Approved Composite Bats - (2 1/4 inch barrels)

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In an effort to provide timely information on bat rules, Little League International today announced the bat specifications and standards for the 2012 season.       

Here are the highlights, followed by the actual text of the 2012 baseball bat rules:

• For the Little League Major Baseball Division and below: The moratorium on composite-barreled baseball bats remains in effect. However, some composite-barreled baseball bats that have been proven in laboratory testing to meet the BPF (Bat Performance Factor) standard throughout the life of the bat, through the Accelerated Break-In (ABI) process, have received waivers. That list is here: Licensed/Approved Composite 2 1/4 Bats.

Note that in the Little League Majors Baseball Division and below, there is no limit on the “drop” weight of any bat.

For Junior League Baseball: The rule was updated to reflect the changes that were anticipated and published two years ago regarding bats with 2 5/8 inch barrels. As a result, composite-barreled baseball bats in this division, regardless of barrel size, must meet BBCOR (Batted Ball Co-Efficient of Restitution) standards, and must be so labeled. Note that all composite-barreled baseball bats that meet the BBCOR standard have a “drop” of no more than “minus-3.” However, in the Junior League Baseball division, bats that do not have composite materials in the barrel (i.e., all metal, all alloy, all wood), and meet all other applicable standards, can have ANY drop weight. Bats with a barrel of less than 2 5/8 inches also can be used in the Junior League Baseball Division, but must still comply with all other specifications noted.

A list of approved and licensed composite bats can be found on the Little League website at http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/2012+Approved+Non+Wood+Bat+List.pdf