{"product_id":"chandler-aj99-performance-cut-youth-maple-wood-baseball-bat-midnight-imperial","title":"Chandler AJ99 Performance Cut Youth Maple Wood Baseball Bat - Midnight\/Imperial","description":"\u003c!-- PAGE TITLE: Chandler AJ99 Youth Maple Bat | Traditional Knob --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1.4em; color: inherit; font-family: inherit;\"\u003eChandler AJ99 Performance Cut Youth Maple Wood Baseball Bat – Midnight\/Imperial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cb-wrap\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Product\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinished with a Midnight Satin Handle \u0026amp; Imperial Satin Barrel and Midnight Chandler Logo.\u003c\/strong\u003e Step up to the plate with confidence — this youth maple bat delivers pro-level craftsmanship, a balanced swing, and reliable performance for developing hitters who prefer the classic feel of a traditional knob.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cb-tag\"\u003eTraditional Knob\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"cb-tag\"\u003eLong Barrel\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"cb-tag\"\u003eBalanced Feel\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"cb-tag\"\u003eMaple\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"cb-tag\"\u003e4-Month Warranty\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"cb-tag\"\u003eYouth Bat\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"cb-tag\"\u003eMidnight\/Imperial\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBat Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"cb-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFeature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAJ99 Performance Cut Youth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpecies\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaple\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKnob Taper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTraditional\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBarrel Taper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLong\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBarrel Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMedium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSwing Feel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHandle Finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMidnight Satin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBarrel Finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImperial Satin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLogo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMidnight Chandler Logo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 Months\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose the Chandler AJ99 Youth Maple Bat?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chandler AJ99 Performance Cut Youth Maple Wood Baseball Bat is built for young players who demand a professional feel and consistent performance from their wood bat. Constructed from Chandler's carefully selected, top-grade maple supply — each billet ink dot tested to verify proper slope of grain — this youth bat provides the durability, solid contact, and safe performance that developing hitters and their parents can rely on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe long barrel maximizes the hitting area, giving youth hitters a more forgiving sweet spot and a better chance at solid contact on every swing. The balanced swing feel allows young players to generate smooth, repeatable bat speed without sacrificing control — building the proper mechanics that will serve them throughout their career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished in an eye-catching Midnight and Imperial colorway with a Midnight Chandler logo, this youth maple bat combines performance, durability, and standout style. The traditional knob anchors the grip with a classic, ergonomic feel that generations of players have trusted at every level of the game.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTraditional Knob: Classic Control at the Plate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AJ99 Performance Cut Youth Maple Bat features a \u003cstrong\u003etraditional knob\u003c\/strong\u003e — the timeless standard trusted by baseball players at every level for over a century. The traditional knob provides a secure stopping point for the bottom hand, promoting proper grip retention and wrist stability through the entire swing path. For developing hitters learning correct hand placement and swing fundamentals, the traditional knob encourages consistency and control from first pitch to final out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlayers who have grown up using conventional baseball bats — or those who simply prefer the classic feel — will find the traditional knob intuitive and comfortable, allowing them to focus on mechanics and execution rather than adjusting to a new grip design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLong Barrel for Maximum Contact Area\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA long barrel taper extends the hitting surface further toward the handle before narrowing, effectively widening the sweet spot and giving youth hitters more surface area for solid contact. Whether making contact on an inside pitch or reaching for something away, the AJ99's long barrel design is forgiving, confidence-inspiring, and ideal for developing hitters who are still fine-tuning their pitch recognition and swing timing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eChandler Craftsmanship in Every Youth Bat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInk Dot Tested for Safety \u0026amp; Strength\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Chandler bat — including this youth maple