BABE RUTH / CAL RIPKEN TO ADOPT NEW USA BASEBALL BAT STANDARD STARTING WITH 2018 SEASON
Implementation of USABat standard began on January 1, 2018
It has been announced that the following leagues and associations will be changing bat standards starting
January 1, 2018. Organizations include the American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC), Amateur Athletic Union (AAU),
Babe Ruth Baseball/Cal Ripken Baseball, Dixie Youth Baseball, Little League Baseball and PONY Baseball. The change in
bats is being done so the bats will hit the ball and act more like wooden bats.
Why the change to a wood-like standard?
USA Baseball's national member organizations believe that a wood-like performance standard will best provide for the
long-term integrity of the game. The new standard will not have a drop-weight limit, so young players can use bats made
with light-weight materials.
Why not just use wood bats?
Wood is a scarce resource. The new bats will be designed to perform much like wood, where its performance will be limited
to the highest performing wood.
Which national member organizations are implementing this new standard?
To date, the following organizations are participating (in alphabetical order): American Amateur Baseball
Congress (AABC), Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), Babe Ruth Baseball/Cal Ripken Baseball, Dixie Youth
Baseball, Little League Baseball and PONY Baseball.
How is the USABat standard different from the BBCOR standard used by the NCAA and NFHS?
Both the USA Baseball and NCAA bat performance tests are based on the coefficient of restitution from a bat-ball impact.
The scale of results is different, however, since they use different test balls and test speeds. The testing difference is
necessary to address the various levels of play in the respective age groups.
When did the standard change?
January 1, 2018
Is my current bat good for league play?
If you purchased the bat after January 1, 2018 and it has a USA Baseball stamp on it then Yes.
USSSA bats are NOT permitted in Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken play.
Juniors 60/90 may still use BBCOR .50 Standards
Is safety the reason for the change?
No. Youth baseball continues to be one of the safest of all sports for youth participants.
How will I know which bat to buy?
All new bats that bear the USABat licensing mark will be permissible for play in the leagues and tournaments of the
participating youth baseball organizations.
Please note that as of January 1, 2018, the new USA Baseball Bat Standard went into effect. Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken-approved
baseball bats that are approved for use for the 2017 season will no longer be acceptable for use in any Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken
game or activity that started on or after January 1, 2018.
When can I buy the new bat?
For 2019
Make sure you have an approved bat for the 2019 season
www.justbats.com
www.epicsports.com
www.closeoutbats.com
Play It Again Sports - Los Alamitos
Or any sport shop clearance like
Dicks Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Clink on the Bat Flyer or use this link to download and print the flyer.
Bat Requirement Flyer
What size bat do I buy for my player?
A good bat length for a bat is usually one that will come up to their belt line.
For the smaller / younger kids, the bat can be a little shorter.
Most of the Majors kids use a bat that is 29" to 31" long with occasional tall kid going to 32"
AAA - 28" to 30"
AA - 27" to 29"
Farm - around 27" to 28"
T-Ball - Use a Tee Ball bat
Here is a bat selection chart for assistance
https://www.justbats.com/bat-resource-guide/frequently-asked-questions/youth/howtoselect/
But remember, if they have trouble holding it up, or straight out, or swinging it (slow bat speed) it is probably too big or too heavy.
Get a smaller and lighter bat.