Bat customization system

1. An apparatus for releasable attachment to a handle of a ball bat having a longitudinal axis, the handle having a proximal end with a proximal end surface, the apparatus comprising:

a base fixedly coupled to the proximal end of the handle of the bat, the base including knob-engaging structure; and

at least first and second knobs releasably and selectably coupled to the base, each of the at least first and second knobs including base-engaging structure to cooperate with the knob engaging structure to inhibit rotation of the knob with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bat, the first knob including a first head having a first top surface, the second knob including a neck and a second head having a second top surface, the neck portion extending from the proximal end surface and along the outer surface of the proximal end of the handle and supporting the second head, the first and second top surfaces having first and second axial positions about the longitudinal axis of the bat, respectively, the second axial position being positioned further from the proximal end surface of the bat than the first axial position by a predetermined distance, the entire head of the second knob being spaced apart from the proximal end surface of the bat.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the knob-engaging structure is a base key, and wherein the base-engaging structure is a knob key.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the knob defines a cavity to receive a portion of the base, wherein the cavity has a floor, and wherein the knob key is positioned at the floor.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the cavity receives at least a portion of the base and at least a portion of the handle.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the knob has an axis to coincide with a centerline of the handle, the knob shaped to asymmetrically extend about the axis.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the knob comprises a first perimeter portion radially spaced from the axis by a one or more first radial distances and a second perimeter portion radially spaced from the axis by one or more second radial distances, each of the one or more first radial distances being less than each of the one or more second radial distances.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the first perimeter portion extends at least 180° about the axis.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the one or more first radial distances comprises a plurality of varying radial distances.

9. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the knob key comprises a plurality of first facets symmetrically positioned about the axis to cooperate with a corresponding plurality of second facets at an end of the base key.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the first and second pluralities of facets are arranged to key the knob to the base in a user selected one of a plurality of angular positions with respect to the centerline.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of facets comprises at least six facets providing at least six angular positions for the knob respect to the centerline.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of first facets comprises a plurality of points of a star about the axis.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one knob includes at least a first characteristic.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the first characteristic is selected from group consisting of a weight, a shape, a size, a color, a color pattern, and combinations thereof.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least first and second knobs are at least first, second and third knobs.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the first knob has a first weight, the second knob has a second weight, and the third knob has a third weight.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one knob includes at least one sensor.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the distance from the second head to the proximal end of the handle is between the range of 0.1 to 3 inches.

19. An apparatus for releasable attachment to a handle of a ball bat having a longitudinal axis, the apparatus comprising:

a base fixedly coupled to a proximal end of the handle of the bat, the base including knob-engaging structure; and

at least one knob releasably coupled to the base, the knob including base-engaging structure to cooperate with the knob engaging structure to inhibit rotation of the knob with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bat, the knob having an axis to coincide with a centerline of the handle, the knob being shaped to asymmetrically extend about the axis, the knob comprising a first perimeter portion radially spaced from the axis by a one or more first radial distances and a second perimeter portion radially spaced from the axis by one or more second radial distances, each of the one or more first radial distances being less than each of the one or more second radial distances, wherein the one or more first radial distances comprises a plurality of varying distances, and wherein the one or more second radial distances comprise a single radial distance.

20. An apparatus for releasable attachment to a tubular handle of a ball bat having a longitudinal axis and a proximal end surface, the apparatus comprising:

a base fixedly coupled to a proximal end of the handle of the bat, the base including a plug positioned entirely within the tubular handle, a head including a handle surface engaging the proximal of the handle, and knob-engaging structure;

at least one knob releasably coupled to the base, the knob including base-engaging structure to cooperate with the knob engaging structure to inhibit rotation of the knob with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bat, the knob defining a through-bore, wherein the base defines a base bore; and

a fastener extending through the through-bore to axially and removably secure the knob to the base.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the at least one knob is at least first and second knobs.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the first knob has a first weight, and wherein the second knob has a second weight.

23. The bat of claim 20 , wherein the knob has an oval-shaped outer perimeter.