COMMON QUESTIONS CONCERNING EQUIPMENT

Bats
(Rule Changes for 2009 Season)
Copied from Little League International Website.

Rule 1.10

What is changed: Reduces the maximum diameter for a bat in the Junior League Baseball division from 2 3/4 inches to 2 5/8 inches. (Maximum diameter for bats in Senior League and Big League remains at 2 5/8 inches.)

1.10 - The bat must be a baseball bat which meets Little League specifications and standards as noted in this rule. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick and made of wood or of material and color tested and proved acceptable to Little League standards.

Little League (Majors) and below: it shall not be more than thirty-three (33) inches in length nor more than two and one-quarter (2¼) inches in diameter. Non-wood bats shall be printed with a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.15 or less;

Junior League: it shall not be more than 34 inches in length; nor more than 2 5/8 inches in diameter, and if wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenths (15/16) inches in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30") at its smallest part.

Senior/Big League: it shall not be more than 36 inches in length, nor more than 2 5/8 inches in diameter, and if wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenths (15/16) inches in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30") at its smallest part. The bat shall not weigh, numerically, more than three ounces less than the length of the bat (e.g., a 33-inch-Iong bat cannot weigh less than 30 ounces). All non-wood bats shall meet the BESR performance standard, and such bats shall be labeled with a permanent certification mark.

NOTE 1: Junior/Senior/Big League: The 2¾ inch in diameter bat is not allowed in any division.

NOTE 2: The traditional batting donut is not permissible

NOTE 3: The bat may carry the mark "Little League Tee Ball."

Batting Gloves

Once the player arrives at competitive levels don't leave home without a pair. The purpose for these gloves is to protect the hands, not just at bat, but when running the bases requires a slide or brings on a slip or fall. As the level of play advances the player often wears a batting glove inside their fielding glove.  Pitchers cannot usually wear a batting glove when pitching and should not even have them in their pocket on the mound.

Cleats

Cleats are one of the most important safety factors in a player's clothing. A recent study in
California showed that most ankle, knee and leg injuries in organized youth baseball occurred with players not wearing cleats. Baseball shoes provide the firm 360 degree support players need. All outside edges of the shoe have the ability to support the entire weight of the body as it moves. The player does not run faster, the player runs safer.  Little League does not permit METAL CLEATS.

Face Masks on the Helmet

Many players wear face masks on their batting helmets. In many districts all helmets must have a special face protector. They are becoming available for more helmet styles and over the next few years expect to see more and more of them.  NO STICKERS WILL BE ALLOWED ON ANY HELMETS.  LEAGUE RULES

Gloves

There are many quality youth model gloves that will last your child for many years. The smaller models are often indicated as 10 1/2 or 11 inch gloves. Any young child should be able to handle some of these very flexible models.

Most youth leagues do not allow the use of a glove longer than 12 inches from the base of the thumb crotch to the tip of the glove. An expensive "professional" glove will be very difficult for a young player to properly break in. The glove will last for many years but without careful work it may be too much for the younger player.

Colored gloves are not a problem unless your player becomes a pitcher. Once on the mound the rules require the glove to be "of one solid color, not gray or white."

Helmets

Helmets must be worn anytime the player is at bat, on base or in a base coaching position. The helmet must fit properly. An improperly fitted helmet is dangerous.

Sun Screen and Sunglasses

Do not send your child out without sun screen, even on a cloudy day. The baseball fields do not to have high amounts of shade and children often suffer from the effects of the relentless sun.

Sunglasses: I am going to give you my personal opinion on an often hot topic. As a parent it is my decision whether or not my child wears proper sports sunglasses. Anytime there is a chance my son or daughter could be making a play facing into the sun they have the option of flipping down their glasses and increasing their chance at seeing the ball. I would not personally go on the field without mine, why should my children be any different?

Sweat Bands

White bands are for tennis, other colors are permissible in baseball. Pitchers generally cannot ear a sweatband regardless of the color.


Uniforms

The league does supply a uniform shirt and hat. No player, at any time, at any temperature, at any level will be allowed on the field wearing shorts.  GREY BASEBALL PANTS ONLY.  NO EXCEPTIONS !!!!!!!