What Is BBCOR – A Clear Explanation To BBCOR Bat Standard

What Is BBCOR? Are you confused about the BBCOR bat standard? Do you find it difficult to understand the difference between BBCOR and other bat standards? Are you struggling to choose the right bat for your game? If so, you’re not alone.

The BBCOR standard has caused a lot of confusion among baseball players and parents alike. But don’t worry, in this article, we’ll break down the BBCOR standard and provide a clear explanation of what it is and how it affects your game.

Up to 500,000 high school and college students play baseball. When it comes to playing this sport, it’s critical to have a BBCOR-certified bat on hand.

What is a bbcor bat?

The BBCOR is an acronym for ‘Bat-Ball Coefficient of Restitution.’ It calculates how much power is required when a baseball bat makes contact with the ball. The baseball will exit the bat at a rapid speed if the BBCOR level is greater. The ball may leave the bat at a somewhat reduced pace if this value is low.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) jointly introduced it (NCAA).

There are three additional regulations to follow:

• The diameter of the bat cannot exceed 2 5/8 inches.
• The weight of the drop can’t be more than -3.
• The bat’s length must not exceed 36 inches.

BBCOR Vs. BESR

The BBCOR specification replaced the Bat Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) standard. 

In January 2011, the NCAA shifted from the BESR (Bat Exit Speed Ratio) to the BBCOR bat standard. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) followed suit on January 1, 2012. By 2011, BBCOR bats were also the only bats commercially available for high school and collegiate baseball.

BESR measured the ball’s speed as it left the bat. Under the BESR standard, bats could hit balls at speeds of up to 115 miles per hour.

At such speeds, the number of home runs and runs scored increased. Pitchers and spectators in the foul area were also questioned about their safety.

The BBCOR regulation, on the other hand, determines how much energy is lost when the ball leaves the bat. This is often referred to as the “trampoline effect.” The quicker the ball comes off the bat, the larger the trampoline impact.

As opposed to the old BESR criteria, the transition had a considerable influence on offenses.

BBCOR Vs. USA Bat

Regarding performance, USA bats and BBCOR bats are extremely comparable. They are created to have hit velocities comparable to BBCOR ball bats, making it the preferred choice among young athletes planning on moving up to High School, where BBCOR bats are required. 

The two bats should also have the same barrel size, which must be 2 5/8 inches. Nevertheless, unlike BBCOR bats, USA bats do not have drop three weight-to-length ratio limits. Because younger players use USA bats, they can be significantly lighter than BBCOR bats, enabling much simpler swing.

As of January 1, 2018, USA Bat adopted a new regulation, thus making all USA bats manufactured before that date unlawful. In the Little League Major Baseball Division or below, you must therefore utilize USA Bat Standard bats. 

In the Intermediate (50/70) Baseball and Junior League Baseball Divisions, though, you may utilize either USABat Standard or BBCOR bats.

See Also: What’s The Difference Between BBCOR And USSSA Bats?

Why Was This Standard Created?

The requirement for non-wood bats to imitate the efficiency of hardwood ball bats drove the choice.

Due to this new change, the ball comes off the bat slightly slower than during the BESR days – roughly a 5% to 6% slower. This 5-6 percent change more evenly distributes the sport. It reduces the trampoline impact, removing any enormous advantage batters may have had.

Infielders, pitchers, and fans are better as the ball comes off the bat slower, giving them more time to respond to batted balls. Furthermore, due to the lessened trampoline impact, offensive numbers are lower.

Do You Need A BBCOR Bat?

The BBCOR guideline, defined by the NCAA or NFHS, must be followed by every bat utilized in high school and college baseball.

Players starting high school in 1 – 2 years can also utilize these bats (e.g., 11-14 years old). Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken, Little League, PONY, USSSA, or Dixie are among the youth sports leagues that have adopted the standard.

According to USA Baseball, bats must have a USABat stamp to verify that they are young BBCOR certified. These amendments, on the other hand, will not be adopted by the USSSA.

Giving young participants early exposure to BBCOR bats helps them become accustomed to striking with bats with less bounce. As a result, your hitting techniques and skill development, as hitting as far as possible, necessitates a little more strength.

The USA-approved bats have been on the market since September, and the new standard went into force on January 1, 2018.

How Can I Tell If My Bat Is BBCOR Certified?

Ensure the bat you’re looking at is BBCOR approved before you go shopping for the greatest BBCOR baseball bat. If you don’t, you could end up with a bat that isn’t suitable for high school or collegiate leagues.

The BBCOR-authorized logo should be visible on the baseball bat you purchase.

See Also: Compare Composite Vs Aluminum Bats: Which One Is Better?

What Is A BBCOR Bat Made Out Of?

what is bbcor made of? A BBCOR bat can be made out of a wide variety of materials. Composite or aluminum are the two most widely used materials.

People often use graphite and glass fiber in the construction of BBCOR composite bats. Composite-based ones outperform metals ones in many aspects. These include bending stiffness tuning, adjusting the trampoline impact, regulated swing weight, substantially muted bending vibrations, or loss of “ping” sound.

Nevertheless, some people still prefer aluminum or aluminum alloy bats to composite BBCOR bats since they are less expensive.

Impacts on the Game

BBCOR standards have had a significant impact on the game of baseball. With the introduction of these regulations, players have had to adjust to using bats that are less powerful than the ones they were previously using. This has led to a decrease in home runs and a greater emphasis on skill and strategy in the game. Additionally, BBCOR bats have been found to reduce the risk of serious injury to players, as they do not cause the ball to be hit as hard or as fast as previous bats.

FAQs

What does BBCOR stand for?

BBCOR stands for “Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution”. It is a standard that regulates the performance of non-wooden baseball and softball bats used in high school and college games.

Why was the BBCOR standard introduced?

The BBCOR standard was introduced to make non-wooden bats perform similarly to wooden bats, which have less trampoline effect and produce lower ball exit speeds. The goal was to make the game safer by reducing the risk of injuries to pitchers and infielders caused by high-speed line drives.

What are the requirements for a bat to be BBCOR certified?

A bat must meet certain performance tests and criteria to be BBCOR certified. It must have a length-to-weight ratio no greater than -3, a barrel diameter no larger than 2 5/8 inches, and a BBCOR rating of .50 or lower.

Can BBCOR bats be used in youth baseball leagues?

Yes, BBCOR bats can be used in youth baseball leagues, but only if the league’s rules permit it. Many youth leagues have their own bat standards, so it’s important to check with your league before purchasing a bat.

Are BBCOR bats more expensive than other non-wooden bats?

BBCOR bats can be more expensive than other non-wooden bats because of the additional technology and materials required to meet the standard. However, the price difference is not always significant, and some BBCOR bats can be found at a similar price point to non-BBCOR bats.

Do BBCOR standards limit the performance of players?

Some players and coaches have voiced concerns that BBCOR standards may limit the performance of players, but they have also led to a greater emphasis on skill and strategy in the game.

Conclusion: What Is BBCOR?

In conclusion, BBCOR is a standard that has been put in place to ensure that baseball bats used in high school and college games are safe and fair. It is important to understand the BBCOR standard and make sure that you are using a bat that meets the requirements. By doing so, you can enjoy the game of baseball while also ensuring that everyone is playing on a level playing field. So, whether you are a player, coach, or parent, take the time to learn about BBCOR and make sure that you are using the right equipment. Happy playing!