<P> Though a wood bat is legal in NCAA competition , players overwhelmingly prefer and use a metal bat . The metal bat was implemented in college baseball in 1975 . Use of a metal bat is somewhat controversial . Supporters of an aluminum or composite bat note that it can increase offensive performance , as the speed of a ball off a metal bat is generally faster than off a wood bat . Those against metal , and for wood , argue that a metal bat is not safe to use , and that a metal bat does n't prepare players for the next level , as professional baseball uses a wood bat exclusively . In the 2011 season the NCAA changed the requirements for a metal bat , reducing the maximum allowed exit speed in a way that is said to produce a feeling more like a wood bat . As a result , in 2011 there was a drop - off in overall `` long '' drives or home runs relative to past years . </P>
<P> Though a wood bat is legal in NCAA competition , players overwhelmingly prefer and use a metal bat . The metal bat was implemented in college baseball in 1975 . Use of a metal bat is somewhat controversial . Supporters of an aluminum or composite bat note that it can increase offensive performance , as the speed of a ball off a metal bat is generally faster than off a wood bat . Those against metal , and for wood , argue that a metal bat is not safe to use , and that a metal bat does n't prepare players for the next level , as professional baseball uses a wood bat exclusively . In the 2011 season the NCAA changed the requirements for a metal bat , reducing the maximum allowed exit speed in a way that is said to produce a feeling more like a wood bat . As a result , in 2011 there was a drop - off in overall `` long '' drives or home runs relative to past years . </P>
when did college baseball switch to aluminum bats
when did college baseball switch to aluminum bats
1975
1975