Louisville Slugger Derek Jeter Replica Bat Ash P72, 32 - Inch MLB Grade Ash Wood Pound per pound, ash is the strongest timber available. Ash is lighter than maple, giving you a wider range of large barrel models. Exact model Derek Jeter uses. Ash has a flexibility that isn't found in other timbers like maple. It tends to flex rather than break. This gives you a larger more forgiving sweet spot in terms of breaking.