Youth Baseball Bats

USA vs. USSSA: the only decision that matters

Little League, Cal Ripken, Babe Ruth, PONY, Dixie and most town rec leagues require the USA Baseball stamp. Travel ball tournaments run by USSSA and most independent travel organizations allow the USSSA 1.15 BPF stamp, which is a noticeably hotter bat with a bigger 2 3/4" barrel. A player who does both usually ends up with one of each. If you only buy one, buy the stamp your main league requires.

Drop weight by age

Drop is the length in inches minus the weight in ounces; the bigger the number, the lighter the bat feels.

• -13 to -11: tee ball and 6 to 8 year olds. Light enough to swing correctly.
• -10: the standard youth drop from about 8 through 12. The most sizes and models by far.
• -8: bigger or stronger 10 to 12 year olds who want more mass without going to -5.
• -5: 12 and 13 year olds bridging to BBCOR. Most USSSA states cap 13U at -5.

Length by age

As a starting point: 24" to 26" for tee ball, 26" to 28" for ages 6 to 8, 28" to 30" for 9 to 11, and 30" to 32" for 12 and 13. Stand the bat next to the player; the knob should reach about mid-hip. Between two sizes, take the shorter one. A bat the player can control does more than a bat they will grow into.

Alloy or composite for a kid?

One-piece alloy bats are cheaper, ready to hit out of the wrapper, and hold up in cold weather, which makes them the right first bat for most players 10 and under. Composite barrels have the bigger sweet spot and the most forgiveness, but they cost more, need a break-in period, and should stay in the bag below about 60°F. Once a player is in travel ball and has stopped growing an inch a season, composite is worth it.

Frequently asked questions

Can a USSSA bat be used in Little League? No. Little League requires the USA Baseball stamp in every division through Majors. Intermediate (50/70), Junior and Senior divisions also allow BBCOR.

Does a USA bat work in travel ball? Usually yes; most USSSA events allow USA bats. But a USA bat is built to perform like wood, so a player will give up distance to teammates swinging USSSA bats.

What about 14U? USSSA moved 14U to BBCOR or wood starting in 2026, and many 13U events already require -5. Shop BBCOR bats once your player is there.

Do youth bats have a warranty? Yes, one year from the manufacturer against cracks and defects on new bats. Closeouts included.