Picking a Tee Ball Bat – Where to Start?
Few things are more wholesome and American than a tee ball game. Kids love getting their uniform, playing with friends, and the ever popular after game snack! It is one of the most fun and beginner-friendly sports for kids. Tee ball helps them learn the fundamentals of baseball in a low-pressure environment.
One of the most essential pieces of equipment in tee ball is the bat. The right tee ball bat can make a significant difference in your child’s experience and success on the field. Most sports stores have so many bats to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which one to get! This post will share key tee ball gear for new players and make sure you have the right tee ball bat.
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Why Play Tee Ball?
Tee ball is a fantastic way for kids to develop physical, mental, and social skills while having fun. The game introduces young children to basic baseball skills including hitting, base running, and fielding.
Our family loves tee ball for many reasons. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Keeps kids outdoors and active
- Develops physical and mental strength
- Introduces kids to team sports
- Promotes lasting friendships for the whole family
What to Look for in a Tee Ball Bat?
Selecting the right tee ball bat can make a big difference in your child’s enjoyment of the game and how easily they connect with the ball. Here are some tips on choosing the best tee ball bat.
Look for a bat that meets current USA Baseball regulations. Since 2018, most organizations that offer tee ball (including Little League Baseball and Babe Ruth Baseball) require bats approved by USA Baseball. The approval is indicated with the USA Baseball mark (below) and accompanying text. The text reads: ONLY FOR USE WITH APPROVED TEE BALLS. Look for the USA Baseball mark and text just above the grip
There are a few key features to keep in mind when selecting the best tee ball bat:
- Proper Length and Weight: The length of the bat should correspond to your child’s height and weight. A bat that is too heavy or too long can make it difficult to learn to swing correctly. A lightweight bat with a good grip helps players gain control and confidence in their swing. Most 5-7 year olds will use a 24-26” bat with a -12 or -13 drop. Our first tee ball bat was 25 inches in length, and a “drop 13” or “-13/” This implies the weight of the bat was 13 below the length of the bat, so a 25 inch bat weighing 12 ounces. A larger barrel diameter (2 ⅝ inch) can also be beneficial to provide a larger hitting surface. We had a 2 ⅝ inch barrel for our first tee ball bat.
- Material: Most tee ball bats are made from aluminum or light weight composite material.
- Grip: A comfortable grip ensures better control of the bat during swings. Look for bats with soft or padded grips, which are easier for kids to hold. The grip diameter should be consistent across all brands at this age.
- Bat Care: Tee ball bats are technically only approved for use with official tee balls. Tee balls are softer than traditional baseballs. The harder, more traditional baseballs can cause dents or cracks in a tee ball bat with repetitive use.
- Cost: A more expensive tee ball bat does not necessarily mean that it is “better.” The range of cost for bats at the tee ball level is generally sensible. Cost and complexities in design seem to grow exponentially for older kid bats, which can be incredibly expensive. A lower priced or mid-range priced tee ball bat matching the criteria above will be perfect for your entry into baseball. It is also encouraged to borrow from a friend or accept a hand me down tee ball bat if you can score one. We have tried to give away several of our old tee ball bats, but most families prefer to buy a shiny new one for their little slugger, and I can certainly appreciate that.
10 Items Kids Need for Tee Ball
Along with the tee ball bat, there are several other essential items that your child will need to play the game safely and enjoyably. Here’s a checklist of the gear your little slugger needs:
- Tee Ball Bat
As we discussed above, a USA Baseball approved bat of the appropriate length and weight - Tee Ball Glove
A properly sized tee ball glove will help your child field grounders and catch pop-ups (yes it will be possible one day!). Make sure the glove fits snugly around their hand for better control. Keep in mind that a tee ball bat may only be used for 2 to maybe 3 years (only while they play tee ball), while a solid baseball glove can be used for several years. - Tee Ball Helmet
Safety first! A tee ball helmet protects your child while batting and running bases. Choose one that’s comfortable and fits properly. A face mask on the helmet is generally not required at this age because the batter is hitting off of a tee and not a live pitch. However, the face mask is certainly okay to consider as they may use it on defense as a pitcher or to protect against a stray bat swing or stray ball that is thrown. - Baseball Cleats
A good pair of cleats will help your child maintain traction while running the bases. Look for shoes that provide support and grip on the field. - Tee Ball Pants
Baseball pants protect their legs when they are sliding. Generally baseball pants are recommended even for practice to work on sliding fundamentals. Team uniforms will likely be white or grey and have colored piping that coordinates with their team colors. - Baseball Belt and Socks: Players usually wear a belt and socks that correspond with their team colors.
- Practice Balls
Soft, lightweight practice balls are great for practicing tee ball swings in the backyard or during team practices. - Batting Tee
Most leagues supply a tee for games and practices. A batting tee at home is a great place to start if your player is enjoying the game and wants to work on hitting outside of practice. - Bag to Carry Gear
Baseball backpacks accommodate the relatively large diameter of a batting helmet. There is also plenty of room for a glove, sunscreen, hats, and other essentials. Baseball backpacks have special exterior compartments for bats and water bottles. - Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important, especially on hot days!
Read this post for a list of sports mom bag essentials!
Batter Up!
The right gear will help your child build their skills and confidence on the field. It is amazing how much they learn and grow each season. Before you know it, you might find yourself at a travel baseball tournament at Cal Ripken Experience Park in Pgeon Forge, TN!
