Little League bats are primarily used by boys and girls ages 7 to 12 who are too old for the minor league teams but too young for the junior league. According to the Baseball Corner web resource, little league bats are between 28 to 32 inches in length and 16 to 20 ounces in weight. Selecting the right size and weight for your little league player requires a careful review of their individual height and weight.
Little League Bats
Boys and girls must be at least 7 years old to be eligible for little league. Other youth baseball leagues, such as Babe Ruth, Dixie Ruth, PONY and AABC also use little league bats for their players. The standard bat barrel diameter for Little League bats is 2¼ inches, and most bats tend to use a "weight drop" grade that ranges from minus 7 for heavier bats to minus 13 for lighter bats.
Age to Length Ratios
Little League bats are given standard lengths depending on the age of the batter. Players who are 8 to 9 years old generally use bats that are 27 to 29 inches in length, whereas 10-year-olds commonly use little league bats that are 28 to 30 inches in length. The standard bat length for players who are 11 to 12 years old ranges between 30 to 31 inches.
Weight Ratios
Although age-to-length ratios offer a reliable standard when it comes to purchasing a little league bat, the weight of a player can also play a role in determining the ideal weight of the bat. For example, players who weigh 70 to 80 pounds generally perform best with bats that weight 18 to 19 ounces, according to the Baseball Corner web resource. Players who are 100 to 120 pounds can safely use a 20- to 21-ounce Little League bat while players 140 pounds or more can can select bats with weights of 22 to 23 ounces.
Selecting Right Bat
Like all sporting equipment, personal preference and comfort play a crucial factor in determining which little league bat to purchase. Have your Little Leaguer try out a number of bats at the batting cage to help determine which length and weight feels best for their body. If your boy or girl has abnormal height or weight for someone their age, experiment with bat lengths outside of their age category, and consult the coach for more additional advice.
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