Selecting a Youth Baseball Bat for Little League  

Understanding "Drop" in Youth Baseball Bats

When it comes to baseball bats, "drop" is the term used to describe the difference between the bat's length (in inches) and its weight (in ounces). This is calculated as weight - length = drop. For instance, a bat that is 28 inches long and weighs 15 ounces would have a drop of -13 (15-28 = -13).

Key Information for Selecting a Youth Baseball Bat

1. Bat Length and Weight

• Youth baseball bats range from 25” to 32” in length.
• Tee ball bats range from 24” to 26” in length.
• Youth bats usually have a drop between -7 and -13.

2. USA Baseball Approval

• Always confirm that the bat is USA Baseball approved before purchasing, especially for use in Tee ball through Majors. This approval ensures the bat meets specific safety and performance standards.
• 'USA Baseball' is NOT synonymous with USSSA, as logic would lead us to believe. Look for this logo and you are good. 
  

3. Little League Bat Rules

• Majors and Below: Non-wood and laminated bats must have the USA Baseball logo. This indicates compliance with Youth Bat Performance Standards.
• Intermediate and Juniors: Bats can be either USA Baseball or BBCOR certified.
• Seniors: Only BBCOR certified bats are allowed.

Specific Bat Rules by Division

Minor/Major Division Bats

• Max length: 33 inches
• Max diameter: 2 5/8 inches
• Wooden bats: Minimum diameter of 15/16 inches (or 7/8 inches for bats less than 30 inches in length).

Intermediate & Juniors

• Non-wood bats must be USA Baseball or BBCOR certified.

Seniors

• Non-wood bats must be BBCOR certified.

Tee Ball Bats

• Certified Tee Ball bats (26” and shorter) must have the USA Baseball mark and text stating "ONLY FOR USE WITH APPROVED TEE BALLS."
• Most Tee Ball bats should be between 25” and 26” in length, with a drop weight around -10.

Softball Bats

• Must meet Little League specifications, with a maximum length of 33 inches (34 inches for Junior/Senior League.)
• Diameter no more than 2 1/4 inches. 

Additional Guidelines

Measuring Your Child for a Bat

• Measure the child’s height with game cleats on.
• Ensure the bat’s knob is at the hip level when stood next to the child.
• Weigh the child to determine the appropriate bat length and weight.

Bat Buying Guides and Resources

• Utilize resources like Dick's Sporting Goods Bat Buying Guide, Baseball Monkey Bat Sizing Guide, and Just Bats Bat Size Calculator to ensure you get the right fit for your child.
• Remember, always confirm that the bat is USA Baseball approved before making a purchase.
• For the latest and most detailed bat rules, visit the official Little League site and USABAT.com. 

Let's hit a home run with our bat choices! 🥎🏆