Babe Ruth & Cal Ripken Information
RULE CHANGE
- Babe Ruth Baseball, Cal Ripken Baseball and Babe Ruth Softball, all umpires are required to be a Babe Ruth League, Inc. National Umpire Association member to work district, state, regional and World Series.
— - Cal Ripken Baseball Division (only) – a team may elect to add a tenth hitter to the batting order for district, state and regional tournament competition as well as the Cal Ripken 10-Year-Old World Series, Cal Ripken Major 60 World Series and Cal Ripken Major 70 World Series. Prior to the beginning of the game, this player will be indicated in the line-up as the “EH”. The “EH” will be treated as any other starter, and cannot be eliminated during the course of the game. NOTE: If a team’s line up starts with 10 players, the team must finish with 10 players. Penalty shall be a forfeit.
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2013 BAT RESTRICTIONS
APPROVED BATS FOR 2013:
To follow up our previous correspondence and information posted on the Babe Ruth League website, the following details on all baseball bats approved by Babe Ruth League, Inc. for 2013 local league and tournament play. Such descriptions are included as part of the 2013 Babe Ruth League Rules and Regulations.
CAL RIPKEN BASEBALL DIVISION
The bat may not exceed 33″in length, and the bat barrel may not exceed 2¼” in diameter. Only 2¼” barrel non-wood bats marked BPF 1.15 will be allowed. Wood 2 ¼” barrel bats are allowed.
13-15 BASEBALL DIVISION
The bat may not exceed 34″ in length, and the bat barrel may not exceed 2 5/8″ in diameter. All aluminum/alloy barrel bats and all composite handle (only) aluminum/alloy barrels are allowed. Only composite barrel bats certified and marked BBCOR .50 will be allowed. Wood barrel bats conforming to the specifications of Official Baseball Rule 1.10 are allowed.
16-18 BASEBALL DIVISION
The bat may not exceed 34″ in length and the bat barrel many not exceed 2 5/8″ in diameter or be greater than a -3 length to weight ratio. Only metal/composite bats certified and marked BBCOR .50 are allowed. Wood barrel bats conforming to the specifications of Official Baseball Rule 1.10 are allowed.
NON-COMPLIANT BATS FOR 2013:
Contained below is a current listing of non-compliant bats that are not eligible, or approved, for use in any Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Baseball program or activity.
* Babe Ruth League, Inc. has been informed that Nike Bat Model #Aero CX2-BTO636 (light grey), CX2-BTO573 (dark grey) and CX2-BTO598 (blue)have failed recent performance standard compliance testing.
Effective immediately and until further notice, Nike Bat Model #Aero CX2-BTO636 (light grey), CX2-BTO573 (dark grey) and CX2-BTO598 (blue), including all graphic variations, is not eligible, or approved, for use in any Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken program or activity.
* The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has advised Babe Ruth League, Inc. that the BBCOR decertification process has been implemented for the following bats:
Marucci CAT-52 33-inch model, CAT-52 34-inch model, and Black 33-inch and 34-inch models
Reebok Vector-TLS 33-inch model
* Babe Ruth League, Inc. has been informed that Louisville Slugger TPX Dynasty -12, (black/red/grey) composite bat has failed recent performance standard compliance testing.
Effective immediately and until further notice, Louisville Slugger (Hillerich & Bradsby) TPX Dynasty bat (Model – YB12D — (black/red/grey) including all graphic variations, is not eligible, or approved, for use in any Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken program or activity.
* Babe Ruth League, Inc. has been informed that Mattingly Sports, Inc., Balistk (blue) composite bat has failed recent performance standard compliance testing.
Effective immediately and until further notice, Mattingly Sports, Inc., Balistk bat (Model – BTKYB, blue) including all graphic variations, is not eligible, or approved, for use in any Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken program or activity.
Effective immediately and until further notice, the bats listed above are not eligible, or approved, for use in any Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken program or activity.
PENALTY
- If the illegal bat is discovered prior to a batter completing his “at bat” the bat is simply removed from play and the “at bat” continues.
- A player who uses an illegal bat or non-conforming barrel dimension and hits a fair ball will be ruled out. No advancement on the bases will be allowed, and any outs during the play shall stand. This is an appeal play. The “at bat” will be considered legal once a pitch is thrown to the next batter.
- Any bat discovered prior to the game that does not conform to the above rule shall be directed to be removed immediately and not be allowed for use during the game.