{"title":"MLB Ink Dot","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family: sans-serif; max-width: 1000px; margin: auto; color: #333; line-height: 1.6;\" class=\"eeat-collection-header\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Navigation \u0026 League Authority --\u003e\u003cnav style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; background: #f4f4f4; padding: 10px 15px; border-radius: 5px;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/shop-by-certification\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0); text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e← \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Shop Certified Bats\" href=\"https:\/\/dugoutpros.com\/collections\/shop-by-certification\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0); text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eCertification Home\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.85em; font-weight: bold; color: #555;\"\u003eREQUIRED FOR: MLB, MiLB, \u0026amp; All Pro-Sanctioned Wood Leagues.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/nav\u003e\u003c!-- H1 Optimized for SEO --\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"color: #000; font-size: 2.8em; border-bottom: 4px solid #ff2a00; padding-bottom: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003eMLB Ink Dot Certified Wood Bats\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c!-- EEAT: Harwinton, CT Pro Wood Authority --\u003e\n\u003csection style=\"background: #fff; padding: 25px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-left: 6px solid #ff2a00; margin-bottom: 40px; box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #000;\"\u003eThe \"Thumbprint of Quality\": Pro-Grade Grain Inspection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the \u003cstrong\u003eDugout Pros Lab in Harwinton, CT\u003c\/strong\u003e, we treat the Ink Dot as a safety certification, not just a label. Major League Baseball mandates this test for all Maple and Birch bats to ensure the grain is straight enough to handle elite professional pitch speeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you're swinging \u003cstrong\u003eInk Dot Certified\u003c\/strong\u003e wood, you are swinging the top 3% of all wood harvested. We personally verify the \u003cstrong\u003eSlope of Grain\u003c\/strong\u003e on every billet, ensuring your bat meets the 1:20 ratio (less than 3 degrees of deviation) required to prevent catastrophic breakage on the big stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c!-- Deep Dive: The 4 Major Pro Woods --\u003e\n\u003csection style=\"margin-bottom: 40px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #ff2a00; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 5px;\"\u003eThe Pro Scouting Report: Wood Species Breakdown\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePro-grade wood performance is defined by density and cellular structure. Here is how our Lab categorizes the major Ink Dot species:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(300px, 1fr)); gap: 20px; margin-top: 20px;\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Rock Maple --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 20px; border: 1px solid #eee; background: #fafafa; border-top: 4px solid #333;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 1.2em;\"\u003eRock Maple (The King of Hardness)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaple is a diffuse-porous wood with incredibly tight grain, making it the densest option in the pros. It offers zero \"flex,\" resulting in maximum energy transfer and the highest exit velocity. Because its grain is hard to see, the \u003cstrong\u003eInk Dot is mandatory\u003c\/strong\u003e to prove structural safety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Yellow Birch --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 20px; border: 1px solid #eee; background: #fafafa; border-top: 4px solid #333;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 1.2em;\"\u003eYellow Birch (The Durable Hybrid)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBirch is the rising star of the MLB. It possesses the surface hardness of Maple but the internal flexibility of Ash. This allows the bat to \"give\" slightly on inside pitches, making it harder to break. Over time, Birch fibers actually compress and become harder with more use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Northern White Ash --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 20px; border: 1px solid #eee; background: #fafafa; border-top: 4px solid #333;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 1.2em;\"\u003eWhite Ash (The Flex \u0026amp; Feel Choice)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAsh is a ring-porous wood that offers a distinct \"trampoline effect.\" It is the lightest pro wood, allowing for higher bat speeds. Note: Ash does not require an Ink Dot because its grain is naturally visible, but we only stock \u003cstrong\u003eStraight-Grain Ash\u003c\/strong\u003e for pro-level durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- European Beech --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 20px; border: 1px solid #eee; background: #fafafa; border-top: 4px solid #333;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 1.2em;\"\u003eEuropean Beech (The New Contender)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecently approved for pro play, Beech offers extreme elasticity. It is incredibly difficult to shatter, behaving much like a composite wood bat while remaining 100% solid timber. It’s the perfect choice for hitters who want a massive sweet spot and maximum durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c!-- Technical Trust Grid: The Science of the Dot --\u003e\n\u003csection style=\"margin-bottom: 40px; background: #333; color: #fff; padding: 30px; border-radius: 8px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #ff2a00; margin-top: 0; text-align: center;\"\u003eThe Ink Dot Safety Standard\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 25px;\"\u003eWhy the MLB mandates a 3-degree grain slope for all Maple and Birch bats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-around; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 20px; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 150px; padding: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"margin: 5px 0; color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e3° SLOPE\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.85em; color: #ccc;\"\u003eThe ink must bleed straight. Any deviation over 3 degrees increases the risk of the bat \"shattering\" into shards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 150px; padding: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"margin: 5px 0; color: #ff2a00;\"\u003eBONE-RUBBED\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.85em; color: #ccc;\"\u003ePro wood is compressed with steel or bone to harden the outer fibers, preventing grain \"flaking\" after contact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 150px; padding: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"margin: 5px 0; color: #ff2a00;\"\u003eSTEEL CURED\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.85em; color: #ccc;\"\u003eMany pro brands like Victus and Marucci use a proprietary finish to ensure the wood is game-ready and moisture-locked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c!