Little League Baseball is a staple of American culture. And while wood bats have remained the norm for the big leaguers of America, Little Leagues have drifted more toward aluminum and composite bats, which offer greater durability and performance at lighter weights and work better for children ages 7 to 12.
Aluminum
As aluminum bat technology improved in the 1980s and manufacturers started producing lighter and better-performing options, aluminum bats quickly became the most popular option for Little League. As of 2011, they are still priced considerably less than composite bats, ranging in price from $50 to $250. Baseball Equipment Review places the Anderson Techzilla at the top of its list of aluminum bats due to its double-wall design. This helps the bat perform better and for a longer period of time; the double wall makes it more durable. The site lists the Anderson KXP, a single-wall design, as No. 2. The baseball education website Be a Better Hitter includes the Easton Reflex, Worth Copperhead, Louisville Slugger Air Attack2 and any DeMarini model in its ranking of top-end aluminum bats because they all use a high-quality aluminum alloy that makes them light in weight. The website lists the more expensive Easton Redline and Z-Core bats as top of the line as well for their use of the best aluminum alloy available as of 2011.
Composite and Hybrids
Composite bats---made of combinations of composite graphite-fiber materials---have become very popular in Little League. The Combat B3 is rated highly by Baseball Equipment Review and Share Ranks because of its long barrel and durability. Both organizations also rank the DeMarini CF4 highly due to its recoil action and larger sweet spot. Baseball Equipment Review ranks the Easton Stealth line of bats as the top composite bats for Little Leaguers because they offer a two-piece design that enhances the trampoline effect on the ball. As of 2011, top composite bats range in price from $200 to $400, which is more than many top-of-the-line aluminum bats.
Wood
Some leagues have gone to using only wood bats due to safety concerns, but Little Leaguers who use wood bats are still in the minority. Most wood bats are made of either white ash or maple, but bamboo is becoming more popular due to its durability. Eight models of bamboo bats made by the Bamboo Bat Company are approved for Little League play, as are two Brett Bros. bats, one Mizuno wood bat, six Rawlings wood bats and one Worth model.
Size
As a general rule, the bat size for a Little Leaguer should be determined by the player's age, height and weight. Little League Baseball typically includes children in the 7 to 12 age range. Most children in that group will use bats that range in size from 27 to 31 inches and weigh between 16 and 23 ounces. Those numbers can vary if your child is not of average height and weight, and most of the top bat manufacturers make bats of varying lengths to fit the individual needs of Little League players. Bats cannot be longer than 32 inches.
References
- Baseball Corner: Baseball Bat Guide
- Share Ranks: Best Little League Bats
- Baseball Equipment Review: Composite Baseball Bats, Reviews of 2010 Models
- Baseball Equipment Review: Composite Baseball Bats, Reviews of 2011 Composite and Hybrid Bats
- Little League of America: Approved Composite Bats
- Baseball Equipment Review: Youth Baseball Bats
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