CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – In an effort to create more uniformity to the bats being used at Perfect Game youth events at age levels 12u and under, starting January 1, 2018, PG is proud to announce the implementation of the new USA Baseball Youth Bat Standard (USABat).
USA Baseball has conducted numerous tests in an effort to scientifically engineer superior non-wood bats that can still perform like a wood bat and be available in a variety of lengths and weights. The implementation would be similar to that of the BBCOR bat introduced at the college and high school levels, creating a uniform standard at the youth baseball level while also providing the best long-term integrity of the game.
"Our goal is to help standardize rules in youth baseball that are in the best interest of the young players," Perfect Game President and Founder Jerry Ford said of the initiative. "MLB and USA Baseball have determined that this is an important change and we fully support their efforts."
Perfect Game will be joining USA Baseball National Member Organizations including the American Amateur Baseball Congress, Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken, Dixie, Little League and PONY Baseball. The January 1, 2018 start date has been created to give bat manufacturers ample time to produce bats and make them available to consumers.
To learn more about the USA Baseball bat standard please visit the following links and watch the video embedded above which includes a USA Baseball panel discussing the process, implementation and benefits from MLB’s FanFest in mid-July.
USABat Standard
USABat FAQ
Approved Bat List
Perfect Game is also fully compliant with MLB’s and USA Baseball’s Pitch Smart initiative, dedicated to help improve the game at all levels of the game to create a safe and enjoyable experience for the players.