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Babe Ruth Bat Rules

Posted by Rick Farr at Mar 24, 2018 5:00PM PDT ( 0 Comments )

Any bat used in either a practice or a game in Babe Ruth must have either a USA Baseball marking or BBCOR .50 sticker, as well as having a 2 5/8” barrel. Any bat that does not have one of these two labels clearly visible cannot be used in either practices or games and is considered an illegal bat. Above are examples of the two labels that indicate a bat legal for Babe Ruth Baseball.

This rule change is meant to increase safety in games and practices and to make it easier for parents, players, coaches, and umpires to identify legal vs illegal bats.

Players stepping into the batter's box with an illegal bat, whether or not a pitch is even thrown, are subject to the penalties listed below.

Babe Ruth Baseball’s national organization has clear penalties regarding the use of an illegal bat, they are as follows:

Penalty for using illegal bats

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.
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.

New Local League Rule

In addition to these rules, Palo Alto Babe Ruth is instituting a new local league rule starting this year to penalize those who either knowingly, or unknowingly, use an illegal bat. Players who use an illegal bat will be suspended from playing in at least one game immediately following the game when the bat was found to be illegal. The player must attend the game(s) for which he/she is serving the suspension, and be in uniform and in the team’s dugout. If a suspended player does not attend the next game for his/her team, the suspension will not begin until the first game attended after the suspension. Also, any use of an illegal bat will be reported by managers to the league’s President who, along with the Board of Directors Executive Committee, will determine the length of a player’s suspension.

Managers and coaches of all Palo Alto Babe Ruth teams will be instructed to check their team’s bats prior to all games and practices to make sure that only approved bats are used.

Keep in mind that the purpose of the bat rules is to make the game as safe as possible for all participants and this is taken very seriously by both the national and local Babe Ruth organizations.

If you have any questions on whether or not a specific bat might be legal, the Babe Ruth Baseball national site has a list of USA Baseball approved bats that can be found at https://usabat.com. Additional information about the bat rules can be found at https://www.baberuthleague.org/bat-rules.aspx

2018 Prep League FAQs

Posted by Rick Farr at Feb 3, 2018 4:00PM PST ( 0 Comments )

When does registration start?

Registration is now open and will remain open until the end of February. Click here to register now.

What is the cost?

The cost before January 15 is $400 per player. We do offer need-based financial scholarships.

What is the league format?

Shortly after the field re-opens in early March (pending weather), registered players will be invited to attend 4 – 6 skills clinics. These clinics will be run by paid coaches (high school level coaching). During the clinics, the prep league volunteer coaches will evaluate the skills levels in order to “draft” each of the players onto one of four teams.

When do practices start?

Practices will begin in late March or early April. All teams will practice one weeknight per week. See our calendar page for the practice and game schedule. It will be clearer once your child is assigned to a team.

When do games start?

Opening Day for the Prep League is March 24. Each team will play two games per week (Thursday OR Friday AND Saturday).

My child didn't play PABR 15U last year, how will he/she be assigned to a team?

If there are no delays due to weather, we will hold a draft on March 18. Your child will be drafted onto one of the four teams.

My son was on a 15U team last year, how will he be assigned to a team?

Returning 15U players are assigned to Prep Teams as follows:
Sundance, Alhouse -----> Wells Fargo
Menlo Chevron, Palo Alto Oaks -----> PAPOA
Goetz Bros, Ada’s Café -----> ABD Insurance
Old Pro, Guy Plumbing -----> Cal Preserving

What about the 15U season?

Palo Alto Babe Ruth also has a 13-15 year-old season that runs from mid-May through July 1. This 8-team league is comprised of players whose baseball age in 2018 is 13, 14, or 15. The 13-15 season starts AFTER high school and also AFTER the prep season. Many of the players who play during the prep season will have the opportunity to ALSO play on a 13-15 team. You will learn more about the 13-15 season as the prep season gets underway.

Can we pay for registration in some form other than PayPal?

Yes. Mail a check made out to "Palo Alto Babe Ruth" to P.O. Box 1363, Palo Alto, CA 94302. Please include the registrant's (player's) name in the memo line.

Donate to Palo Alto Babe Ruth League

Posted by Chris Lillios at Jan 4, 2018 4:00PM PST ( 0 Comments )

PABR 2019 FIELD AND EQUIPMENT IMPROVEMENT FUND

PABR is a non-profit organization operating primarily on generous donations and annual fundraising efforts. This year, PABR is asking all families to consider contributing to the 2019 Field and Equipment Improvement Fund. This year has already seen a lot of work behind the scenes. The league is working with the Palo Alto Park and Rec department in maintaining the recently completed Batting Cage facility in the vacant lot beyond the fence in left field. The batting cage is a welcome addition to Baylands and provides PABR teams ample space for hitting instruction. Contributions will also be used to maintain the field tractor and related field maintenance equipment, and to help cover the cost of other recent expenditures such as pitcher mound and home plate tarps, the portable hitting backstop, and the upgraded PA system.

Our 2019 goal is to raise $10,000 to cover the cost of improvements to the facility. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and the PABR Board would like to thank each one of you.

Palo Alto Babe Ruth League is a California 501(c) non-profit public benefit corporation. All donations are tax deductible (Tax ID: 23-7013006).

About Us

Posted by Rick Farr at Dec 18, 2017 4:00PM PST ( 0 Comments )

Palo Alto Babe Ruth Baseball is a community-based league on a mission to drive quality youth baseball. We offer up to 5 Seasons: Fall Academy, Winter Tournament, Spring Prep, Summer 15U, and All Stars, providing you with year-round baseball instruction. Choose to play in one season or choose them all, we’ll fit into your schedule!

PABR is really The Next League for 13-15 year olds looking to play highly competitive baseball after Little League and throughout high school at the #1 facility in NorCal - the legendary Baylands Athletic Center in Palo Alto. Much like Little League, there’s no reason for a player to make a choice between playing either travel baseball or Babe Ruth, as 80% of rosters play on other travel teams with minimal scheduling conflicts. In addition, we also have no boundary limits and are open to all comers.

PABR has been home to many local high school and college all-stars since 1954, including current MLB star Joc Pederson. We hope you decide to register for our next season!