I have a 13yr old son, who is moving up to Babe Ruth this year. I want to get him a new bat, but want to know what size he should be using. Any suggestions?

Bat size (length/weight) depends on the player. Here is a Bat Length Chart that I've put together based on the players height. I plan to update it this weekend with a weight (ounces) chart also so check back.

Hope this helps.

Jason

FlippJ, that's awesome. Best chart I've seen and I would consider it to be very accurate. Good work!

"Son, when you pitch a strike, Mr. Hornsby will let you know."

FlippJ,

The chart is fantastic. Thank you so much.

Jason,
Looking at the chart, a HS( probably 10th grade) guy weighing 120 -160 greater than 5-8 would be swinging a 33/30 bat. These are pretty heavy. 31/28 a somewhat odd size and the 32/29 are considerations for quickness. The transition from minus 12 to minus 3 (LL to HS) is a difficult one. About the time you get your swing going they hand you a bigger bat. At some points in the transition the body is not ready and bad swing habits creep it to over come bat inertia. Smoothing it out requires getting every oz off possible and strength training starting very early. Good chart as a general guide. IT brings up a good place for other discussions.

Jason,

Not to be too big a bean breaker, but... that chart's really just a pretty version of the one at Sports Authority, isn't it? Otherwise, it's amazing coincidence that you chose the same height/weight categories AND ended up w/ the same bat sizes.

Swingbuster, the purpose of the chart is to help educate people before purchasing a bat. Obviously each player is different but the chart is a good "guide" for them. Ultimately it's up to the player to pick the right bat for him/her. Also, if you'll notice I don't have a weight (ounces) chart up their yet. The chart says my son should be swinging a 32" bat. Last year he swung a 31". I just purchased a 32" bat for him last week. FWIW, it's a -11 (32" 21oz).

Sandman, To be honest I've never seen Sports Authority's chart. What is their web address?

For the rest of you who have "appreciated" my work... You're welcome.

Jason

P.S. I didn't have time this weekend to update the chart with the weight "guidelines". I will do that in the next day or two. Once it's updated I'll post back here. Maybe I'll steal the weight guidelines from Sports Authority.

www.thesportsauthority.com

Under "Buyers Guides", they have one. Dick's has the same chart, and I've seen it elsewhere too.

No offense meant, Jason. But I thought for sure you'd really just copied it and fluffed it, as it's almost identical.

Regardless, thank you for your effort to share such info w/ this group.

FlippJ

I've seen a few posted around the Internet as well, but it's nice to have one here. Thanks for your effort!

Ross.

No offense taken. Just having a little fun. I actually got a couple charts from a guy on our local Little League board. I pretty much just put the two together. I then found one at Easton's website when I was looking at their bats and my chart is comparable to theirs as well.

I can't take credit for the numbers, but I did put it together in a nice HTML document.

Jason

P.S. Callaway, I bought Brandon an Easton Tri-Shell composite bat. It's last years model. I couldn't justify spending close to $200 on a bat that will only be used for one year so the 2003 model made the most sense. Thanks for your help.

Geez Jason, like our sons don't have enough in common already!

FlippJ

We have both the 2004 888 Tri Shells and last years 777 models. No difference in performance that I can see. In fact, I have purchased a few more of the 777's in longer sizes for down the road.

I have noticed that the outside temp has a significant effect on these bats though and Boomer is hitting other models until it warms up. His 3DX and F2 seem to do well in the colder temps. In warm weather (70 plus) the Tri-shells are awesome.

R.

I have a 2003 Connexion so that will get most of the non-game work. Thanks for the information.

Sign ups are tonight. The coach called last night to make sure Brandon was returning. He's getting the returning players together on Saturday for pizza and a trip to the batting cages. He's hoping the boys bond.

I can see the baseball light at the end of the tunnel...

Jason

P.S. Sandman, how did tryouts go for your young guy?

bogdawgryan

Sorry to get off topic. The chart that FlippJ posted looks to be similar to the others that I have seen.

My son is 5ft, 111 lbs., so he "charts" at a 31" bat, but he uses a smaller bat. He uses a 29" big barrel for his travel team and a 30" youth bat for his rec team. I have found that bat speed is crucial and I will not let him go to a longer bat until he demonstrates the ability to swing the longer bat with sufficient quickness. I would rather give up a little mass and leverage for bat speed. JMO.

Ross.

quote:

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Originally posted by FlippJ:
P.S. Sandman, how did tryouts go for your young guy?

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Not until this Sunday. He's been practicing 3x per week tho and looking pretty good for this time of year.

I emailed you this morning. Did you get it?

Just wanted to let those of you who are interest know that I've updated my bat size guide with a suggested weight (ounces) chart.

Check it out: Bat Size Guide

Do with it as you please.

Jason

FlippJ,

On the "Determine Your Bat Weight" chart, what's the rationale for the 11-12YO being by player weight, but the HS/College and 8-10YOs being by height?

FlippJ
With a -3 bat you can't have .5oz weights.

Very true SLIDER24. I should look for a better weight guide. This one was given to me and I never really thought about that much.

Sandman, I have no idea what the rationale is.

Jason