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Babe Ruth Baseball Bat Size Rules

Jun 14, 2011 | By Joe Stone

Babe Ruth Baseball is a sports organization for youths ages 4 through 18 years old, with affiliated leagues throughout North America serving more than 1 million youth baseball players. League play is divided into two major divisions: the Cal Ripken Division for players ages 4 through 12, and the Babe Ruth Division for players ages 13 through 18. Affiliated leagues follow the rules of Babe Ruth Baseball, which sets the standards for all playing equipment, including bat sizes.

Basic Bat Rule

Babe Ruth Baseball is played according to the Official Baseball Rules of Major League Baseball, with variations made depending on the division and age of players. The basic bat rule is set forth in Official Baseball Rule 1.10(a), which states that the bat should be round and smooth and not measure more than 2.75 inches in diameter at the thickest part or 42 inches long. For Major League Baseball players, the bat must be made of wood. However, baseball bats made from aluminum and a composite material of woven graphite --- subject to certain restrictions --- can be used by Babe Ruth Baseball players.

Cal Ripken Division

Bats used in the Cal Ripken Division by players 12 and younger must adhere to specifications that differ from Official Baseball Rule 1.10(a). The diameter of the bat at its widest point cannot exceed 2.25 inches, and the length cannot exceed 33 inches. In addition to wood, metal and composite material bats can be used so long as they bear a stamp stating "Approved For Play in Babe Ruth Baseball."

Babe Ruth Division

Bats approved for the Babe Ruth Division must conform to several specifications depending on the bat type and age of the player. All Babe Ruth Division players can use wood bats that meet Official Baseball Rule 1.10(a) standards. Aluminum bats are permissible, but only if they meet certain restrictions. For players ages 13 to 15, an aluminum bat cannot have a diameter greater than 2.625 inches at its widest point. Players ages 16 to 18 using an aluminum bat must comply with the same diameter restriction, plus adhere to a weight-to-length ratio no greater than 1:-3. For example, an aluminum bat weighing 27 ounces cannot exceed 30 inches in length.

Composite Bat Moratorium

As of 2011, the Babe Ruth Division is subject to a moratorium on the use of composite material bats until further notice. Beginning in 2009, the use of composite material bats become controversial because of the significant competitive advantage the bat gives a player and concerns over player safety. Babe Ruth Baseball follows the position taken by the National Federation of State High School Associations on the use of composite material bats. Such bats can be used only if they meet the Ball Exit Speed Ratio and the Accelerated Break-In procedure standards set by the NFHS. A list of composite bats approved for use in 2011 by the NFHS is available on its website.

References

Article reviewed by John Hagemann Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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