What are the current adult baseball bat laws and regulations? Adult baseball bats must have a length-to-weight ratio of 3:2 and a barrel diameter of 2 inches. Bats must be 31"-34" length to be legal in high school and collegiate-sanctioned leagues. In lower age groups, bats can be as long as 36" but must be 32" in juvenile play.
The maximum weight allowed on an adult baseball bat is 35 pounds. The handle must be made of wood, but it can be as simple as a stick or as elaborate as a piece of art. There are special bats for women and girls's games, which are usually less expensive than their male counterparts. These bats are usually between 30 and 33 inches long with a weight limit of 15 pounds.
What kinds of baseball bats are there? An adult baseball bat can be any one of several different types of bats used by players. Some bats are designed to produce more power while others are designed for control. Different players may also have personal preferences regarding how they like the feel of the bat in their hands or how much weight they want put into their swings.
Baseball Bat Standards Senior League No. 1. In the 2nd Little League (Major) Division and below, a bat must be no longer than 36 inches in length, no wider than 2-5/8 inches in diameter, and no shorter than fifteen-sixteenths (15/16) inch in diameter if made of wood. Three Intermediate (50/70) Divisions and a Junior League are available. In these divisions, a bat can be up to 42 inches in length, no wider than 7/8 inch in diameter, and no shorter than fourteen-three-quarters (14/4) inch in diameter if made of wood.
Bats are graded on quality and performance. A high-quality bat will have some sort of grain pattern on it. A low-quality bat will have a smooth surface with no distinguishable grain. A good bat is heavy for its size, has a solid sound when struck, and feels comfortable in your hand.
There are many different types of bats used by baseball players. The three most common types are wooden, metal, and composite. Wood bats are by far the most popular choice among young players because of their weight and ability to produce power. Some manufacturers claim that their wood bats are "Crown" wood or "Tonka" wood, but they are actually cheap species obtained from industrial timber plantations. These bats are known for having a short lifespan and are generally not recommended for older players or professionals because they tend to be too heavy and lack maneuverability.
As a general rule, all fast-pitch softball bats must have a 2 1/4-inch barrel diameter, be no longer than 34 inches in length, and weigh no more than 31 1/2 oz. The USA/ASA Certified stamp must also be present on bats. These bats should be able to meet the 98 mph batted ball speed criteria.
If you're looking to play in a league that allows smaller bats, then you can choose from among a wide variety of products that fall under the category of "minis". These bats are generally between 15 and 18 inches long, but some manufacturers do make barrels that are shorter or longer. Mini bats are perfect for young players who may get hit by bigger balls or pitchers' pitches. They are also good options for people who wear glasses or have allergies.
Finally, if you look around online, you can find photos of people's arms covered in bruises from using too large of a bat. If this concerns you, then we recommend sticking with one that is within a reasonable size range.
Overall, fastpitch softball requires very specific equipment so it's important to know what sizes are allowed before buying new bats. We recommend checking out brands such as Louisville Slugger, Midwestern, and Easton because they have been making quality bats for many years and have established themselves as leaders in the industry.
While most bats are no greater than 34 inches in length, the weight will begin to catch up with the length. Here's a chart with a general rule of thumb for 2 5/8" barrel bats (found in most travel ball tournaments)... if your ball weighs 20 grams or more, you'll need a 35-inch-or-longer bat.
That being said, there are some great 34-inch bats on the market today. Some manufacturers make multiple model years of their product, so if you can find one with newer technology it may be better quality. Also, check the weight of the bat before you buy it - if it's under 300 grams, you should be able to swing a 34-inch bat easily enough.
Here are a few examples of some popular 34-inch baseball bats:
34 Inch Composite Bats: These types of bats have a wooden handle and a composite shell. They're easy to hit with and very durable. The only downside is that they don't have much "kick".
These bats typically weigh between 220 and 260 grams. The heavier end of the range is best for hitting fast balls; the lighter end of the range is best for hitting curves. A little over two pounds doesn't sound like much, but it's definitely possible to swing a heavy bat effectively with practice.