Bat Selection
NOTE: The new USA Bat Standard will NOT be used during the Spring 2019 season for the Hopewell STANDARD RECREATION leagues. USA Standard bats will be allowed in our Recreation leagues, but they will NOT be required.
The USA bat standard WILL TAKE EFFECT for ALL-STAR teams during Dizzy Dean Tournaments for the SPRING/SUMMER 2018 SEASON beginning January 1, 2018.
16U-13U Recreation
- All non-wood bats “MUST” meet BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution).
- 13U/14U Exception – Players may use bats that are USA Baseball Certified and no lighter than drop 10. The USA Baseball Stamp must be on the bat. 13U/14U players may use bats that are USSSA BPF 1.15 Certified and no lighter than drop 5. The BPF1.15 USSSA Stamp must be on the bat.
- Entering the batter's box with an illegal will result in an out (any play that may have occurred will be reversed). Repeat offense of this by the same team will carry a suspension of the manager for no less than one game.
12U/11U Recreation and 10U-12U Select
The bat may not exceed 33" inches in length and the bat barrel may not exceed 2 3/4 in diameter. Only 2 3/4 barrel non-wood bats marked BPF 1.15 will be allowed. Wood 2 1/4" barrel bats are allowed. Bats marked USA Baseball will also be allowed.
10U/9U/8U Recreation
All non-wood bats “MUST” meet 1.15 BPF (Bat Performance Factor) for the life of the bat and “MUST” possess a “clearly identifiable” manufacture’s certification stamp. This will include 2 1/4, 2 5/8, and 2 3/4 barrel bats. Bats marked USA Baseball will also be allowed.
7U, 6U, 5U and Mini-hitters Recreation
All non-wood bats “MUST” meet 1.15 BPF (Bat Performance Factor) for the life of the bat and “MUST” possess a “clearly identifiable” manufacture’s certification stamp. This will include 2 1/4 or 2 5/8 barrel bats ONLY. Bats marked USA Baseball will also be allowed.
NO 2 3/4 inch BIG BARREL BATS ALLOWED IN THESE AGE GROUPS.
5U-15U All-Stars (Dizzy Dean Tournaments) ONLY
USA standard bats must be used. Details below.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2018, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE -3 BAT (BBCOR CERTIFIED), ALL OTHER 2 5/8 INCH MINUS FACTOR BATS (-5, -7,-9, ETC.) MUST BE YBBCOR CERTIFIED WITH THE USABat LICENSING STAMP ON THE BAT IN ORDER TO BE USED FOR LEAGUE AND TOURNAMENT PLAY.
Look for the USABat logo on a bat to ensure it is legal for All-Star and Select League Play!!
