Official Little League Bat Specifications

Little League is an organization dedicated to providing young baseball players with opportunities to play the sport through affiliations located around the United States. The league has rules and guidelines for official regulation play and also places restrictions on the types of equipment used, including bats. Though manufacturers often print "approved by Little League" on the bat, this designation is not necessary as long as the bat fits within the Little League's guidelines.

  1. Size

    • The Little League organization's rules outline restrictions on the length and barrel size of bats. All bats used during games must measure less than 34 inches. Little League approved bats have the length of the equipment printed on the handle. In addition, bats used in Little League play must have barrels measuring 2 1/4 inches in diameter or less. The barrel is the part that makes contact with the ball. It is the largest part of the bat. Larger barrels provide an increased area to hit the ball. In contrast, small-barreled bats weigh less, increasing the bat's swing speed.

    Materials

    • Equipment manufacturers make bats using a number of materials, but the Little League organization only allows the use of certain types of bats during regulation play. Metal bats are the most common type found in Little League. Aluminum is the base of metal bats, with expensive bats containing alloys such as copper and titanium. Another type of bat is the composite bat, designed with an aluminum interior and a graphite lining in the interior. Though the NCAA banned composite bats in 2009, Little League still permits some composite bats as long as they meet certain guidelines. The league also permits wooden bats, but use of wood bats is uncommon because they are less durable and heavier than metal and composite bats.

    Weight

    • The Little League organization's rules and regulations do not specify any bat weight restrictions. However, Little League players choose bats by examining the equipment's weight and weight drop number. Bats in this league range in weight from 16 to 23 ounces. Factors determining the best bat weight for a child include the player's weight, height, strength and age. Another expression of a bat's weight is the weight drop number. Find this specification by subtracting the weight of the bat from the bat's length. The weight drop number is negative, with Little League bats having a weight drop of minus-7 to minus-13. Lighter bats have a higher weight drop number.