Best Baseball Bats For 9 Year Olds

Baseball is such a popular sport that it is likely one of the first sports that kids around the ages of 9 and 10 years old are playing. Of course, when you think baseball, a bat is one of the first things that comes to mind and having the right one is crucial for your child’s success. However, finding the best baseball bats for 9-year-olds can be challenging as kids vary greatly at this age. For this reason, 9u baseball bats also vary greatly and we’re here to help you find the right one.

When kids think of baseball, they likely envision hitting the game winning homerun and having the right bat will greatly improve their chances of making it a reality. At the very least, the right youth baseball bat will have them making contact more often than not. This will boost their confidence level with each trip to the plate.

Top pick
If playing in a USSSA league, the Marucci CAT9 USSSA Bat is one of Marucci’s premium bats and highly recommended for 9-year-old kids. This bat feels super light and provides excellent pop making it a dream baseball bat for youth baseball players. You can check out the CAT9 bat review below.

Related Articles for Youth Baseball Bats
Best baseball bats for 8-year-old kids
Best baseball bats for 10-year-old kids

What to Look for When Buying Youth Baseball Bats

Choosing the right bat for kids is not an easy task. You have to learn about different youth bat configurations and which ones best suit your child. Before spending your hard earned money, you should also know how to choose the best baseball bats for youth players.

Some things to consider are whether your child is likely to be a power hitter or contact hitter. Smaller children will likely perform better with a lighter bat whereas larger children can go with a heavier bat to get more powerful hits. Additionally, knowing the functions of each part of the bat such as the barrel, handle, end cap, knob, etc… will help you determine which bat is right for your child while also fitting within your budget.

Top 10 Baseball Bats for 9 Year Old Kids

Marucci CAT9 USSSA Baseball Bat

Product

Overview:

Marucci is one of the top bat manufactures and the CAT9 is another excellent youth baseball bat in their lineup. If your child is in a USSSA league, it will be tough to find a better bat than this. This is one of the best youth baseball bats.

Barrel and handle: 

The CAT9 is a hybrid aluminum bat with a 2 3/4 inch barrel. It is available in sizes ranging from 28 to 31 inches each with a -10 drop weight. The bat consists of a multi-variable wall design creating a massive sweet spot. This huge sweet spot means you’re much less likely to end up with the dreaded mis-hit. The big barrel is connected to a carbon composite handle which has a nice ergonomic knob. Additionally, a micro-perforated soft grip on the handle and extra tack really feels great on the hands and improves bat control.

Why we recommend it: 

As mentioned earlier, the CAT9 is our top pick if your child is in a league that allows USSSA bats. It provides an exceptionally light swing and a big pop pleasing both contact and power hitters alike. The anti-vibration technology on this bat in combination with the large sweet spot also take out most of the sting that you’ll get on some of the one-piece bats. Aside from the higher price point, we don’t see any real negatives here making this a top-notch youth bat.

The Pros and Cons:

PROS:

  • Micro-perforated soft-touch grip
  • Outer-locking system for significant vibration reduction
  • 2 3/4″ barrel
  • Two-piece hybrid bat
  • USSSA certification

CONS:

  • Expensive

DeMarini CF USSSA Baseball Bat

Product

Overview:

DeMarini is one of the leading sporting accessories manufacturers and a very familiar name in the baseball world. The CF USSSA bat is one of their top composite bats that allows youth players to get excellent bat speed at the plate.

Barrel and handle:

This two-piece composite bat sports a big barrel at 2 3/4 inches in diameter. The massive sweet spot on the barrel is very forgiving and produces some powerful hits even when you don’t get perfect contact. A 3-fusion connection fuses the barrel with the handle in a way that eliminates almost all vibration which is always nice for little hands. Additionally, a lightweight end cap increases barrel performance while still maintaining excellent swing speed that contact hitters would appreciate.

Why we recommend it:

The DeMarini CF USSSA baseball bat is another great option for contact and power hitters. This bat features a lightweight feel, large sweet spot, and excellent balance. There are some reports of durability issues but the positives greatly outweigh the negatives here.

