At a very young age, I realized I had a passion for baseball. Although major league dreams faded, the love of the game did not and playing was no longer enough. After countless hours of research and conversation with players, coaches, professional woodworkers and bat makers I purchased my first lathe. The first few bats I cut by hand were less than optimal. Nevertheless, I continued to make improvements, changed my process repeatedly, saved money to purchase new equipment and developed my technique to hand turn bats to the correct weight and dimensions players required.

After a few years, logo development, a few sales to family and close friends, and plenty of blood sweat and tears, the passion continued to grow. I then became even more immersed in baseball, volunteering my time to coach youth leagues, then coaching part time only to realize my passion was in the creation of the equipment. The following year I decided to relinquish my coaching duties to fully pursue making bats.

Currently, Ondek Bats no longer creates bats by hand, but utilizes an automated CNC lathe to produce bats with near perfect accuracy. Bats are hand stained and dipped multiple times to yield a smooth consistent finish. Customizable engraving gives each customer the ability to create a personalized bat. Ondek Bats can help commemorate events, celebrate achievements, and provide encouragement every time players step into the box.

I take pride in my work, love what I do, and strive to deliver a customizable bat to each customer. Whether you hit homers or singles, play in youth or adult leagues, want to show your appreciation for players or coaches, I’ll work with each individual to build their own bat. This is my passion and my goal. Rain or shine, games or practices, slumps and streaks, and plenty more blood sweat and tears to come. It’s all for the love of the game.

-Tom Ondek