USA Baseball has issued new bat rules that will take effect January 1st 2018 making most previous models obsolete

 

The new rules are trying to make the baseball bat have a more wood-like performance. While we all love to see our kids hit home runs, it has gotten to the point that smaller/lighter kids are hitting them over the trees. The #1 driver behind this new standard is safety. If a little kid can knock them out, imagine a young pitcher getting hit with a line drive from a bigger, 5'8", 160 lb 12 year old. 

 

So, what does this mean for your little league player? Unfortunately, it means a new bat ($$, $$$) or a wood bat ($). Wood bats are making a big come back because of the new standard. 

 

Please don't go out and buy a "cheap" bat that you may not be able to use next season. Make sure Grandma and Grandpa are aware before spending money on a birthday or Holiday gift that won't be allowed in a LL/BR baseball game.

 

A little light reading for you........

 

USA Baseball; https://usabat.com/faq/

Little League; http://www.littleleague.org/media/llnewsarchive/2015/May-August/Little-League-USA-Baseball-Bat-Standard-2018.htm?utm_source=ll.org%20bat%20page&utm_medium=2018%20USA%20Baseball%20Bat%20Standard%20Link&utm_content=LL.org%20Bat%20Resource%20Page

Babe Ruth; https://www.baberuthleague.org/bat-rules.aspx

ASA/USA Softball (unchanged); https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/News/2017/February/28/Important-information-regarding-USA-Softball-certified-equipment-Certification-Marks

 

Or......just go wood!!

 

Barnstable Bat Company in Barnstable Mass.

https://barnstablebat.com/

 

Axis Bats in Fall River Mass.

http://www.axisbats.com/