-- Trust Badges Bar --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: center; gap: 30px; margin-bottom: 50px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.85em; flex-wrap: wrap; color: #444; border-top: 1px solid #eee; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; padding: 15px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e✓ MLB\/MiLB CERTIFIED\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e✓ SLOPE-OF-GRAIN VERIFIED\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e✓ TOP 3% BILLETS ONLY\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e✓ FAST HARWINTON SHIPPING\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- SEO Silo\/Links --\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShop Pro-Grade Brands\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; gap: 10px; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-top: 15px;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dugoutpros.com\/collections\/mlb-ink-dot?filter.p.vendor=Marucci\u0026amp;sort_by=most-relevant\u0026amp;grid=default\" title=\"Marucci Ink Dot Collection\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"padding: 8px 18px; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 42, 0); border-radius: 4px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarucci Pro Wood\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca style=\"padding: 8px 18px; border: 1px solid #ff2a00; color: #ff2a00; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 4px; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"\/collections\/victus-ink-dot\"\u003eVictus Ink Dot\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca style=\"padding: 8px 18px; border: 1px solid #ff2a00; color: #ff2a00; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 4px; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"\/collections\/louisville-pro-stock\"\u003eLouisville MLB Prime\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca style=\"padding: 8px 18px; border: 1px solid #ff2a00; color: #ff2a00; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 4px; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"\/collections\/old-hickory-pro-wood\"\u003eOld Hickory Pro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"marucci-handcrafted-2024-ap5-professional-model-gunship-gray-baseball-bat-used","title":"Used 2024 Marucci AP5 Maple Wood Bat | MLB Ink Dot | Drop -3, 32”\/29oz | MVE4AP5-GG","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eMarucci AP5\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e is a masterpiece of craftsmanship designed for the pure power hitter. At \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eDugout Pros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e, we consider this one of the most balanced yet punishing wood bats available in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eConnecticut prospect circuit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e. Modelled after Albert Pujols' specific game-day preferences, the AP5 features a large barrel, a tapered handle, and a traditional knob that allows for a smooth, end-loaded feel. Handcrafted from top-quality maple, this bat is bone-rubbed for extreme surface hardness, ensuring that when you find the barrel, the exit velocity is unmatched. If you are looking for professional-grade lumber to use in wood-bat leagues or for draft preparation, the AP5 is the gold standard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #d32f2f; border-bottom: 2px solid #d32f2f; padding-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 30px;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dugoutpros.com\/pages\/the-dugout-pros-lab\" title=\"The Dugout Pros Lab\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eThe Dugout Pros Lab\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTATISTICS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2024 Marucci AP5 (MVE4AP5-GG)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e 32 Inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 29 Ounces\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrop:\u003c\/strong\u003e -3\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertification:\u003c\/strong\u003e MLB Pro Grade Maple (Ink Dot Certified)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBarrel Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large (2.5\")\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBat Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e One-Piece Solid Wood (Maple)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSwing Feel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slightly End-Loaded\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px;\"\u003eThe Lab\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 20px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBPR (Barrel Performance Rating): 5\/5\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRating Name: \u003cspan style=\"color: #d32f2f;\"\u003ePeak Performance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003csmall\u003eThis AP5 is in pristine condition. The grain is tight and the bone-rubbed finish has preserved the explosive pop you expect from Marucci's Pro Grade Maple. It is hitting at its absolute peak performance level.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBCR (Barrel Condition Rating): 5\/5\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRating Name: \u003cspan style=\"color: #d32f2f;\"\u003eShowroom Mint\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003csmall\u003eThis barrel is as clean as they come for a used bat. Our Lab inspection shows zero signs of flaking, checking, or grain separation. The MLB Ink Dot is perfectly visible, verifying the elite grain straightness of the wood.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBGR (Bat Grip Rating): 5\/5\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRating Name: \u003cspan style=\"color: #d32f2f;\"\u003eFactory New\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003csmall\u003eThe handle and grip area are near-mint. There is virtually no pine tar residue or batting glove wear, offering a factory-fresh feel for the player who prefers a clean, traditional wood handle.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOBR (Overall Bat Rating): 10.0\/10\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRating Name: \u003cspan style=\"color: #d32f2f;\"\u003eMint Condition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.9em; line-height: 1.5; color: #555;\"\u003eThis Marucci AP5 carries a perfect 10.0\/10 OBR, placing it at the top of our Mint Condition category. Calculated as ((5x.55)+(5x.35)+(5x.1))x2, this score reflects a bat that is indistinguishable from a new floor model. It offers the same elite performance and cosmetic perfection as a brand-new pro-grade wood bat but at a superior value, making it the premier choice for serious athletes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #fff4f4; padding: 15px; border-left: 5px solid #d32f2f;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePro-Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e The AP5 is built for hitters who like to \"whip\" the barrel through the zone. Because this bat is Ink Dot Certified, you can clearly see the slope of the grain—always make contact on the face grain for maximum durability and pop!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Marucci","offers":[{"title":"32\" \/ 29oz","offer_id":47232345047266,"sku":null,"price":159.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/3459\/1202\/files\/IMG_4669-Edited_2b661c4b-8e46-4d26-ba23-8703c9b9ad50.jpg?v=1766073805"}],"url":"https:\/\/dugoutpros.com\/collections\/mlb-ink-dot.oembed","provider":"Dugout Pros","version":"1.0","type":"link"}