The Pros and Cons:

PROS:

  • Balanced swing
  • Large sweet spot
  • 2 3/4″ barrel
  • Two-piece all composite
  • USSSA certification

CONS:

  • Expensive
  • Less durable
  • Requires break in period

Rawlings 2019 Velo Hybrid USA Baseball Bat

Product

Overview:

Rawlings is one of the most emulous sports companies and their baseball bats are especially reputed for their amazing performance. From the Rawlings Velo series bats, the Rawlings 2019 Velo Hybrid USA Baseball Bat is one of their bestselling products. If you are looking for one of the best baseball bats for a 9-year-old that has USA Bat certification, you can’t go wrong with this bat.

Barrel and handle:

The bat length ranges from 29 to 31 inches and has options of -5 and -10 drop weights depending on the length you choose. This single piece aluminum bat will provide excellent performance with a big 2 5/8 inch barrel. The barrel is crafted with an ultra-lightweight alloy that produces a loud ping on contact. Having a stiff handle, you’ll get some extra power on contact but you’re also more likely to feel it on the hands. Additionally, a comp-lite end cap provides a very light swing weight that has some baseball players saying it feels much lighter than it’s listed as.

Why we recommend it:

Rawlings 2019 Velo Hybrid USA Baseball Bat is certified as a USA Bat so it’s approved for all USA leagues such as little league, Babe Ruth league, etc… If your child is in a league requiring a USA Bat, then this is one of the top bats to consider. Additionally, the price of this bat comes in somewhere in the middle of of all bats on this list.

The Pros and Cons:

PROS:

  • Lightweight acoustic alloy
  • 2 5/8″ barrel
  • Durable
  • USA baseball certification

CONS:

  • Feel sting on mis-hit

Rawlings 2022 5150 USA Baseball Bat

Product

Overview:

The 5150 is another great bat from Rawlings but this one comes in at a much lower price point.  If you’re looking for a great bat but don’t want to spend a lot, this is definitely one of the top bats to consider.

Barrel and handle:

This bat comes in many variations and is sized from 29 to 31 inches in length with drop weights of -5, -10 and -11. With a 2 5/8″ barrel, this, this one piece aerospace-grade alloy bat provides excellent performance and durability.  Additionally, the sleek black color with electric blue print really stands out and will likely be appreciated by most youth baseball players. The handle doesn’t have a premium feel like some of the more expensive bats but still feels very nice and comfortable.

Why we recommend it:

The Rawlings 2022 5150 USA Baseball Bat is perfect for youth baseball players looking for a nice looking bat that’s lightweight and still provides pop. It’s accepted in all USA leagues, has great performance, and comes in at a price point most parents will like.

The Pros and Cons:

PROS:

  • Ultra lightweight
  • 2 5/8″ barrel
  • Durable
  • USA baseball certification
  • Affordable

CONS:

  • Feel sting on mis-hit
  • Less premium grip

Marucci CAT Connect USA Baseball Bat

Product

Overview:

The Marucci CAT Connect baseball bat is another top bat from Marucci. Being USA Bat certified, this model is accepted in all USA youth baseball  leagues. If you’re looking for a little league baseball bat, this bat is sure to please.

Barrel and handle:

The Marucci CAT Connect is a two-piece bat that consists of a 2 5/8 inch alloy barrel attached to a composite handle. It comes in sizes of 26 through 31 inches each with a -11 drop weight. The handle is similar to the CAT9 with a micro-perforated soft touch grip that feels great on the hands. This bat provides a nice lightweight balanced swing while still producing a ton of power. Additionally, this bat is constructed in a way that greatly dampens vibration which is always a plus.

Why we recommend it:

The Marucci CAT9 was our top pick for USSSA leagues but the CAT Connect provides similar performance while being USA Bat approved. Along with the Rawlings 2019 Velo Hybrid, the CAT Connect is right up there as a top pick if you’re searching for a USA youth baseball bat.

