The Optimist Club of Stanley Park

Baseball Bats

Get the right sized bat for YOU

Bat Sizes                           

Length and Weight: Baseball bats and softball bats come in different lengths and weights.  The weight drop is a figure you will often see given to describe a bat. It refers to the difference between the length of the bat (in inches) and the weight of the bat (in ounces). It is always shown as a minus number and the higher the weight drop, the lighter the bat. For example, a baseball bat with a -10 weight drop would be lighter than a bat with a -3 weight drop. 
 

Determine Your Bat Length by Weight and Height 
  Your height (inches)
Your weight (pounds) 36-40 41-44 45-48 49-52 53-56 57-60 61-64 65-68 69-72 73+
Bat length
less than 60 26" 27" 28" 29" 29"          
61-70 27" 27" 28" 29" 30" 30"        
71-80   28" 28" 29" 30" 30" 31"      
81-90   28" 29" 29" 30" 30" 31" 32"    
91-100   28" 29" 30" 30" 31" 31" 32"    
101-110   29" 29" 30" 30" 31" 31" 32"    
111-120   29" 29" 30" 30" 31" 31" 32"    
121-130   29" 29" 30" 30" 31" 32" 33" 33"  
131-140   29" 30" 30" 31" 31" 32" 33" 33"  
141-150     30" 30" 31" 31" 32" 33" 33"  
151-160     30" 31" 31" 32" 32" 33" 33" 33"
161-170       31" 31" 32" 32" 33" 33" 34"
171-180           32" 33" 33" 34" 34"
180+             33" 33" 34" 34"

Note: In general, bigger, stronger players usually prefer a heavier bat since they reap benefits from both the heft and swing power. Smaller and younger players should use a lighter bat to generate a quicker swing and provide better control. 

Barrel Size: The bat's barrel size is the diameter of the larger part of the bat. The larger and longer the barrel, generally, the larger the sweet spot of hitting the ball. Smaller barrel sizes are lighter and allow for more bat speed. The full-size barrels (2 3/4") usually have a difference of 5 between their length and weight (conforming to rules set by many leagues and states regarding high school-aged players). Smaller bats should be selected with a difference of 8 or more between length and weight. For many young players, a 21 ounce bat that is 30 inches long is ideal. Below is a rough guide for bat selection. It is simply a place to start and depends not only on the size of the player but the level of competition. Generally, it is better to err on the light side rather than the heavy side. Note: many professional players are using lighter bats than were used in the past.  
 


Age

Weight Minimum

Weight Maximum

Length Minimum

Length Maximum


Barrel Size

6-7

17 Ounces

19 Ounces

24 Inches

28 Inches

2 ¼

8

19 Ounces

21 Ounces

27 Inches

30 Inches

2 ¼

9

20 Ounces

23 Ounces

28 Inches

30 Inches

2 ¼

10

20 Ounces

23 Ounces

28 Inches

31 Inches

2 ¼

11

21 Ounces

24 Ounces

29 Inches

31 Inches

2 ¼ to 2 5/8

12

23 Ounces

25 Ounces

30 Inches

33 Inches

2 ¼ to 2 ¾

13-14

23 Ounces

28 Ounces

30 Inches

33 Inches

2 ¼ to 2 ¾

15 +

24 Ounces

30 Ounces

30 Inches

34 Inches

2 ¾

Bat Taper: The bat's taper is the diameter of the bat's handle. A bigger bat taper can reduce the sting that occurs when the ball isn't hit on the sweet spot but it also increases the overall weight of the bat. Standard bats are tapered 31/32 of a inch. 

While a properly sized bat is important, learning how to hold the bat, get ready and swing properly are all priorities and should be practised --- otherwise the bat only "looks good".

 

 

 

 


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