Baseball Bat Rules

Parents beware, Little League has enacted new bat standards for the upcoming 2018 season. If planning to buy a new bat for the upcoming season it is highly recommended to review the information below and, if needed, consult with your local association president.

 

 

Effective on January 1, 2018, Little League Baseball® will adhere to the new USABat standard. No bats previously approved for use in Little League play (Junior League Baseball and below) will be permitted to be used in any Little League game or practice, or other Little League function, event, or activity.

For any non-wood bat (includes metal, composite, hybrid, composite wood), as of January 1, 2018, must meet the USABat Standard to be used in the Little League Major Baseball Division and below.

For non-wood bats, either USABat Standard bats or BBCOR bats must be used at the Junior League Baseball Divisions.

At the Senior League Baseball Division, all non-wood bats must be meet the BBCOR standard.

All new bats that bear the USABat licensing mark (see graphic above) will be permissible for play in the leagues and tournaments. In Little League, the new bats will be used in the Tee Ball, Minor, Major, Intermediate (50/70), and Junior League Baseball Divisions.

For more information on the USABat standard and a complete list of bats approved through the USABat Standard, visit usabat.com.

More information is available at Little League International USAbat Standard FAQ

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017-2018 Bat Comparison Chart

Minors & Majors

• 2017 BPF 1.15 marking/ 2 ¼" barrel maximum
• 2018 USA Baseball marking 2 5/8" barrel maximum

Intermediate (50/70) & Junior

• 2017
  1) 2 ¼" alloy/metal barrel with BPF stamp of 1.15
  2) 2 5/8" alloy/metal barrel (no marking required)
  3) 2 5/8" composite barrel with BBCOR stamp
• 2018 USA Baseball marking 2 5/8" barrel maximum
  1) USA Baseball marking 2 5/8" barrel maximum
  2) BBCOR allowed

Senior

• 2017 ALL bats must be BBCOR
• 2018 ALL bats must be BBCOR