Re: When hitting a ball with a metal or wooden bat, which would hit it farther.

In general, metal bats will result in farther hits for several reasons.
Aluminum and titanium alloy bats have bigger "sweet spots" than wooden bats.
A batter is more likely to hit the ball in the spot on the bat that produces
the best energy transfer to the ball (i.e. the sweet spot).  Aluminum bats of
the same weight as a wooden bat can have a wider barrel, so the ball is more likely
to be hit solidly, instead of popped up or driven down.

Metal bats have a distinct advantage at hitting the ball of the handle--they won't break
off in the batter's hand.  The ball can actually be driven pretty hard off the handle of a
metal bat.

Lastly, aluminum bats tend to be more elastic in the return of energy to the ball.

Sincerely,
Tom Cull
Sports Physicist and Softball Fanatic