[7/1/03]Along with the usual part-time jobs, baseball games and vacations, the Warren Central seniors are finding time for a little woodwork this week.

The WC summer team will take a break from its AAU schedule to play in a wooden bat tournament at Madison Central beginning Wednesday.

“It’s just something fun for the younger guys,” WC coach Kevin Coker said. “When you leave high school, unless you’re really spectacular, you’re not going to need to use a wooden bat after you get out of college. But it’ll make you feel like you’re a professional hitter … That’s what I’m going to tell them. Go out there and be a professional hitter today. Hit with a wooden bat.”

Most of WC’s players have never hit with a wood bat outside of the batting cage or during batting practice. Wood bats are heavier than aluminum bats, making it tougher to generate bat speed and hit balls.

As bats have gotten lighter over the years, some youth leagues have experimented with wood bats in an effort to improve safety. For college players with pro aspirations, there are wood bat summer leagues to help them adjust.

The change from metal to wood will be awkward for the Vikings, but not permanent.

After the tournament it will be back to business as usual, with three doubleheaders remaining before the state AAU tournament July 14-18.

So playing with a wood bat is an opportunity to try something different and have fun, WC’s players said.

“We’re probably not going to be able to hit like you hit, but it’s going to be something we’re going to enjoy doing, getting out of the same old thing,” said WC third baseman Zach Balthrop.

The change in bats will also bring about a change in style. Instead of playing for big innings and three-run homers, Coker said the Vikings would play small ball and use more bunting than bashing.

“We do like to rely on the big hit with our three, four, five guys, but a lot of times we’ll start the game off with a drag bunt, bunt that guy over, and then we might even squeeze him in,” Coker said. “That’s definitely what’s going to go on with the wood bat. A lot of small ball. That’s the way I like to play, and that’s the way they like to play.”

The pitchers will also have to adjust their style. With less threat of a mistake landing in the parking lot, they can be more aggressive and challenge hitters.

“I’m looking forward to it big-time. Just getting out of these aluminum bats, because they have so much pop,” said Balthrop, who also pitches for WC. “I’m hoping the pitchers will have a good weekend over there.”