Little League & Babe Ruth Softball bat rules (2027)
Little League Softball and Babe Ruth Softball bat rules by division.
| Division | Season | Stamp | Barrel | Max length | Drop limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tee Ball, Minors & Majors Ages 4–12 | Current | BPF 1.20 or Wood | 2 1/4" | 33" | — |
| Junior & Senior League Ages 12–16 | Current | BPF 1.20 or Wood | 2 1/4" | 34" | — |
| All divisions (6U–18U) Ages 5–18 | Current | Official Softball or Wood | — | — | — |
Notes by division
- Tee Ball, Minors & Majors: Non-wood bats must be printed "BPF 1.20". The grip must run at least 10" from the knob.
- All divisions (6U–18U): Length, weight and barrel limits are only in the paid Babe Ruth Softball rulebook. Rolling a bat voids its certification.
Stamps used in Little League & Babe Ruth Softball
- "BPF 1.20" printed on the bat: Little League Softball requires non-wood bats to be printed "BPF 1.20". Most current fastpitch bats carry it, but check before you buy. Official list.
- one-piece solid wood: One-piece solid wood is legal almost everywhere without a stamp. Multi-piece, laminated, bamboo and composite-wood bats usually do need a certification mark.
- "Official Softball Bat" or "Official Fastpitch Bat" marking: Babe Ruth Softball requires the bat to be marked "Official Softball Bat" or "Official Fastpitch Bat". Solid one-piece wood is also allowed.
Sources
- https://www.littleleague.org/playing-rules/bat-rules/ (checked Oct 23, 2026)
- https://www.baberuthleague.org/bat-rules.aspx (checked Oct 23, 2026)
This page summarizes published rules. Your league or tournament can add its own, and its ruling is final. Confirm your bat isn't on a decertified or non-approved list before you buy. Questions about a specific model? Check the official list linked above. More bat questions.
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