Where is everyone?

[TBreazy]

Awesome man. Good luck.

I am 6 months from building cars in retirement.

But you’re only 3 months from the strolling jim

 

[GreatWhiteNorth]

But you’re only 3 months from the strolling jim

#homerbushes

 

[005]

Got a question for folks familiar with youth baseball. Lots of experience on that front in here, I do believe.

My son is 6 and about to play up in 8U coach pitch. Swung essentially a 25" drop 12 metal tee ball bat last season. Has swung a 28" drop 6 as we've played lately. Swings it well; also used to my pitching.

My read of it is that he's able to use up to a 2-5/8 barrel for this league. Opens up a ton of (pricey) options. Victus pencil bat... 27 or 28", drop 10 or 11.

I am trying to avoid "swing adjusts to dragging that through the zone" as he takes more swings than ever. Not trying to overanalyze every little thing here, but we'll need something new.

Any recommendations? Bat or anything else as he jumps up a league. He is excited... and knows it will be a learning experience.

Appreciate you folks.

 

[wU-Tang Vol]

Got a question for folks familiar with youth baseball. Lots of experience on that front in here, I do believe.

My son is 6 and about to play up in 8U coach pitch. Swung essentially a 25" drop 12 metal tee ball bat last season. Has swung a 28" drop 6 as we've played lately. Swings it well; also used to my pitching.

My read of it is that he's able to use up to a 2-5/8 barrel for this league. Opens up a ton of (pricey) options. Victus pencil bat... 27 or 28", drop 10 or 11.

I am trying to avoid "swing adjusts to dragging that through the zone" as he takes more swings than ever. Not trying to overanalyze every little thing here, but we'll need something new.

Any recommendations? Bat or anything else as he jumps up a league. He is excited... and knows it will be a learning experience.

Appreciate you folks.

2-5/8 is a massive advantage for kids that age. I guess it depends on what you’re looking for. We love the Rawlings Icon (new one comes out tomorrow) but they take a min to break in. However, in terms of longevity, they’re great. My boy had a Hypefire at that age and it was insanely hot out of the wrapper, but didn’t last long before we broke it. The DeMarini Zen was fantastic for us too. I wouldn’t recommend the pencil bat mostly because of longevity. I would say the Icon or Zen. They’re pricy (and maybe a used one is your route) but they last for a long time. It takes a kid at that age a while to break it in, which only adds to the longevity.

Also, a 2-5/8 (-10) is not nearly as hot as a (-8) from personal experience. Anything weight wise that he can swing while still be comfortable and keeping good mechanics, I would say go with the heaviest he can accomplish that. But maybe that’s a drop 10 until he gets to be older

Not sure if this helps, but he can swing the same bat for a few years and it should stay hot at this age bracket. It helps justify the cost.

 

[TBreazy]

Got a question for folks familiar with youth baseball. Lots of experience on that front in here, I do believe.

My son is 6 and about to play up in 8U coach pitch. Swung essentially a 25" drop 12 metal tee ball bat last season. Has swung a 28" drop 6 as we've played lately. Swings it well; also used to my pitching.

My read of it is that he's able to use up to a 2-5/8 barrel for this league. Opens up a ton of (pricey) options. Victus pencil bat... 27 or 28", drop 10 or 11.

I am trying to avoid "swing adjusts to dragging that through the zone" as he takes more swings than ever. Not trying to overanalyze every little thing here, but we'll need something new.

Any recommendations? Bat or anything else as he jumps up a league. He is excited... and knows it will be a learning experience.

Appreciate you folks.

Ton of variables here and I don’t know how detailed you want to get so I’ll give a very broad suggestion, and drop my questions below.

28 drop 10 2 5/8 is very standard for 8u. Absent any other information, I would recommend that. TL:dr, go for it.

Drop 6 is not something I would recommend doing outside of drills when practicing or playing around in the yard . I would typically complement that with some swings with more “right-sized” bat as well. The heavier the better for strength, weight, feel, but you don’t want to over do it to creating bad habits with tilt.

How big is he relative to other kids his age / kids that he will be playing against?

For bat specifications, is there a governing body? I *hope* bats arent a battle ground at 8u coach pitch but it is a HUGE point of contention as you get older. Each “governing body” will have their own, and infuriatingly different, bat rules. Don’t go broke chasing bats.

However, anyone who tells you bats don’t make a difference - it’s the hitter, the swing, the mechanics, etc - they’re full of shit. It won’t be as noticeable at 8u - the kids, and more importantly, the velocity of the pitch will determine the distance of the hit more than the bats, but the bats do help.

