Little League International announced in August 2015 that it would be formally adopting USA Baseball's new standard for bat performance testing. The announcement said, "For more than seventy-five years, Little League has used improvements in science, engineering, and technology to take the sport of baseball to higher levels. By utilizing the most current advancements available, manufacturers can now develop bats with a wood-like performance, which is important for the long-term success of the game." Based on the new bat regulations, the full composite bats and composite-barrel half-and-half bats used prior to 1/1/2018 are now illegal.

As of January 1, 2018, the new USA Baseball Bat Standard will be implemented. Little League-approved baseball bats that were approved for use for the 2017 season are no longer acceptable for use in any Little League game or activity.

For more information on the USABat standard and a complete list of bats approved through the USABat Standard, visit usabat.com.

2024 Bat Rules:

Beginning with the 2018 season, non-wood and laminated bats used in the Little League (Majors) and below, Intermediate (50-70) Division, Junior League divisions, and Challenger division shall bear the USA Baseball logo signifying that the bat meets the USABat – USA Baseball’s Youth Bat Performance Standard. All BPF – 1.15 bats will be prohibited beginning with the 2018 season. Additionally, starting in 2018, the bat diameter shall not exceed 2⅝ inches for these divisions of play. Additional information is available at LittleLeague.org/batinfo.

In February 2018, Little League amended the rules for the Coach Pitch/Machine Pitch, Intermediate (50/70), and Junior League Divisions. Under the amendment, Tee Ball bats approved under the USA Baseball Tee Ball Sticker Program may be used in coach pitch/machine pitch divisions, but only with the use of approved tee balls. The amendment also made it legal to use BBCOR bats in the Intermediate (50/70) and Junior League Divisions.

Tee Ball Bat Rules:

Under the USABat standard, certified Tee Ball bats (26" and shorter) will feature the USA Baseball marking and text which reads ONLY FOR USE WITH APPROVED TEE BALLS. All Tee Ball bats must feature the USA Baseball mark and accompanying text. Tee Ball bats that were produced and/or purchased prior to the implementation of the new standard can be certified using an Approved Tee Ball Sticker via the USA Baseball Tee Ball Sticker Program. Approved Tee Ball bats may be used in coach pitch/machine pitch divisions only with the use of approved tee balls.

Minor/Major Divisions:

It shall feature the USA Baseball marking. It shall not be more than 33 inches in length; nor more than 2⅝ inches in diameter, and if wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenths (15/16) inches in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30") at its smallest part. Wood bats taped or fitted with a sleeve may not exceed sixteen (16) inches from the small end.

NOTE: Solid one-piece wood barrel bats do not require a USA Baseball logo.