How to Make a Baseball Dresser

Sarah Trop
by Sarah Trop
Do I have any baseball fans out there? Red Socks?? Yankees?? Insert your favorite team here? Even though I am not a huge baseball fan (don’t hurt me), I do enjoy going to watch baseball games in person. Although watching my son play T-ball is my favorite. That being said I completely respect those of you who do love the game. ;) It’s what makes the world go around. ;)
Today’s mid century modern dresser has great lines and a really solid construction. So when Jill reached out to us about a dresser for her son’s room, it came to mind. Jill has bought many, many furniture pieces from us so I know her kids. And I know her son is a HUGE baseball fan. He knows everything there is to know about the Valley Cats. Every player, all the details of the games. It’s quite impressive. So I asked Jill if she’d be up for a design I’ve never done before. I’ve seen baseball dressers with bats and baseballs, but not exactly like this one (although I’m sure they are out there somewhere). I wanted to make our own handles using full sized bats and baseballs. That was perfect for Jill because they already had them laying around and that can save $$! :)
First we had to fill all of the holes from the hardware because none of it would be the right size. You can do that using wood filler, but we find that to get a smoother finish Bondo works better. We used this black paint from Benjamin Moore.
To turn the baseballs and bats into hardware for a dresser you’ll need the following tools:


-A drill


-A “hanger bolt” that has a lag screw on one end and a machine screw on the other


-Wood glue


-Adjustable Pliers


-Nut to screw onto the machine screw side of the hanger bolt


-Drill Bit


You should carefully use a drill press to hold each piece so you don’t end up drilling into your hand. Measure to make sure each bat has the holes in the same spot so it’s easier to attach them evenly to the dresser.


Using your drill and bit, drill a hole just a little bit smaller than the hanger bolt that you choose. Before inserting the hanger bolt, put some wood filler in each hole and then use the screw side of the hanger bolt to screw it into the ball or bat. You will need the pliers to hold the screw tight and be able to screw it into each piece.


Let the glue dry and set overnight at least.


Drill holes into the dresser and put the machine screw into the holes and use the nut to screw it onto the dresser.
Here are the after pictures for you!! Try not to hold anything in your hand while you look because you may drop it. ;)
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • Beatriz Orvis Beatriz Orvis on Dec 22, 2016
    I'm refinishing a desk and I'm checking out different black paints. Why did you choose that one? Advantages?
  • Renata Renata on Dec 22, 2016
    That is sooo way kool and totally unique.I am wondering if it is hard to open drawers?
  • Sandra M Sandra M on Dec 22, 2016
    This is great! I'm just wondering if you felt it necessary to seal the leather on the ball knobs to prevent them from getting grungy over time. If so, what did you use? Love this.
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