Tee ball and coach pitch bats: what's legal

Tee ball bats carry the USA Baseball mark plus "Only for use with approved tee balls." That last part matters: they're not legal with a regular pitched baseball.

• Little League Tee Ball: tee ball bats (26" and shorter) or USABat bats. In coach and machine pitch, tee ball bats are allowed only with approved tee balls.
• Diamond Youth (Dixie), new for 2027: tee ball bats can't be used in 6U Coach Pitch or any pitched-ball division, or in 6U and 8U tournaments.
• Cal Ripken / Babe Ruth T-Ball: USA Baseball tee ball stamp.
• PONY: tee ball bats only off a tee with a safety ball.

What to buy

If your 5- or 6-year-old will move to coach pitch next season, a short, light USABat (about 24–26", -11 to -13) works in both. A tee ball bat won't.

Sources: Little League, Diamond Youth 2027 rule changes, USA Baseball approved tee balls.