model — is \u003cstrong\u003eink dot tested\u003c\/strong\u003e to verify the slope of grain meets Major League Baseball's strict standards. Bats with a proper, parallel grain slope are significantly stronger, safer, and far less likely to produce dangerous multi-piece breaks. A drop of black ink is placed on the sanded handle; as it absorbs, it bleeds along the grain. A straight bleed confirms a safe, durable piece of wood. Chandler's ink dot process ensures every young player is swinging a bat built with their safety in mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMidnight Chandler Logo — A Mark of Craftsmanship\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eMidnight Chandler Logo\u003c\/strong\u003e on this youth bat reflects the same brand identity and quality commitment found on every bat in the Chandler lineup — from T-ball to the big leagues. It's a subtle but powerful reminder that from the first swing, your young player is holding a bat crafted with the same attention to detail as the pros use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePremium Maple: Hard, Dense, and Performance-Ready\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaple\u003c\/strong\u003e is the species of choice for the majority of MLB hitters, and for good reason: it offers the hardest, densest hitting surface of any commonly used bat wood, maximizing energy transfer from bat to ball at the moment of contact. Unlike ash, maple does not flex — it transmits force directly, resulting in harder-hit balls. Chandler selects only premium maple billets that meet their strict grain slope standards, ensuring peak performance for youth players right out of the wrapper, with no break-in required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e4-Month Warranty\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis youth bat comes backed by Chandler's \u003cstrong\u003e4-month warranty\u003c\/strong\u003e. In the event of a covered breakage within the first four months from the date of purchase, Chandler will replace your bat — subject to their warranty terms and conditions. It's one of the most comprehensive warranties in wood bat manufacturing and a direct reflection of the confidence Chandler places in every bat they handcraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Chandler Bats: Different By Design™\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFounded in 2009 in East Norriton, Pennsylvania, \u003cstrong\u003eChandler Bats\u003c\/strong\u003e was created in response to a rising bat breakage crisis in Major League Baseball. Driven by a commitment to player safety, precision engineering, and unmatched craftsmanship, Chandler has grown into one of the most respected wood bat manufacturers in the world. In 2019, the brand was acquired by Yoenis Céspedes' YC52, LLC, expanding production capabilities while preserving the handcrafted quality that defines every Chandler bat. Their mission has never wavered: produce the undisputed best wood bat in baseball — for professionals and youth players alike. \u003cem\u003eDifferent By Design™.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cb-links\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShop More Chandler Bats \u0026amp; Wood Bat Collections:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chandler-bats\"\u003eChandler Bats\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/wood-bats\"\u003eWood Bats\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/baseball-bats\"\u003eBaseball Bats\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/maple-bats\"\u003eMaple Bats\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/youth-baseball-bats\"\u003eYouth Baseball Bats\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ash-bats\"\u003eAsh Bats\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/softball-bats\"\u003eSoftball Bats\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cb-faq-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat makes the Chandler AJ99 a good youth wood bat?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chandler AJ99 Performance Cut Youth Maple Bat is built to the same standards as Chandler's pro-level models — ink dot tested, precision toleranced, and made from carefully selected maple. The long barrel provides a generous sweet spot, and the balanced swing feel helps youth hitters build proper bat speed and plate coverage without overswinging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is a traditional knob and how does it differ from a flared knob?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003etraditional knob\u003c\/strong\u003e is the classic rounded end cap found on most baseball bats. It creates a natural stopping point for the bottom hand, helping hitters maintain control and grip retention through the swing. A \u003cstrong\u003eflared knob\u003c\/strong\u003e curves outward, providing additional wrist support and a softer contact point at the end of the handle. The traditional knob in this AJ99 model suits players who prefer a familiar, time-tested bat feel and conventional swing mechanics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat does a long barrel taper mean for a youth bat?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA long barrel taper means the barrel extends further down toward the handle before tapering inward, creating a larger overall hitting surface and more forgiving sweet spot. For youth players still developing their timing and pitch recognition, a longer barrel provides more room for contact and a greater likelihood of solid hits — especially on pitches that aren't perfectly centered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs maple a good wood choice for youth baseball players?