As the Cape Cod Baseball League celebrates opening day tomorrow, Barnstable Bat Company is celebrating 25 years of handmade wooden bat making on Cape Cod.
After being tired of being in the construction trade, Tom Bednark combined his love of sports with his woodworking knowledge to create Barnstable Bat Company in 1992. It all began when Bednark saw a small line in a trade magazine that stated wooden bats were making a comeback. He turned to his wife and said, “Let’s start selling wooden bats.” He’d already made a few for his own sons and decided it was an excellent opportunity given the popularity of the Cape League.
At first it was only novelty bats and then players began to ask if he made game bats. He made a few and sales took off. “We were able to get the players better wood than the big corporations,” said Bednark.
In 1995, Barnstable Bat Company became the 13th ever Major League approved bat supplier. They now supply bats to over 250 players in the Major Leagues.
Bednark says it’s always wonderful when a player returns to Barnstable Bat company to buy a wooden bat for their child to use. “There’s been so many who started in the Cape League, then went on to the Major Leagues, then bring their kids in to get their bats. It’s wonderful,” said Bednark.
In addition, to professional bats, the novelty bats are still going strong. Bats to commemorate births, weddings, graduations, and retirements are popular gifts. “You name it. We’ll make it,” said Bednark, “They come up with the idea and we make it.”
In addition, Bednark owns the patent for the Star Spangled Banner Bat. A custom made bat which holds a flag and can be mounted on the wall.
Barnstable Bat Company has sold bats all over the world and every single one is made at the shop in Centerville by Tom Bednark. The company, 25 years later, is still staffed soley by Bednark and his wife, Christine.
You can buy novelty and game bats online at their website or by visiting the shop at 40 Pleasant Pines Ave, Centerville MA 02632.
By Rebecca Romo, Lifestyle Reporter CapeCod.com
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