How to Get Pine Tar Off a Bat: 4 Effective Methods

The Short Answer: To remove pine tar from a bat, use isopropyl alcohol, mineral spirits, or specialized bat cleaners with a soft cloth. For tough pine tar buildup, gentle heat can help loosen the sticky substance before wiping it away.

Understanding Pine Tar and Its Uses in Baseball

What Is Pine Tar, and Why Do Players Use It?

Pine tar is a sticky brown substance that baseball players apply to their bats to get a better grip. This improved grip helps players control their swings, especially in wet or humid conditions when bats might slip in their hands. Originally used in shipbuilding to seal wood, pine tar found its way into baseball because of its excellent grip-enhancing properties. When applied to the tapered part of the bat (between the handle and barrel), it creates a tacky surface that players can touch during their at-bats. This strategic placement allows players to easily access the sticky substance without it covering their grip area, giving them just enough tackiness to prevent the bat from slipping during swings.

The Famous "Pine Tar Game" Incident

The most famous story involving pine tar happened during the "Pine Tar Game" in 1983. George Brett of the Kansas City Royals hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees to take the lead. However, Yankees manager Billy Martin asked the umpires to check Brett's bat for excessive pine tar after Yankees third baseman Graig Nettles pointed out the possible rules violation.

Umpire Tim McClelland measured the pine tar on Brett's bat and ruled it exceeded the 18-inch limitation allowed by the rules. He called Brett out, which caused Brett to storm out of the dugout in famous fashion. In the confusion that followed, Brett's teammate Gaylord Perry attempted to hide the bat by taking it and instructing a bat boy to hide it in the Royals' clubhouse, hoping to prevent further examination.

Despite these efforts, American League President Lee MacPhail eventually overturned the call, ruling that the excessive pine tar didn't affect the performance of the bat. The game was completed 25 days later, resuming from the point after Brett's home run, with the Royals ultimately winning. This pine tar incident remains one of the most talked-about and controversial events in baseball history.

Modern Pine Tar Usage

Today, both wood bat and metal bat users apply pine tar, though the rules for how much you can use vary by league. Professional players often have their preferences about pine tar application, with some covering just the handle and others stretching it further up the barrel.

When and Why to Remove Pine Tar from Your Bat

There are several good reasons to clean pine tar off your bat:

1. Too much buildup - Over time, pine tar accumulates and mixes with dirt, which can actually make your grip worse instead of better.

2. Between tournaments - Many players like to clean their bats at the end of a tournament to get a fresh stick for the next go around.

3. Longevity - A clean bat lasts longer. This is true for both wood bats and metal bats.

4. Rule compliance - Using too much pine tar can make your bat illegal in some leagues, as George Brett learned at Yankee Stadium.

Wood bats need special care when removing pine tar because harsh chemicals can damage the wood. Metal bats (aluminum bats) are more durable but still need proper cleaning to maintain their grip and appearance.

Regular cleaning helps extend the life of your bat and keeps it looking good. A bat covered in old, dirty pine tar doesn't just look bad—it won't help your performance at the plate either.

Step-by-Step Methods to Remove Pine Tar

Method 1: Isopropyl Alcohol Technique

What you'll need:

• Isopropyl alcohol (91% works best)

• Soft cloth or paper towels

• Warm water

• Mild soap

Steps:

1. Pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol onto your soft cloth.

2. Rub the pine tar areas in a circular motion, working from the handle up.

3. As the cloth gets dirty, switch to a clean section or use a new cloth.

4. Once the pine tar is removed, wash the bat with mild soap and warm water.

5. Dry completely before using again.

This method works well for both wood bats and metal bats. The alcohol breaks down the sticky pine tar without damaging the bat.

Method 2: Heat and Wipe Method

What you'll need:

• Hair dryer

• Soft cloth

• Mild detergent

• Water

Steps:

1. Use a hair dryer on the low heat setting to warm the pine tar areas.

2. As the pine tar softens, wipe it away with a soft cloth.

3. For stubborn spots, apply heat again and continue wiping.

4. Clean the bat with mild soap and water after removing all pine tar.

5. Let the bat dry completely.

The heat makes the pine tar more liquid and easier to remove. Be careful not to overheat wood bats, as this could damage them.

