Ask them in this order: which stamp your league requires, what length and drop suit your player’s size, and whether you need wood or metal. After that, it comes down to your player.
Bats are chosen based on a player’s mechanics, physical size, athleticism and bat speed.
A game bat without the mark your league requires is turned away at the plate. Solid one-piece wood needs no mark.
Counting bats.
Required in Little League Majors and below, Cal Ripken, PONY, Dixie and most rec leagues for players 14 and under. Barrel up to 2-5/8 in, no drop limit.
131 bats
The travel-ball stamp (1.15 BPF mark on the taper). Hotter than USA bats, barrels up to 2-3/4 in. Drop limits vary by state and age group.
199 bats
Required for high school and college: drop -3, barrel up to 2-5/8 in. From the 2028 season high school will also allow USA -4, -5 and -6 bats; 2026 and 2027 stay BBCOR only.
189 bats
One-hand, short, heavy, light, skinny and flat bats for practice, sorted by what each one trains. Not for games.
202 bats
Every metal and composite bat, including tee ball, coach pitch and fungo bats.