HAB Bat Policy
It is the policy of Hendricks Avenue Baseball League and Babe Ruth League, Inc. to assure the safety of all participants. Accordingly, HABL and Babe Ruth League, Inc. reserves the right to ban any equipment, including bats, at any time, including during the season, based upon a change of existing policy and/or upon new information made available to HABL and Babe Ruth League, Inc.
APPROVED BATS:
To follow up our previous correspondence and information posted on the Babe Ruth League website, the following details on all baseball bats approved by HABL and Babe Ruth League, Inc. for local league and tournament play. Such descriptions are included as part of the HABL and Babe Ruth League Rules and Regulations.
CAL RIPKEN BASEBALL DIVISION
The bat may not exceed 33"in length, and the bat barrel may not exceed 2 5/8" in diameter. Only 2¼" barrel non-wood bats marked BPF 1.15 will be allowed. Wood 2 ¼" barrel bats are allowed.
13-15 BASEBALL DIVISION
The bat may not exceed 34" in length, and the bat barrel may not exceed 2 5/8" in diameter. All aluminum/alloy barrel bats and all composite handle (only) aluminum/alloy barrels are allowed. Only composite barrel bats certified and marked BBCOR .50 will be allowed. Wood barrel bats conforming to the specifications of Official Baseball Rule 1.10 are allowed.
HABL and Babe Ruth League, Inc. – All Divisions – If any bat in Cal Ripken Baseball or Babe Ruth Baseball cannot be clearly identified for its make and model to determine the barrel composition, then the bat should be removed from the game.
NON-COMPLIANT BATS FOR - BABE RUTH/CAL RIPKEN:
Contained below is a current listing of non-compliant bats that are not eligible, or approved, for use in any Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Baseball program or activity.
Effective immediately, and until further notice, the Combat B2YB1 Da Bomb Youth Baseball Bat, is not eligible, or approved, for use in any Cal Ripken program or activity.
* Babe Ruth League, Inc. has been informed that Nike Bat Model #Aero CX2-BTO636 (light grey), CX2-BTO573 (dark grey) and CX2-BTO598 (blue)have failed recent performance standard compliance testing.
Effective immediately and until further notice, Nike Bat Model #Aero CX2-BTO636 (light grey), CX2-BTO573 (dark grey) and CX2-BTO598 (blue), including all graphic variations, is not eligible, or approved, for use in any Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken program or activity.
* The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has advised Babe Ruth League, Inc. that the BBCOR decertification process has been implemented for the following bats:
Marucci CAT-52 33-inch model, CAT-52 34-inch model, and Black 33-inch and 34-inch models
Reebok Vector-TLS 33-inch model
* Babe Ruth League, Inc. has been informed that Louisville Slugger TPX Dynasty -12, (black/red/grey) composite bat has failed recent performance standard compliance testing.
Effective immediately and until further notice, Louisville Slugger (Hillerich & Bradsby) TPX Dynasty bat (Model - YB12D -- (black/red/grey) including all graphic variations, is not eligible, or approved, for use in any Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken program or activity.
* Babe Ruth League, Inc. has been informed that Mattingly Sports, Inc., Balistk (blue) composite bat has failed recent performance standard compliance testing.
Effective immediately and until further notice, Mattingly Sports, Inc., Balistk bat (Model - BTKYB, blue) including all graphic variations, is not eligible, or approved, for use in any Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken program or activity.
Effective immediately and until further notice, the bats listed above are not eligible, or approved, for use in any Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken program or activity.
PENALTY
- If the illegal bat is discovered prior to a batter completing his "at bat" the bat is simply removed from play and the "at bat" continues.
- A player who uses an illegal bat or non-conforming barrel dimension and hits a fair ball will be ruled out. No advancement on the bases will be allowed, and any outs during the play shall stand. This is an appeal play. The "at bat" will be considered legal once a pitch is thrown to the next batter.
- Any bat discovered prior to the game that does not conform to the above rule shall be directed to be removed immediately and not be allowed for use during the game.
If you have any questions on approved or non-compliant bats, do not hesitate to contact Hendricks Avenue Baseball League or Babe Ruth Headquarters.