Little League Rules Governing Bats
In 2018, Little League International moved to the USA Baseball Bat standard for Tee Ball, Coach Pitch, Minor Division and Major Division Baseball
(Softball Divisions and Senior Baseball were not affected by this change.)
Under the 2018 regulation, Any non-wood and/or laminated bat used in one of the divisions listed above MUST bear one of the following USA BASEBALL Logos.
All BPF – 1.15 bats are prohibited. Additionally, the bat diameter shall not exceed 2⅝ inches for these divisions of play.
Avoid Disappointment and
Wasting Your Money
If your child's bat is not an "Approved Bat" then he or she
WILL NOT be able to use it in a Little League game.
Additional Information:
Little League Bat Information (Click Here)
Bat Rules (Click Here)
USA Baseball Bat Standard FAQs (Click Here)
Softball Bat Standards. (Click Here)
Guidelines for Buying Your Little Leaguer a Bat
One of the most important factors in a young player's enjoyment of the game is his (or her) success at the plate.
Besides proper training in the art and science of hitting a baseball, the aluminum baseball bat itself plays a big role. Too many well-meaning but uninformed parents buy their kid a bat that is the wrong length or weight, or both. This adds yet another obstacle to the budding player's efforts to succeed.
As a rule of thumb, we suggest the lightest aluminum baseball bat of a given length that you can afford. The high-tech alloys in the lightest bats cost the most, while inexpensive bats made from cheaper aluminum - which requires thicker walls for strength - are heavier.
Use the chart to the left as a general guide, keeping in mind that every young player is different in his or her strength and ability so these formulas will only be an approximate guide.
An Easy Bat Test
When shopping for an aluminum baseball bat, have your child hold it out to his side with the top hand (right hand for right-handed batter). If he cannot hold it straight out for 20 seconds or so without the arm starting to shake and the bat dropping, it's too heavy.
Calculation Charts for the Estimated Bat size
For Youth Ages 8-10 |
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|---|---|---|
| Player Height 48 inches | - - | Best Bat Weight 16 ounces |
Formula = (Height/4) + 4 |
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For Youth Ages 11-12 |
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|---|---|---|
| Player Height 70 inches | - - | Best Bat Weight 18 ounces |
Formula = (Height/18) + 14 |
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