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — maple is the hardest, densest wood used in bat production, providing a stiffer feel and greater energy transfer than ash or birch at the moment of contact. Chandler selects only top-grade maple billets, and this youth bat is ink dot tested to ensure proper grain slope for safety and durability. Maple bats also require no break-in period — they perform at peak from the first swing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the Chandler ink dot test?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ink dot test is Chandler's quality control process for verifying slope of grain in every bat. After the bat is sanded, a drop of black ink is placed on the handle. As it soaks in, the ink bleeds along the grain — a straight bleed indicates the grain runs parallel to the bat's length, confirming it meets MLB safety standards. Bats that pass produce controlled breaks along the handle rather than dangerous multi-piece failures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat does Chandler's 4-month warranty cover?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChandler's 4-month warranty covers bat breakage occurring within the first four months from the date of purchase, subject to Chandler's specific terms and conditions. In the event of a covered break, Chandler will replace your bat. This warranty reflects Chandler's confidence in their handcrafted product and is one of the strongest warranty programs available from a wood bat manufacturer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat are the Midnight and Imperial colors?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eMidnight Satin Handle\u003c\/strong\u003e features a deep, near-black tone with a smooth matte-satin finish that provides excellent grip comfort. The \u003cstrong\u003eImperial Satin Barrel\u003c\/strong\u003e is a bold, rich color that gives the bat a premium, professional appearance. Combined with the Midnight Chandler logo, this colorway gives youth players a bat that looks as sharp as it performs at the plate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat size options are available for this youth bat?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chandler AJ99 Performance Cut Youth Maple Bat is available in multiple youth-appropriate lengths and weights. Please refer to the product listing for current inventory availability. For help selecting the right length and weight based on your child's age, height, and strength, contact the Smash It Sports team — we're happy to help find the best fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhy buy Chandler bats from Smash It Sports?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmash It Sports is an authorized Chandler Bats retailer offering the full lineup of Chandler wood bats at competitive prices. We back every purchase with our \u003cstrong\u003eprice-match guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and offer free shipping on most orders. Our team consists of baseball specialists who can help you choose the right bat for your game. Shop with confidence from one of the largest online baseball equipment retailers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- JSON-LD: Product Schema --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- JSON-LD: Brand Schema --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- JSON-LD: FAQPage Schema --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n.cb-wrap{font-family:inherit;color:inherit;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto}\n.cb-wrap h2{font-size:1.4em;margin:1.2em 0 .5em;border-bottom:2px solid #c8a84b;padding-bottom:.3em}\n.cb-wrap h3{font-size:1.15em;margin:1em 0 .4em;color:#222}\n.cb-wrap h4{font-size:1em;margin:.8em 0 .3em;font-weight:700}\n.cb-specs{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:1em 0}\n.cb-specs th,.cb-specs td{border:1px solid #ddd;padding:.5em .75em;text-align:left;font-size:.92em}\n.cb-specs th{background:#111;color:#c8a84b;font-weight:700}\n.cb-specs tr:nth-child(even){background:#f8f8f8}\n.cb-tag{display:inline-block;background:#111;color:#c8a84b;font-size:.78em;font-weight:700;padding:.2em .6em;border-radius:3px;margin:.2em .2em .2em 0}\n.cb-faq-section{margin:1.5em 0}\n.cb-faq-section details{border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:4px;margin-bottom:.5em;background:#fff}\n.cb-faq-section summary{padding:.75em 1em;font-weight:700;cursor:pointer;font-size:.95em;list-style:none}\n.cb-faq-section summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}\n.cb-faq-section summary::after{content:' ▼';font-size:.75em;float:right}\n.cb-faq-section details[open] summary::after{content:' ▲'}\n.cb-faq-section details p{padding:.5em 1em 1em;margin:0;font-size:.93em;line-height:1.6}\n.cb-links{margin:1em 0;padding:.75em 1em;background:#f5f5f5;border-left:3px solid #c8a84b;font-size:.9em}\n.cb-links a{color:#111;text-decoration:underline;margin-right:.5em}\n.cb-badge{background:#c8a84b;color:#111;font-weight:700;display:inline-block;padding:.3em .8em;border-radius:4px;font-size:.85em;margin:.5em 0}\n\u003c\/style\u003e","brand":"Smash It Sports","offers":[{"title":"27\"","offer_id":62710858908019,"sku":"AJ99Y-27","price":119.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28\"","offer_id":62710858940787,"sku":"AJ99Y-28","price":119.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"29\"","offer_id":62710858973555,"sku":"AJ99Y-29","price":119.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30\"","offer_id":62710859006323,"sku":"AJ99Y-30","price":119.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"31\"","offer_id":62710896263539,"sku":"AJ99Y-31","price":119.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0557\/5766\/8405\/files\/ChandlerAJ99PerformanceCutYouthMapleWoodBaseballBat-Midnight_Imperial.jpg?v=1776195629","url":"https:\/\/smashitsports.com\/products\/chandler-aj99-performance-cut-youth-maple-wood-baseball-bat-midnight-imperial","provider":"Smash It Sports","version":"1.0","type":"link"}