Waunakee Baseball Families,
Buying the proper bat for a young baseball player might be the most daunting task a baseball parent has to endure. In 2026, companies have gotten smart, to the point where what used to be a broomstick is now a small "investment."
Talking to folks, I commonly hear questions such as:
"What length is best for my kid's grade level?"
"What does 'drop' mean? Is this bat legal?"
"Generally speaking, what is the best brand?"
"How long will the kid be able to utilize their bat?"
Please take these recommendations as recommendations. You and your player are completely entitled to your opinion and can purchase whatever you view as best. However, I would like to share my experience and hopefully clear up some of the misconceptions about this exciting, but costly, endeavour.
USSSA Bat Rules: A Comprehensive Guide
My Recommendation:
K-2th Grade - 24-26 inches (Tee Ball)
4th Grade - 28 inches, USSSA -10 (18oz)
5th Grade - 29 inches, USSSA -10 (19oz)
6th Grade - 30 inches, USSSA -8 or -10 (22oz-20oz)
7th Grade - 31 inches, USSSA -5 (26oz)
8th Grade - 32 inches, BBCOR -3, (29oz)
9th and 10th Grade - 32 inches, BBCOR -3, (29oz)
11th and 12th Grade - 33 inches, BBCOR -3, (30oz)
Obviously, the recommendations suggest buying a new size every year of development. By no means is that what I am implying. However, please understand that equipping your baseball player with the right-sized, weight-appropriate bat is far more important than the cost. For example: A 6th-grade player should swing a 30-inch, -8 bat that costs $150 at most. In terms of development and becoming a better hitter, a $400 baseball bat does not equate to more success on the baseball field.
Important note: I would like to see the majority of our 8th-grade class swing a BBCOR bat, as most are now strong enough to handle one, and it removes the year of the learning curve of 9th grade. The grades leading up to 8th should be appropriate stepping stones to the end goal of BBCOR (-3).
If you would like extra clarification or any questions arise, please feel free to reach out.
All the best,
Coach Holewinski
cooperholewinski@waunakee.k12.wi.us