Coach pitch is a catch-22. Kids can handle significantly more velocity than you think if you ease them into it via repetition. The flatter and harder the ball comes in, the further it’s going to go. #1 advantage in coach pitch by far. However, when they flip to kid pitch, they will have a difficult time re-adjusting back to the lollipops from first time youth pitchers as they start out. I think the trade is worth it, but something to be aware of if you are coaching. It’s much easier to speed up than it is to slow down.

As they age, the difference in bats creates a serious advantage - I don’t care how good a player is, the bat disparity can be too much to overcome. I’d focus my money spending in this age bracket if forced to choose.

Keep it fun, prepare him to not be perfect. If he’s engaged and a good teammate, you’re doing it right.

Happy to answer any questions. I love this stuff. Plenty of 8u-18u experience.

 

[005]

2-5/8 is a massive advantage for kids that age. I guess it depends on what you’re looking for. We love the Rawlings Icon (new one comes out tomorrow) but they take a min to break in. However, in terms of longevity, they’re great. My boy had a Hypefire at that age and it was insanely hot out of the wrapper, but didn’t last long before we broke it. The DeMarini Zen was fantastic for us too. I wouldn’t recommend the pencil bat mostly because of longevity. I would say the Icon or Zen. They’re pricy (and maybe a used one is your route) but they last for a long time. It takes a kid at that age a while to break it in, which only adds to the longevity.

Also, a 2-5/8 (-10) is not nearly as hot as a (-8) from personal experience. Anything weight wise that he can swing while still be comfortable and keeping good mechanics, I would say go with the heaviest he can accomplish that. But maybe that’s a drop 10 until he gets to be older

Not sure if this helps, but he can swing the same bat for a few years and it should stay hot at this age bracket. It helps justify the cost.

I think longevity matters a lot for us. Seems to come with a cost, but I am very wary of breaking / cracking the new hot bat... We will have plenty of games or our own practice time in cold weather so have to take it into account. Crossing off the hype or pencil helps a lot.

I believe the "massive advantage" part 100% but am wary of him seeings results that are driven by the 2-5/8, not any actual good swings. Tilting and rolling over but impacting the ball... Could work, could not be what we're after. I have plenty of homework to do on how to help him there, too.

I would love to land on one he swings for multiple years. 28 drop 10, rather than 8, may be the best way to accomplish it. Currently looking at the DeMarini Voodoo and Rawlings Clout but just as options I stumbled onto... If you have thoughts. May roam over to a sporting goods store today or tomorrow.

 

[005]

Ton of variables here and I don’t know how detailed you want to get so I’ll give a very broad suggestion, and drop my questions below.

28 drop 10 2 5/8 is very standard for 8u. Absent any other information, I would recommend that. TL:dr, go for it.

Drop 6 is not something I would recommend doing outside of drills when practicing or playing around in the yard . I would typically complement that with some swings with more “right-sized” bat as well. The heavier the better for strength, weight, feel, but you don’t want to over do it to creating bad habits with tilt.

How big is he relative to other kids his age / kids that he will be playing against?

For bat specifications, is there a governing body? I *hope* bats arent a battle ground at 8u coach pitch but it is a HUGE point of contention as you get older. Each “governing body” will have their own, and infuriatingly different, bat rules. Don’t go broke chasing bats.

However, anyone who tells you bats don’t make a difference - it’s the hitter, the swing, the mechanics, etc - they’re full of shit. It won’t be as noticeable at 8u - the kids, and more importantly, the velocity of the pitch will determine the distance of the hit more than the bats, but the bats do help.

Coach pitch is a catch-22. Kids can handle significantly more velocity than you think if you ease them into it via repetition. The flatter and harder the ball comes in, the further it’s going to go. #1 advantage in coach pitch by far. However, when they flip to kid pitch, they will have a difficult time re-adjusting back to the lollipops from first time youth pitchers as they start out. I think the trade is worth it, but something to be aware of if you are coaching. It’s much easier to speed up than it is to slow down.

As they age, the difference in bats creates a serious advantage - I don’t care how good a player is, the bat disparity can be too much to overcome. I’d focus my money spending in this age bracket if forced to choose.

Keep it fun, prepare him to not be perfect. If he’s engaged and a good teammate, you’re doing it right.

Happy to answer any questions. I love this stuff. Plenty of 8u-18u experience.

First, thank you both a ton. Essential feedback on how it shifts as they move up leagues, as well. TBD on whether I'll be head coach but I'll be involved regardless. Especially because there are plenty of... well-meaning but ultimately not helpful and not aligned with my approach... coaches across other sports.

