For many years, WYB has only allowed bats with barrels no larger than 2 ¼ inches, regardless of their certification. In 2018, USA Baseball (the prevailing organization over baseball in the US) came out with new bat standards and in the 2 years since, many leagues have adopted their standards. As a result, 2 ¼” bats are getting harder and harder to find. The USA baseball standards are centered around making metal bats behave like wooden bats.
Adding to the confusion, there is still a separate set of bat standards referred to as USSSA or 1.15 BPF. These bats are still allowed in many travel leagues including the league which the Worthington Nationals play in. These bats are designed for optimum performance and provide more power than the USA bats. There is also something called “BBCOR .5” but that relates to High School & College standards.
Beginning this upcoming 2020 season, WYB will allow USA Baseball “big barrel” bats to be used in our rec leagues. For at least 2020, we will continue to allow USSSA 2 ¼” bats, however the larger USSSA big barrel bats will continue to not be allowed in WYB. These standards will apply to all divisions within WYB.
To summarize the main takeaway, we will now allow big barrels with the USA Baseball stamp, however it is important everyone understands you may NOT use big barrels with the USSSA 1.15 BPF stamp. You will see a lot of these bats at stores or available used from friends and neighbors who played travel. All 2 ¼” barrel bats will continue to be allowed as in the past.