Choosing A Bat
Whether you play Little League baseball or for a premier team, buying a bat is a personal decision. New technology has delivered bats that not only enhance performance but also are tailored to an individual players strengths. It is essential that you select a bat that fits your unique body configuration and skill level-height, weight, and hitting strength.
There are some standard rules of thumb in selecting the appropriate bat length. The charts below offer some guidelines based on age and weight and height.
Age
Bat Length Guidelines
|
Age
|
Bat Length
|
|
5-6
|
24" - 26"
|
|
7-8
|
27" - 28"
|
|
9-10
|
29" - 30"
|
|
11-12
|
30" - 32"
|
|
13-14
|
31" - 32"
|
|
15-16
|
32" - 33"
|
|
17+
|
32" - 34"
|
Height and weight
-
Height and weight are usually better ways to determine what bat length may work best for you
-
Once again, use the height and weight chart to give you a general idea of the length of bat that fits your body
|
Determine Your Bat Length by Weight and Height
|
|
|
Your height (inches)
|
|
Your weight (pounds)
|
36-40
|
41-44
|
45-48
|
49-52
|
53-56
|
57-60
|
61-64
|
65-68
|
69-72
|
73+
|
|
Bat length
|
|
less than 60
|
26"
|
27"
|
28"
|
29"
|
29"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61-70
|
27"
|
27"
|
28"
|
29"
|
30"
|
30"
|
|
|
|
|
|
71-80
|
|
28"
|
28"
|
29"
|
30"
|
30"
|
31"
|
|
|
|
|
81-90
|
|
28"
|
29"
|
29"
|
30"
|
30"
|
31"
|
32"
|
|
|
|
91-100
|
|
28"
|
29"
|
30"
|
30"
|
31"
|
31"
|
32"
|
|
|
|
101-110
|
|
29"
|
29"
|
30"
|
30"
|
31"
|
31"
|
32"
|
|
|
|
111-120
|
|
29"
|
29"
|
30"
|
30"
|
31"
|
31"
|
32"
|
|
|
|
121-130
|
|
29"
|
29"
|
30"
|
30"
|
31"
|
32"
|
33"
|
33"
|
|
|
131-140
|
|
29"
|
30"
|
30"
|
31"
|
31"
|
32"
|
33"
|
33"
|
|
|
141-150
|
|
|
30"
|
30"
|
31"
|
31"
|
32"
|
33"
|
33"
|
|
|
151-160
|
|
|
30"
|
31"
|
31"
|
32"
|
32"
|
33"
|
33"
|
33"
|
|
161-170
|
|
|
|
31"
|
31"
|
32"
|
32"
|
33"
|
33"
|
34"
|
|
171-180
|
|
|
|
|
|
32"
|
33"
|
33"
|
34"
|
34"
|
|
180+
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33"
|
33"
|
34"
|
34"
|
Determining the right bat weight
-
Bats are weighted in ounces
-
Many bats have a weight-to-length ratio, often shown as -3, -8, etc.
-
This basically means a 31-inch bat with a -3 ratio weighs 28 ounces
-
Selecting weight really depends on two critical factors--your strength and your hitting style
-
It also depends a lot on your personal preference in weight and length, so the following are simply guidelines to follow:
-
Bigger, stronger players generally prefer a heavier bat since they get the benefits of both mass and bat speed. Do not sacrifice bat speed for weight.
-
Smaller players with less strength should consider a lighter bat to generate a quicker swing
-
Younger players, too, should consider that a lighter bat which increases control and bat speed.
The level of play should always be a consideration in choosing a baseball bat, as every level from little league through major league has different regulations regarding what bat sizes and materials are allowed.
Make sure to check the regulations of your league before buying a baseball bat!
BC Minor Rulings Little League Rulings
| Age |
Level |
Max.Barrel |
Age |
Max Barrel |
| 4-6 |
T-Ball |
2 1/4" |
4-6 |
2 1/4" |
|
7-8
|
Tadpole |
2 1/4" |
7-8 |
2 1/4" |
| 9-10 |
Mosquito |
2 1/4" |
9-10 |
2 1/4" |
| 11-12 |
Peewee |
2 3/4" |
11-12 |
2 1/4" |
| 13-14 |
Bantam |
2 3/4" |
13-14 |
2 5/8" |
| 13-14 |
Bantam AAA |
2 5/8" (-3) |
15-16 |
2 3/4" |
| 15-17 |
Midget |
2 5/8" (-3) |
17-18 |
2 5/8" (-3) |
