Important Notice:  New Bat Standard for 2018

Effective January 1, 2018, Cal Ripken Baseball and EGYB will be adopting the new USA Bat Standard which is being implemented throughout most major youth baseball leagues (Little League, Babe Ruth, Cal Ripken, AAU, Pony).  For the upcoming Spring Season, players in competitive divisions must bat with a bat that complies with the USA Bat standard and bears the USA Stamp.   The current bats bearing the 1.15 bpf stamp will no longer be allowed.

Some quick answers to frequently asked questions:

Why the change?   USA Baseball, the governing national body for the sport of baseball, has moved to a different testing criteria for the performance of the bats.   The new bat standard is geared toward a more “wood-like” performance.

What playing divisions will this affect?   This affects competitive (hardball) divisions only – AA, AAA, Minors, Major Minors, and Majors.   Rookie and Single A Divisions use tee-ball bats and are unaffected.
     
Are big barrel bats allowed?   Yes, provided they comply with the new standard and have the USA Bat stamp, Cal Ripken Baseball is allowing 2 5/8” Big Barrel bats in recreational play.
     
Can we use wood bats?  Yes.  2 ¼” barrel wood bats no longer than 33” are still allowed.
     
Can we use BBCOR bats?  No.   BBCOR bats are not allowed in age divisions 12 and under.
     
When will the new bats be available for purchase?  Some manufacturers and retailers are set to release them as early as September 2017.

Some helpful links for further information:

Babe Ruth Baseball notice and FAQ on USA Bat Standard:

https://www.baberuthleague.org/bat-rules.aspx

USA Baseball Press Release:

https://www.baberuthleague.org/batter-up/articles/new-bat-specification-testing.aspx