Bat guides
Plain-English explainers on sizing, stamps and what's changing.
- USA BBCOR explained: what changes in 2027, 2028 and 2029 — USA Baseball now runs BBCOR. Here's what the new mark means, when the bats arrive, and whether your BBCOR bat stays legal.
- High school bat rules 2028: the new -4, -5 and -6 option — From 2028, high schools allow lighter USABat bats with a special high-school mark. Here's what's legal and what isn't.
- USABat vs USSSA vs BBCOR: bat stamps explained — What each certification stamp means, where it's legal, and how to tell them apart.
- 2027 bat rules for every baseball league, at a glance — One table: the stamps, drop limits and lengths allowed in every major youth, high school, college and adult baseball league for 2027.
- How to size a baseball bat (length and drop) — The size charts manufacturers use, how drop works, and the mistakes to avoid.
- Fastpitch softball bat sizing and stamps — Length and drop by age for fastpitch, plus which stamp USA Softball, USSSA, NSA, PGF, Little League and high school require.
- 13U and 14U travel ball bat rules (USSSA, Perfect Game, Game Day, AAU) — 13U and 14U are where travel bat rules get confusing. Here's every organization side by side.
- Can one bat work for Little League and travel ball? — Little League requires USABat; most travel ball uses USSSA. Here's when one bat covers both and when you need two.
- Tee ball and coach pitch bats: what's legal — Tee ball bats are only for tee balls. Here's what to buy for tee ball, coach pitch and machine pitch.
- Slowpitch bat stamps: USA, USSSA 240 vs 220, NSA and senior — Which slowpitch stamp your league or tournament needs, and why a 220 bat can be legal in league but not in tournaments.
- Wood bats: types, when they're required, and sizing — Maple vs ash vs birch vs bamboo, which leagues require wood, and when wood needs a stamp.
- Bat care: cold weather, break-in and warranties — How to keep a $300 bat from cracking, and what the warranty actually covers.
- Buying a used bat: a checklist — Used bats can save a lot, or be illegal. Check these five things first.
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