If you've been watching the Mickey Mantle Classic, you've likely seen the distinctive crack of wood at the plate. For many young athletes, switching from the familiar ping of aluminum to the classic feel of a wooden bat is a rite of passage, demanding a new level of skill and precision.

We went behind the scenes with JD Anderson, owner of Joplin's Home Run Bat Company, the official supplier for the tournament, to see how a simple billet of wood transforms into a game-ready weapon. The process is a fascinating blend of modern technology and old-school craftsmanship.

It starts with 40-inch "round sticks" of wood, typically ash or maple. These billets are loaded into a computerized lathe. "You program it, press start, and it spins, cutting back and forth until it whittles down into the perfect bat shape," Anderson explains. From there, each bat is meticulously sanded, custom-painted, and engraved with the iconic Mickey Mantle imagery before a final finish brings it to life.

This attention to detail matters because, as Anderson points out, "With a wood bat, it's the power of the hitter that's making that ball actually go." Unlike the forgiving "trampoline effect" of metal, wood rewards pure, precise contact—a true test of a hitter's ability. That's why you might notice a different style of play and even some lower-scoring games during the Classic.

Anderson's company has crafted over 200,000 bats in the last decade, a testament to the enduring demand for quality lumber. As the championship games approach this Saturday, the stage is set. These custom bats aren't just equipment; they're a link to baseball's rich history, ready for a new generation to make their own mark and, as Anderson hopes, "hit some home runs."