What’s wrong with the bats we’re using now? 

According to USABaseball.com the rationale for the new regulations is that “a wood-like performance standard will provide for the long-term integrity of the game.”

Translation, please?

In other words, they’re trying to level the playing field for batters and pitchers because some composite bats have gotten too “hot,” (powerful) creating an unfair advantage for batters using them. (Sort of the same standard that has MLB hitters swinging wood instead of composite bats.)

Since wood is considered a “scarce resource,” the new bats will be made from composite or alloy to “seem like wood.” USA Baseball assures that they’ll be designed to mimic the highest performing wood.

NEW 2018 Cal Ripken Bat Guidelines

• USA Baseball approved bats will be made in 2 1/4- and 2 5/8- inch dimensions.
• They’ll have no drop weight limits.
• And they’ll be sporting a USA Baseball logo like the one pictured.
• Current one-piece, solid wood bats are also approved, whether they have the USA Baseball logo or not.
• NO BBCOR BATS