How to Size a T-Ball Bat

If your child is between the ages of 5 and 7 years old and has taken a liking to baseball, it may be time to get him involved directly in America’s favorite pastime. Communities all over the country offer youth baseball leagues, and these leagues usually begin with tee-ball for younger children. Getting your young child geared up for her first tee-ball team is less complicated than leagues for older children. A tee-ball player only requires a baseball glove that fits properly and a bat that he can swing with adequate speed. While sizing a glove depends solely on the fit, sizing the appropriate bat has a few more factors to consider.

Identify the diameter of the bat barrel. This should be no larger than 2 1/4 inches.

Look at the length of the bat. Most tee-ball bats should be between 24 and 27 inches.

Choose an appropriate weight for the bat. Baseball bats are often labeled with a “drop” number, which is a fixed proportion between the length of the bat and its weight in ounces. Subtracting the “drop” of a bat from its length will give you the bat’s weight. Bats with a higher “drop” will be lighter. Start with a bat that has a “drop” of -13 and have your child hold it out straight and away from her with her dominant hand. If she cannot hold it in that position for 20 seconds then the bat is too heavy.

Consider the material of the bat. Baseball bats can be made from wood, aluminum and composite materials. Aluminum is considered the best choice for tee-ball due to the price and weight. These bats are light, easy to swing and provide added "pop" to the ball when hit.

Tips

Do not feel you have to spend a lot of money on a nice bat for tee-ball. If your child takes to the sport and begins to excel, it may be worthwhile to examine higher-priced bats. For young children in tee-ball, however, the weight and length are the two most important factors, not the price. The weight is important in choosing a baseball bat as the bat must be able to be swung at a consistent speed to hit the ball.