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Types of Baseball Bats
USA Baseball Bats (Tee Ball and Little League)
BBCOR Baseball Bats (High School and College)
USSSA Baseball Bats (Travel Baseball)
Wooden Baseball Bats (Professional)
Baseball Bat Size Chart
One-Piece Versus Two-Piece
Best Baseball Bat Brands
Types of Baseball Bats
Make sure you don’t spend hundreds of dollars on a bat that is not approved by your league because you won’t be able to use it!
The first step to choosing a baseball bat is to make sure you are buying one that meets the regulations of your league. A few main national baseball organizations set rules and guidelines that ensure safety and fairness. Your league will follow the rules of one of these organizations.
USA Baseball Bats (Ages 5-12)
By far, Little League Baseball and Cal Ripken Baseball are the most popular youth baseball leagues in the United States. Kids that play in these leagues will progress through multiple levels of competitive play: Tee-ball, coach pitch, machine pitch, and finally kid pitch. Players in these leagues must use a bat that has a USA Baseball logo (through their 12 year old season).
BBCOR Baseball Bats (Ages 13+)
Once players age out of youth baseball, many will go on to play high school and the most talented will also be able to play in college. Both high school and college players will be required to use a BBCOR Baseball Bat.
National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) governs high school baseball rules. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) governs college baseball rules.Both organizations require that your bat have a BBCOR logo.
Best BBCOR Baseball Bats
If you are interested in learning more about how bats are rigorously tested, here is a short video showing the process.
USSSA Baseball Bats
If you’re not absolutely sure of your league rules, avoid purchasing a USSSA bat.
USSSA bats hit harder and farther, maximizing distance and exit velocity, which is the speed at which the baseball leaves your bat. You will not be able to use these bats on your Little League, Cal Ripken, High School, or College team. These leagues prohibit these bats for safety reasons.
Some USSSA bats will have exit velocities that are 10mph higher than USA or BBCOR bats. Imagine a rocket line drive hit straight back to the pitcher. It is much harder to react to a ball that is hit that much harder which can be unsafe.
Many travel baseball teams enter tournaments that permit USSSA bats. Most travel teams surpass the competitiveness of typical recreation leagues by holding tryouts and even recruiting local standout players. Again, if you are not sure, ask your coach if you are allowed to play with a USSSA bat.
Wooden Baseball Bats
The use of Wooden Bats has declined since aluminum and composite bats were invented. Notably, they are still used in professional baseball and some summer college leagues. Youth players can struggle to swing wooden bats because they are much heavier than modern metal bats.
Once players get drafted in the MLB draft, they’ll use a wooden bat as they progress through the various levels of professional baseball. College players, hoping to get noticed by an MLB scout, will play in summer wooden bat leagues.
Ash bats offer a lightweight feel, maple bats boast a dense and hard-hitting surface, and birch bats deliver balanced performance.
While most kids don’t necessarily need a wooden baseball bat, using one can still be a fun experience. Nothing beats the iconic sound of a hard-hit ball with a wooden bat.
Baseball Bat Size Chart
When selecting the proper bat size, consider both the length and the weight. Typically, you can find the length printed on the end of the knob of the bat (on the side where you grip the bat). Refer to the baseball size chart below and choose the length (in inches) first.
One-Piece Versus Two-Piece Bat
When you are deciding on a baseball bat, you’ll notice there are 2 main styles. The handle and barrel are connected together for two-piece bat. This provides more shock resistance on mish*t balls because the shock can absorb into the barrel component without as much vibration going into your hands.
A one-piece bat is solid from the knob through the handle and barrel. One-piece bats offer more power, but can sting a little bit if you hit the ball on the handle or on the end of the bat. Additionally, one-piece bats are more durable, because they don’t have the connection point of a two-piece bat that can sometimes come loose.
Best Baseball Bat Brands
Easton
Easton is a powerhouse in the baseball industry, renowned for its innovative metal bats. Their bats often feature advanced materials and cutting-edge technology, providing players with a perfect balance of power and precision. Easton’s commitment to research and development keeps them at the forefront of bat design, making them a top choice for players seeking high-performance equipment.
DeMarini
DeMarini is synonymous with power and performance. Known for their technologically advanced composite and alloy bats, Players looking for explosive hits love DeMarini bats. With a focus on incorporating player feedback into their designs, DeMarini continually pushes the boundaries of bat technology to deliver top-tier performance on the field.
Louisville Slugger
A true icon in the baseball world, Louisville Slugger has a rich history of crafting top-quality wooden bats. In recent years, they’ve expanded into the metal bat market, offering a range of aluminum and composite options. Louisville Slugger’s commitment to craftsmanship and player satisfaction extends their legacy into the modern era of baseball equipment.
Rawlings
Rawlings, a stalwart in the baseball industry, excels in producing high-quality metal bats. Players of all levels know their bats have a perfect blend of durability and performance, making them an industry favorite. Rawlings’ commitment to quality control ensures that each bat meets the high standards that define its brand.
Marucci
Marucci has rapidly gained popularity for its precision-crafted metal bats. With a focus on using top-notch materials and a player-centric design approach, Marucci bats deliver a combination of power and control. Marucci’s rise to prominence in the baseball bat market began when MLB players, impressed by the quality of the wooden bats they used, encouraged the company to venture into metal bat production, maintaining the same commitment to excellence.
Conclusion
Choosing the best baseball bat involves a careful consideration of your playing style, league regulations, and the unique features of each bat. In this guide, we’ve explored the types and sizes of baseball bats providing you with the information needed to make an informed decision. Whether you’re seeking a classic wooden bat or a cutting-edge composite model, the perfect bat for your game is just a swing away.
