In a recent search I did for wood bat companies, I was happy to find TNT Bats from California. I was very intrigued when I found out its owner Theo Tobel was only 15 years old. Wow! When I found that out, I had to interview him and Theo was kind enough to answer some questions. Here’s the interview…
Q: Not a lot of people your age run their own business, how did you get into the bat making business? Our readers would love to know more about your inspiration, any mentors, and any previous business experience you may have had before starting TNT Bats?
A: I was tired of spending $100-150+ on a wood bat that might break on the first swing I took. I’ve always liked the idea of customizing my own bat, but it came at a hefty price. I thought it would be a great idea to hand turn fully customized baseball bats in the $85-90 price range. I was helped by a friend of mine who has been turning for a while, and turned his own baseball bat about a year ago. He helped me obtain the right materials, tools, and lathe.
Q: What is your favorite wood to make bats from, ash, maple, birch or some other type of wood and why? Also, which is your favorite to use?
A: I enjoy making bats from maple the best because maple is very hard on the surface and thus easier to turn. Also, it creates soft shavings, whereas the shavings of ash and birch bats are a bit spiky. Throughout my playing career, I’d say my wood of preference has been ash because of its durability and flex, but I am starting to lean more toward birch because it combines the best traits of ash and also maple, which is known for its power and hardness.
A. TNT Bats is special because for every bat sold I give one free handmade bat to a little league whose players can’t afford their own bats. Furthermore, each bat is hand-turned, which means that I do all the turning, sanding, and finishing. This is unlike other brands because their bats are all turned on CNC machines. I believe that turning bats by hand makes each bat really special.
Q. How do you feel about the current business environment for a wood bat company and do you see it as a growth business for the future? And why do you feel the way you do?
A. I feel that more middle school, high school, and college players are using wood bats because they immediately give feedback as to whether the ball is hit on the sweet spot.
Q. Is bat making what you want to do for a career? If so, why? If not, what would be your ultimate career choice and how did that choice come about?
A. Bat-making is not my long-term career choice, but it is a way for me to give back to the baseball community and learn and have fun while doing it. My goal is to have a career in baseball in some capacity; I love math and statistics and I aspire to have a job in the front office of an MLB team.
Q. For your bat making process, where do you get your wood, from a supplier, or do you have wood on your property you use in the bats?
A. For my business, I get only A-Grade billets from the forests of Maine (MaineBillets.com). They are incredibly reliable and each billet I have received from them has been top quality.
Q. If players are looking for a new wood bat for their next season, what would you tell them to convince them to buy a TNT bat?
A. If a player is looking for a wood bat, I’d tell them to buy from TNT Bats because the purchase will result in a new, hand turned bat for a player who can’t afford his or her own. Also, TNT Bats are fully-customizable at a very low price.
Okay, a few more questions not so much business related:
Q. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making bats?
A. As mentioned, I am a baseball nerd; I collect baseball cards, read articles on SABR and Fangraphs, watch baseball all day long, and write my own research papers. I also play electric bass guitar and I enjoy listening to classic rock music.
Q. Who are your favorite classic rock bands?
A. My favorite rock bands are Bruce Springsteen and the E street Band, and U2
Q. Do you play baseball? If so, what position do you play and can you tell me your favorite personal baseball moment?
A. I do play baseball – as a high school sophomore, I play middle infield and I pitch on the Santa Monica High School team. My favorite personal moment was the opportunity to be the starting pitcher on Opening Day for my high school team.
Q. How did you do in that game?
A. I struck out three batters, but didn’t get the win as our team lost in the bottom of the last inning.
Q. Finally, what’s your favorite baseball team and player?
A. Since I live in Los Angeles, I am a huge Dodgers fan. My all-time favorite player is Sandy Koufax, and my favorite current player is Clayton Kershaw.
Q. Wait, this is the final question… where you live, where’s the best place you go for a hamburger when you’re hungry and who has the best pizza?
A. For anyone visiting Los Angeles, I’d recommend The Counter Burger, it’s a little pricey but worth it! For Italian food, I’d recommend one of my best friend’s dad’s restaurant, Colapasta.
Thank you so much Theo for taking time to answer these questions for our readers.
FIND THEO and TNT BATS ONLINE:
TNT BATS (Website)
TNT BATS (Instagram)