Baseball Bats

The Chicagoland Metro League enforces High School bat limitations during the season for the 14U level. Those limitations are as follows:

1. cannot be more than 2 5/8" in diameter
2. its drop cannot be more than 3

A bat's drop is calculated by taking its weight in ounces less its length in inches. For example, a 34 inch bat must weigh at least 31 ounces for it to be permitted. A bat's drop contributes to swing speed. Clearly, a greater drop (lighter weight to length ratio) adds to swing speed. Apparently, this creates a greater risk of injury (particularly to pitchers) as the players get older.

CLICK HERE for a table of a sample of approved bats for the 14U level.

As we proceed through our Winter batting cage sessions, hitters will benefit by swinging a regulation bat. I also highly recommend that batters use the same regulation bat throughout the OYA Pony League recreational season--even though OYA imposes much more liberal bat requirements. It's important that the players build strength and become accustomed to the heavier bats before entering into a new season.