The goal is process over results and staying positive right now. He gets very anxious and frustrated with himself. Has to work on the short memory. Definitely not trying to go full insane sports parent by any means but also knew you and wU both would have great answers.


The drop 6 is a wooden bat (Tatis rawlings) we got him for Christmas. He loves it and swings it well but it's been for out in the yard. Line drives routinely.

He's only 6... but probably much closer to average 8 year old size. Around 58 pounds and tall.

I think it requires the USA Baseball stamp on the bat. Hoping we get more specifics on that... soon.
I don't think it's an arms race at this age yet. Especially not in this league which is still very much rec (I mean that in a positive way) and very much teaching.

Are you wary at all of 2-5/8 creating bad habits for this age group? I know it's case by case. And he has work to do from an athleticism, head down, and repetition standpoint on swinging.

And you're right... These things seem so damn well designed at this point that they absolutely matter. So, some homework is required, not just the TPX out of the coach's bag anymore.

 

[TBreazy]

First, thank you both a ton. Essential feedback on how it shifts as they move up leagues, as well. TBD on whether I'll be head coach but I'll be involved regardless. Especially because there are plenty of... well-meaning but ultimately not helpful and not aligned with my approach... coaches across other sports.

The goal is process over results and staying positive right now. He gets very anxious and frustrated with himself. Has to work on the short memory. Definitely not trying to go full insane sports parent by any means but also knew you and wU both would have great answers.


The drop 6 is a wooden bat (Tatis rawlings) we got him for Christmas. He loves it and swings it well but it's been for out in the yard. Line drives routinely.

He's only 6... but probably much closer to average 8 year old size. Around 58 pounds and tall.

I think it requires the USA Baseball stamp on the bat. Hoping we get more specifics on that... soon.
I don't think it's an arms race at this age yet. Especially not in this league which is still very much rec (I mean that in a positive way) and very much teaching.

Are you wary at all of 2-5/8 creating bad habits for this age group? I know it's case by case. And he has work to do from an athleticism, head down, and repetition standpoint on swinging.

And you're right... These things seem so damn well designed at this point that they absolutely matter. So, some homework is required, not just the TPX out of the coach's bag anymore.

Are you worried about the weight or the size of the 2 5/8?

If the size, I think instilling a positive confidence feedback loop is more important. You can do all kinds of things in practice, all the way down to the old school broom handle, to hone hand-eye coordination.

Unfortunately what they live and die by is how they performed in-game. It’s a never ending battle to get to a process over results mindset with a kid, and even so the best you can hope to achieve is the acceptance of a quality at-bat or a line out. Giving them the best chance to make solid contact is important , imo.

Again, certainly not worth making financial sacrifices for, but I wouldn’t let it hinder my decision making from a skill development standpoint.

 

[TBreazy]

You can also get a cheap or older model bat the same length/weight for some of the BP rounds. Extend the life of the main bat.

If you do any weighted ball or machine pitch hitting I would strongly recommend this.

 

[005]

Are you worried about the weight or the size of the 2 5/8?

If the size, I think instilling a positive confidence feedback loop is more important. You can do all kinds of things in practice, all the way down to the old school broom handle, to hone hand-eye coordination.

Unfortunately what they live and die by is how they performed in-game. It’s a never ending battle to get to a process over results mindset with a kid, and even so the best you can hope to achieve is the acceptance of a quality at-bat or a line out. Giving them the best chance to make solid contact is important , imo.

Again, certainly not worth making financial sacrifices for, but I wouldn’t let it hinder my decision making from a skill development standpoint.

Size. But you're right... Evidence of impacting the ball isn't necessarily a bad thing. Ha. And work to keep building the underlying stuff.

And intentionally doing a smaller barrel just to do it doesn't guarantee those things develop either.

A cheaper/used one that might also last a couple of seasons is a great call.

 

[wU-Tang Vol]

He gets very anxious and frustrated with himself. Has to work on the short memory.

He will get better at this over time. I took a Sports/Coaching Psychology course, and there is a free book online called “Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology” by Weinberg and Gould. I wish I had known about these techniques when my boy was switching to kid pitch. Nothing too complex, but effective. He was EXTREMELY anxious, and it didn’t matter that he would go 3-4 with 2 doubles and a triple. He would worry about the groundout to 2nd and think he let his team down. There are some good practices in that book, especially the visualization ones, that are perfect for him. It may be a great resource with anxiety. I know you’re asking about bats, but was just gonna share something that was helpful for me in coaching.