Little League and College Baseball have their own standards. People are often unaware of the correct form of the bat to be used in the particular. Which bat to be used – wood, aluminum, or composite? Here are 6 questions that you need to know about the use of bats in the Little League and College Baseball.
#1. Can You Use Wooden Bats In Little League Baseball?
Yes, wooden bats are allowed in all Little Leagues when they follow the League’s regulations. When the bat is one-piece solid wood and adheres to the rules of the League, it does not require any USA Baseball mark or sticker. However, when the bat is two-piece or multi-piece wood, it is necessary to have a USA Baseball mark or a sticker for playing approval.
The wooden bats that have the experimental design fall into this category, including composite wood bats, bamboo bats, two-piece wood bats, bonded wood bats, and laminated wood bats.
Though wooden bats can be used in Little League baseball, many players prefer to use metal bats mainly because they are cost-effective and easier to play with than wooden bats.
Wooden bats are hard to play with because they are usually heavier and not easy to swing. Their sweet spot is also smaller than the metal bats, making it difficult for the player to hit the ball. Also, greater force is required to hit the ball with the wooden bat, which is problematic for the little players. These wooden bats tend to break easier than metal bats, which is not likeable at all.
#2. Can You Use A Bbcor Bat In Little League?
Little League allows the use of bats that follow the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) standards in the following leagues:
– Little League (Majors) and below
– Intermediate (50-70) Division
– Junior League divisions
The BBCOR bats should have the silkscreen label or any other permanent certification sticker.
BBCOR standards measure the trampoline effects of the bat rather than the ratio of the ball exit speed to the bat and pitch speed. It is exclusively designed for composite bats and follows the rules set by NCAA.
It is said about wooden baseball bats that the ball loses much energy when it comes in contact with the bat. However, when the ball hits the bat in the composite bat, the barrel would flex inward to some extent; thus, the ball would retain a part of its energy. All this would result in the ball going farther in the field. BBCOR standard makes sure that the composite bat performs nearer to the wooden bat, so the safety levels remain the same in the playing field.
#3. Why Do Kids Use Aluminum Bats?
Recently, a new regulation has been forwarded that allows aluminium bats that work as wooden bats in Little League baseball. There are many reasons for the kids to use aluminum bats;
- Lighter than others – even more than five ounces lighter than the wooden bats
- Bigger barrels
- Swing faster as they have lesser weight
- Harder – which increase the ball’s speed when it strikes
- Exceptional trampoline effect that takes the ball even farther in the field
- Don’t break easily as wooden bats
- Larger sweet spot
- Offer better balance
Overall, for the kids who want to master this game, the aluminum bat is better than the wooden one. But as the professional leagues only allow the use of wooden bats during the play, a kid should also know the use of the wooden bat along with the aluminum bat.
#4. Can College Baseball Players Use Wooden Bats?
Yes, college baseball players can use wooden bats, but most prefer to use the metal bat. Wooden bats that adhere to the NCAA rules are allowed to be used in college baseball. Wooden bats are often suggested for the players who want to continue playing baseball further as the professional baseball leagues only allow wooden bats. However, the use of wooden bats is expensive over the course of a whole year as they get broken easily.
#5. Can You Use Composite Bats In College?
Yes, composite bats could be used in college baseball, but they should meet NCAA standards.
In the year 2009, during the College World Series, the NCAA banned the use of composite bats in the college leagues. It was found that most BESR approved composite bats exceeded the required standards of performance. In July 2009, an indefinite ban was imposed on the use of composite bats during college baseball.
After extensive laboratory research and testing, composite bats were allowed again in the year 2011 for the bats that follow BBCOR=0.50 standards. This standard ensures that the bat used doesn’t produce a ball speed greater than the wooden bat.
When the bat doesn’t meet the given standards, there’s an increased chance of injury during the game.
#6. Do They Use Aluminum Bats In College Baseball?
The use of metal bats in college baseball is a common sight nowadays. Most players are inclined towards using aluminum bats.
Using an aluminum bat in baseball was initiated in 1975. Any aluminum bat that produces the feel of a wooden bat and meets the NCAA standards is allowed in college baseball.
Aluminum bats are primarily used in college baseball because they don’t break that easily and last long. Usually, college teams don’t have enough funds to change bats season after season. Also, they have a larger sweet spot and are much easier to swing.
#7. How Many Pitches Are Allowed In College Baseball?
According to a report, many college baseball players pitch without keeping the count. But when the count is made, 100 pitches are allowed in a day. Even in some games, the 120-130 pitches are allowed.
Not just that, the numbers of pitches also imply a restriction on the players’ playing days. If a pitcher pitches 76 plus time, he needs to rest for three calendar days. For 50-75 pitches, two days rest is necessary, and for 31-49 pitches, a day of rest is sufficient.