How to Buy a Youth Baseball Bat

How to Pick a Youth Baseball Bat

A youth baseball bat can make a wonderful present for a kid whether it is for backyard play or serious league play. To make the bat an appreciated, lasting, and safe purchase, check out these tips for buying one.

Instructions

1. When buying a youth baseball bat, you first need to decide whether to buy a metal or wooden bat. Metal bats can cost as much as 5-6 times more than wooden bats which, in turn, come in more sizes and shapes. However, they are more durable and will not splinter like a wooden bat might. Some contend that metal bats are less safe than wooden ones because they create faster ball speeds. Yet, pitchers often say that batters with metal bats have a better chance at the plate, and metal bats are known for hitting balls further. If you are buying a bat for a high school player, check the school's regulations and/or any local laws. There might be ordinances against metal bats.

2. If you decide to buy a metal youth baseball bat, you next need to decide between an aluminum baseball bat and a titanium/graphite lined bat. A titanium or graphite lining on a bat can increase bat strength while keeping it light and also lessen the hurt to hands when the ball is hit. Furthermore, players at the Little League level and below must have metal baseball bats with a bat performance factor below 1.15.

3. If you decide to purchase a wooden youth baseball bat, look for one with a long, wide grain and make sure you buy one that is Little League approved. They have approved the following manufacturers and models of wooden youth baseball bats: Brett Bros. Bat Company (Bomber & Stealth), Bamboo Bat Company (models: HNBBY, HNBRY, HNBUY, HGBBY, HBBB, HBBW, HSBB), Mizuno USA (model: MZM271), Nocona Athletic Goods Company (wood/composite bat modelNK-YZ10), Rawlings Group (302J MAC / SOSA, 242J, 252J, 300J, MAC/SOSA750, MAC/SOSA300), The Original Maple Bat Company (Sam Bat), Wilson Sporting Goods Company (Pro Maple DXJW), Worth Inc. (YBBAMB).

4. There are many metal bats approved by Little League as youth bats. To look through a complete listing of approved metal baseball models, see the Little League approved metal bats link below. Senior League metal bats should be BESR certified and stamped.

5. Next, you need to figure out what length bat you should buy. For this, you need an idea of the age or height/weight of the youth for whom you are shopping. See the resources below for a helpful chart. For Little League, youth baseball bats cannot exceed 33"(34" and 36" respectively for Junior League and Senior league bats).

6. Once you know the length of the youth baseball bat to buy, you need to determine the weight which depends on the kid's own weight and hitting style. Younger, lighter players should use lighter bats that are easier to control and somewhat safer. A heavier player might want a heavier bat. When choosing a bat, consider the length/weight ratio. The larger the number, the lighter the bat. The heaviest ratio (smallest number) permitted in high school regulations is -3.

7. When buying a baseball bat for a youth player, you want a barrel that is smaller than the standard 2.5" Little league bat barrels cannot be more than 2.25" while Junior League, Big League, and high school baseball bats cannot exceed 2 and 5/8".

8. Finally, you should take into consideration the taper and grip of youth baseball bat choices. A fatter taper usually means a heavier, harder to wield bat but also less sting from hitting the ball. Rubber grips on a baseball bat absorb shock to the hands while leather and synthetic grips can improve stickiness. Slippery tape is prohibited in all level Little Leagues.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're looking for a youth baseball bat on a budget, then you can try looking at stores that stock slightly used baseball equipment such as Play it Again Sports.

• If you buy a used metal baseball bat, make sure that it is not dented

Resources

• Age/height bat length chart
• Little League approved metal bats
• Little League regulations