Baseball Bat Policy

Please note that effective 2013 Season, Oakland Recreation Baseball will follow Little League Baseball policy on approved and decertified Baseball Bats. Travel Baseball Teams will be governed by the leagues each team enrolls.

Click here to view this policy, including their link to their list of approved and licensed composite bats (meeting their stringent safety standards).

Little League "Majors" and Below = Oakland Rec "Minors" and "Farm" Divisions.
Little League "Intermediate" = Oakland Rec "Majors."
Little League "Senior/Big League" = Oakland Rec "AAA."

Parents, please do not purchase a non-compliant bat. It is dangerous and against the rules.

It is the responsibility of every Manager to ensure each player's bat is in compliance. Therefore, it is mandatory that each Manager prints out and keeps a copy of this policy along with the list of approved and decertified bats that can be referenced before & during games. It's suggested that before each game, each player places their bats in the on-deck area for the Manager to review & ensure compliance.

Managers are strongly encouraged to calmly approach the Umpire – along with the opposing Manager – to calmly discuss bat compliance in case there is a question or concern. The Manager with the question should bring the list and the opposing Manager should bring the bat in question to the Umpire to determine eligibility. The intention is not to imply purposeful wrongdoing for competitive advantage, but to protect the kids – especially the pitcher – from being hit with a ball from a bat that does not meet Little League's stringent standards for safe Bat Exit Speed.

If a player is caught using a non-compliant bat during an at-bat, the bat will be removed and the batter will continue the at-bat with a compliant bat. If the player is caught with a non-compliant bat after an at-bat that results in a hit or a walk, he will be called out, and all players will return to their previous base (and the bat will be removed from the game). If the player is caught with a non-compliant bat after an at-bat that results in an out, the out will stand and the bat will be removed from the game.