A tubular bat body having an apertured end closure covering one end of the bat body. A cover element secured to the end closure. The cover element having a head disposed generally adjacent the outer surface of the end closure and a shank extending into the closure aperture and in contact with the aperture defining surface. An anchor section formed as an extension of the shank having shoulder means in locking engagement with the closure inner surface. The anchor section may have pilot means for facilitating insertion of the shank into the closure aperture. The cover element or indicator has means providing information regarding one or more bat properties. The shank may have a generally web-like configuration with substantially parallel opposed marginal edges and stiffener fins may be provided. The anchor section may be substantially triangular with the base of the triangle serving to provide locking shoulders and the other sides providing the pilot surfaces.