skip navigation
- EXPIRED -

USA BAT STANDARD CHANGE

By FVPB, 10/08/17, 12:30PM PDT

Share

USA BAT STANDARD CHANGE FOR 2018

* APRIL 30, 2019 UPDATE -  EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY *
PONY Baseball will allow the use of bats within the 2 ½” barrel classification. Currently, PONY Baseball’s rules approve bats within the 2 ¼” or 2 5/8” barrel classifications. Given that the 2 ½” model falls within the spectrum of PONY’s two approved barrel classifications and has received the USABat stamp of approval, the PONY International Board of Directors agreed to deem the bat suitable for play.

“PONY has worked closely with the manufacturers and USA Baseball to ensure that the best available baseball bats are on the market for our athletes," stated Abraham Key, President & CEO of PONY Baseball and Softball. “The 2 ½” bat model is another example of demand by the consumer for a lighter bat for our entry level younger players that will pass the USABat standard.”

Typically in bat testing, the number associated with the bat refers to its bat classification, not an exact measurement. Bats within the 2 5/8” barrel classification have the largest allowable barrel diameter within the USABat standard. To read more about USA Baseball’s USABat Standard, click
 here.
 

2018 UPDATE
Effective immediately, the bat identified as the Easton Ghost X YBB18GX10 30/20 2 5/8” (or the “Easton Ghost X 30/20 5/8” at retail) has been decertified by USA Baseball and is no longer an approved bat under the USABat Standard. This applies to the 30-inch drop 10 variation of the Easton Ghost X only. At the time of this decertification notice, all other lengths and drops of the Easton Ghost X bat remain approved for play.

2018 UPDATE
In conjunction with USA Baseball and its other participating national member organizations, PONY Baseball has adopted the new USA Baseball bat standard (USABat). Effective January 1, 2018, with the exception of -3 (BBCOR certified), all other minus factor bats (-5, -7, -9, etc.), must be USABat certified with the USABat licensing stamp on the bat in order to be used for league and tournament play. Minus factor bats -5, -7, -9, etc. used in 2017 will be illegal to use in 2018.
 
 

 

 

 

Click Here For More Information