Method 3: Commercial Cleaners

What you'll need:

• Bat cleaning product or Goo Gone

• Soft cloth

• Warm water

• Cotton balls (optional)

• Gloves (recommended)

Steps:

1. Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth (not directly to the bat).

2. Rub the pine tar areas gently until the tar dissolves.

3. For hard-to-reach spots, use cotton balls soaked in the cleaner.

4. Wipe off any excess cleaner.

5. Wash the bat with warm water to remove all chemical residue.

6. Dry completely with a clean towel.

Many players find that commercial cleaners work faster than household methods, especially for bats with heavy pine tar buildup. Products specifically made for baseball equipment often contain ingredients that break down pine tar without affecting the bat's finish or performance.

Commercial cleaners are formulated to remove sticky substances without damaging the bat's finish. They're especially useful for metal bats.

Tips for Different Bat Types:

Wood Bats:

• Avoid soaking wood bats in any liquid

• Work quickly with alcohol to prevent wood drying

• Always dry thoroughly to prevent warping

Metal Bats:

• Can handle stronger cleaners

• Make sure to clean inside the barrel edge where pine tar might collect

• Dry completely to prevent corrosion

To test if you've removed all the pine tar, run your hand over the bat. It should feel smooth with no sticky spots. If you find any, repeat the cleaning process on those areas.

Method 4: Freezing Technique for Stubborn Pine Tar

For particularly difficult pine tar removal situations, some players use a freezing method:

What you'll need:

• Freezer or ice packs

• Plastic scraper (nothing metal that could damage the bat)

• Soft cloth

• Cleaning solution of your choice from the methods above

Steps:

1. Place the bat in a freezer for 1-2 hours or apply ice packs to the pine tar areas.

2. Once the pine tar has hardened from the cold, use a plastic scraper to gently chip away the brittle tar.

3. Wipe down with a cloth soaked in your preferred cleaning solution.

4. Clean and dry as normal.

This method works well for extreme buildup cases where other methods have failed. The cold makes the pine tar brittle instead of sticky, allowing for easier removal without damaging the bat.

Preventative Measures and Proper Pine Tar Application

To make future cleanup easier, follow these tips for applying pine tar:

1. Use less pine tar - A thin layer gives you the same grip benefit with less mess. Many professional baseball players use just enough to improve their grip without excessive buildup.

2. Apply in the right spot - Keep pine tar on the lower half of the bat, below the 18-inch mark from the end of the handle. This follows the rule that caused the pine tar incident with George Brett.

3. Use a pine tar rag or stick - These tools help control the amount you apply. The grip stick or pine tar rag lets you add just what you need without making a mess.

4. Consider batting gloves - Using batting gloves can reduce how much pine tar you need on the bat itself.

5. Proper storage - Store your bat in a bat sleeve or bag to keep the pine tar from collecting dirt or transferring to other equipment.

When you need to reapply pine tar for best results, make sure the bat is clean first. Adding new pine tar over old, dirty pine tar just creates a bigger mess to clean later.

Getting a Better Grip With the Help of BRUCE BOLT

At BRUCE BOLT, we offer a pine tar solution that stays sticky longer than typical products and requires fewer applications. Our unique push-up applicator with a screw-on top keeps the pine tar fresh and reduces mess—no more dirty hands or sticky equipment bags!

What sets our pine tar apart is its proprietary blend of natural pine tar and rosin. This combination creates the tackiest, longest-lasting pine tar in baseball. Unlike regular pine tar that dries out in heat or becomes too gooey, our formula maintains optimal grip in all conditions. One application can last through an entire tournament, meaning less time spent cleaning your bat and more time focusing on your performance at the plate.

The next time you need pine tar, check out BRUCE BOLT Premium Pine Tar. With its convenient no-mess applicator, long-lasting formula, and optimal grip properties, you can spend less time dealing with cleanup headaches and more time honing your game.