When selecting a baseball bat it is important to fully understand the stamps and certifications marks. Manufacturers produce several models of bats for multiple organizations. Without this knowledge you won’t be able to make the right choice when selecting a bat.

There are different models that are custom designed to meet each organization’s individual certification requirements. Bats that are custom designed for only a single organization will only have that organization’s mark. Conversely, many bats are designed to meet several organization’s requirements. These bats will have multiple organizations certifications marks. This makes them legal to use in multiple situations.

While I have provided information in the past on what the BBCOR certification implies, I thought it would be helpful to provide a brief description of all to help you out.

BBCOR is the current standard that governs adult baseball bats. It measures and regulates the trampoline effect (how much energy is lost during bat/ball collision) of a bat to ensure non-wood bats perform more like wood. All BBCOR bats have a 2 5/8″ barrel and -3 length-to-weight ratio. All high school and college bats must be BBCOR-certified.

If you’re in USSSA and ages 14 and under, you’re allowed to swing 2 1/4” youth bats and 2 5/8” or 2 3/4” big barrel bats as long as they are USSSA-certified. USSSA bats are also commonly referred to as “Senior League” bats.

If you’re a Little League® player (ages 14 and under) you must swing a USA bat, which can be identified by the USA bat mark that can be seen just above the grip. In the same mold as BBCOR, USA bats are designed to perform more like wood. They will be available in both 2 1/4″ and 2 5/8″ barrel sizes, and which one you choose comes down to personal preference and whether you prefer swinging a larger barrel through the zone. For more info, please visit our USA Bat Standard page.