The use of Ash Bats in the MLB are declining because of the relatively recent rise of the Maple Bat. Maple Bats have become extremely popular since Barry Bonds broke the single season home run record using a maple bat. Maple is a denser wood than Ash, so the Ash bats are more flexible and more likely to break than maple. Although maple bats are more expensive, they usually last quite a bit longer than Ash so the difference in cost usually isn't an issue.
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It depends on the person batting
Depends on the hitter, bad swings break bats, swing correctly with good sound fundamentals at the plate and there should not be an issue! But of course aluminum usually lasts longer than wood. But swinging with wood forces you to swing correctly, so it is way better for your development.
Ash is a better performing wood. Maple needs to have more water density removed to make it light enough (2 - 2.5oz drop) for game use. Maple. It holds up far better then ash, although ash is lighter. Its your choice.
[1] Professional baseball only allows wooden bats. They tend to be made of ash, particularly the white ash of Pennsylvania. But other woods such as bamboo, hickory, and maple have been allowed. Unfortunately, hickory's heavy, and maple tends to shatter. [2] Amateur baseball allows wood and metall alloy bats.
The lightest type of wooden bat i have used has been Ash, it is very durable, light and has a good pop to it.