A swing implement, such as a baseball bat (9), adapted for gripping by the hands of a user having a support surface (10) between the knob (20) and the handle (30) of the swinging implement. The support surface provides a gradual transition between the knob and the handle. The support surface supports the hand of the user while gripping the swinging implement. Another swinging implement (10) comprises a support surface extending at a shallow angle from the handle between the handle and the end surface of the knob for supporting the hand of the user while gripping the swinging implement. A support sleeve (6c) adapted to cooperate with a handle and knob of a conventional baseball bat including a support surface for providing added support for the hands of a user gripping the bat.