Abstract: Cushioned baseball bats comprising a semi-rigid support structure and a resilient cushion portion surrounding at least a portion of the support structure are provided. The bats of this invention are of substantial enough weight and rigidity that they can be used in a game substantially similar to conventional baseball or softball, but the bats of this invention are less likely than conventional baseball bats (or bats designed to replace conventional bats) to cause serious injury when they strike a person. The bats of this invention are preferably used with lighter and softer balls so that a game that is substantially similar to conventional baseball or softball may be played with a reduced danger of serious injury.