USA Baseball to Assume Management of BBCOR as Part of Expanded USABat Program

USA Baseball launched USABat in 2018 to deliver the same wood-like bat performance as BBCOR across the lighter bats younger players use to match their size and strength as they develop. USABat ensures youth players are swinging an age-appropriate bat while also developing good bat-to-ball skills before eventually progressing to swinging a BBCOR (-3) bat. Now, by formally integrating USA BBCOR into the USABat program, USA Baseball has unified bat performance standards across every level of amateur baseball.

“This is not a change in performance standards; it is a unification of them,” said USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler. “USABat has always shared the same wood-like performance standard and coefficient of restitution as BBCOR. This unification simply reflects what has always been true: a player swings the same standard from their first at-bat all the way through their collegiate career and always has.

“We are very proud of what USABat has brought to baseball since it was introduced in 2018, and that track record is what made working with the NCAA a natural next step. We are thankful to have worked closely alongside them to make this happen, and we appreciate their support and trust in USA Baseball and the USABat program to assume management of the BBCOR standard.”

“Bringing BBCOR under USA Baseball’s USABat program is an important evolution for the game and a step toward a more unified equipment model,” said Anthony Holman, NCAA Vice President of Championships and Alliances. “A singular national governing organization managing bat testing, certification and ongoing standards provides clarity for manufacturers, consistency for schools and conferences, and confidence for student-athletes and coaches as the game continues to grow. We are proud to work with USA Baseball in advancing a structure that supports the long-term integrity and development of amateur baseball.”

USA BBCOR bats will be available for purchase beginning July 1, 2027. The NCAA will allow the use of bats with the current BBCOR mark through its 2028 season. However, beginning January 1, 2029, all non-wood bats must bear the USA BBCOR certification mark (inset above) to be approved for play in the NCAA.

USA Baseball Is actively engaged with additional baseball organizations on the formal adoption and transition periods of USA BBCOR and will provide additional updates over the coming months.

About USA Baseball

Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, USA Baseball serves as the national governing body for baseball in the United States. Since 1978, the organization has been dedicated to Leading the Growth of Our Pastime’s Future, supporting and protecting the game for its 17.3 million participants nationwide. A proud member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), USA Baseball’s national teams have earned 72 gold medals in international competition, including two Olympic gold medals and a World Baseball Classic title. Beyond competition, USA Baseball champions the sport’s growth and well-being through initiatives such as BASE (Baseball Athlete Safety Education), Fun At Bat, Pitch Smart, PLAY BALL, the Prospect Development Pipeline, and USABat. Additionally, it recognizes the nation’s top amateur baseball player each year with the prestigious Golden Spikes Award. For more information about USA Baseball, its national teams, or its development initiatives, visit USABaseball.com or USABDevelops.com.