcasing their skills at the tournament.

Each year there are walk-off wins, unlikely comebacks, dominant pitching outings, and monster home runs. Teams battle with passion and excitement through intense Illinois summer heat trying to emerge victorious and make Bartlett Wood Bat Blast history.

Bartlett Wood Bat Blast Tournament Impact

Over its 15+ year history, the Bartlett Wood Bat Blast has left a meaningful imprint on amateur baseball in the greater Chicagoland area. It has showcased incredible talents like Anthony Rizzo on their path to MLB stardom. The tournament has also connected players to college programs helping them achieve their goals of playing at the next level.

For the Bartlett community, it brings together families and fans for a thrilling mid-summer baseball experience. The tournament celebrates the city’s passion for the sport and connection to elite baseball.

The Bartlett Wood Bat Blast tournament has cemented itself as a proving ground for premier high school players in the Midwest. Using wood bats distinguishes it from other tournaments and gives players an experience that embodies the spirit of pure baseball - skill, fundamentals, passion and community.

FAQs

Where and when is the Bartlett Wood Bat Blast tournament held?

The Bartlett Wood Bat Blast tournament is held every July at the Bartlett Community Park in Bartlett, Illinois. It is a 3-day tournament that takes place on 8 baseball fields at the park.

Who is eligible to play in the tournament?

The Bartlett Wood Bat Blast is open to elite high school baseball teams and top prospects from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan.

What type of bats are used in the tournament?

As the name suggests, all players participating in the tournament solely use wood baseball bats rather than composite or metal bats.

How many teams participate and what is the tournament format?

There are 64 teams divided into 4 brackets of 16 teams each. The format includes pool play leading into single elimination playoffs where teams are guaranteed at least 2 games.

Do college and pro scouts attend the tournament?

Yes, the tournament draws hundreds of college and professional baseball scouts each year seeking to evaluate top high school prospects for their programs using wood bats.