Babe Ruth Softball All divisions (6U–18U) bat rules (2027)
The rule for 2027
Bats must carry the Official Softball stamp, or be wood.
Source: baberuthleague.org · checked Oct 23, 2026
| Stamp | Official Softball or Wood |
|---|---|
| Max barrel | — |
| Max length | — |
| Drop limit | — |
| Ages | 5–18 |
Length, weight and barrel limits are only in the paid Babe Ruth Softball rulebook. Rolling a bat voids its certification.
What the stamps mean
- "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.
- 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.
What size bat for All divisions (6U–18U)?
Height and weight matter more than age. These are typical sizes for an average-size player, from the Rawlings/Easton sizing chart and CDC growth charts. For your player's exact size, use the Bat Finder for All divisions (6U–18U).
| Age | Typical length | Official Softball drop |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 24"–26" | -12 or -11 |
| 6 | 24"–26" | -12 or -11 |
| 7 | 28"–29" | -12 or -11 |
| 8 | 28"–29" | -12 or -11 |
| 9 | 29"–30" | -12 or -11 |
| 10 | 30" | -12 or -11 |
| 11 | 30"–31" | -12 or -11 |
| 12 | 30"–31" | -11 or -10 |
| 13 | 30"–31" | -11 or -10 |
| 14 | 31"–33" | -10 or -9 |
| 15 | 31"–33" | -10 or -9 |
| 16 | 31"–33" | -10 or -9 or -8 |
| 17 | 31"–33" | -10 or -9 or -8 |
| 18 | 31"–33" | -10 or -9 or -8 |
Shop bats for All divisions (6U–18U)
These links open bats with the right stamp. Check the exact model against the official list before you buy. We earn a commission if you buy, at no cost to you.
Official Softball bats
Other Little League & Babe Ruth Softball divisions
- Little League Softball Tee Ball, Minors & Majors (Ages 4–12)
- Little League Softball Junior & Senior League (Ages 12–16)
This page summarizes the published rule. 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. More bat questions.
Not sure what to buy?
The free Bat Finder gives you the length, the drop and the stamp your league requires in about 20 seconds.
Open the Bat Finder