The Pros and Cons:

PROS:

  • Micro-perforated soft-touch grip
  • Balanced swing
  • 2 5/8″ barrel
  • Two-piece hybrid bat
  • USA baseball certification

CONS:

  • Expensive

Rawlings Threat USSSA Baseball Bat

Product

Overview:

The Rawlings USSA Threat is particularly known for its super light baseball bats. This one-piece 100% carbon fiber composite bat will feel great in smaller player’s hands.

Barrel and handle:

The Rawlings USSSA Threat Baseball Bat is featured with a 2 3/4 inch big barrel and a very large sweet spot. This bat offers a selection of sizes ranging from 27 to 31 inches in length with each having a -12 drop weight. A standard Rawlings grip ensures maximum comfort on the hands. Additionally, a lightweight end cap further enhances the swing speed while maintaining good bat control. Vibration reduction is also another improvement on this newer version over past versions.

Why we recommend it:

The Rawlings USSSA Threat Baseball Bat is a great choice for all types of hitters. With a -12 drop weight, most youth players can get tremendous swing speed with this bat and this should improve their confidence on making contact with the ball. There are the usual cons that come with an all composite bat such as a break in period and some durability issues in colder weather but aside from these it’s sure to be a popular bat in USSSA leagues.

The Pros and Cons:

PROS:

  • Ultra lightweight
  • Balanced swing
  • 2 3/4″ barrel
  • One-piece composite bat
  • USSSA certification

CONS:

  • Less durable
  • Requires break in

Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo USSSA Baseball Bat

Product

Overview:

The Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo is one of the top all metal bats. With so many different size/weight variations, this is a great bat for youth players of all ages.

Barrel and handle:

The Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo baseball bat features a 2 3/4 inch big barrel on the USSSA model. It has a wide range of bat lengths from 26 to 34 inches and drop weights of -10, -8, -5, and -3. The -3 drop weight is a BBCOR bat and has a smaller barrel at 2 5/8 inches. The handle incorporates the LS Pro Comfort Grip allowing the user’s hands to lock in for improved control.  Additionally, the SPD Composite End Cap provides power without compromising the barrel’s lightweight feel.

Why we recommend it:

Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo baseball bat is another excellent bat with a big barrel, quick swing speed, and ultra comfort grip. Being an all alloy bat, it comes with great durability as well. Additionally, this bat provides a very balanced swing which will allow batters more control at the plate. However, being a one piece metal bat results in some sting on the hands during contact.

The Pros and Cons:

PROS:

  • Pro comfort grip
  • Balanced swing
  • 2 3/4″ barrel
  • One-piece alloy bat
  • USSSA certification

CONS:

  • Feel sting on mis-hit

Louisville Slugger 2022 Solo USA Youth Baseball Bat

Product

Overview:

Fresh in the Louisville lineup, the Slugger 2022 Solo is one-piece superlight alloy baseball bat that is sure to be a popular choice in 2022. As was the case with 2021 Solo SL, this is one of top aluminum bats.

Barrel and handle:

The Slugger 2022 Solo comes in a bat size ranging from 28 to 32 inches each with a -11 drop weight. It comes with a big barrel at 2 5/8 inches that provides huge pop. This bat has an ultra-balanced swing weight that improves your chances of making contact. Additionally, a speed ballistic composite end cap further improves swing speed and provides better bat control. As for the handle, this bat also has the premium LS pro comfort grip which has excellent tack and cushion.

Why we recommend it:

With this newer offering from Louisville, we believe they hit another homerun here. For a youth player, the -11 drop weight really provides top swing speed while the big barrel provides a huge pop. Additionally, you get the premium grip and a USA Bat certification making this  likely to be a popular pick by many baseball players throughout various leagues.

The Pros and Cons:

PROS:

  • Pro comfort grip
  • Balanced swing
  • 2 3/4″ barrel
  • One-piece alloy bat
  • USA baseball certification

CONS:

  • Feel sting on mis-hit

Easton 2022 ADV 360 USA Baseball Bat

Product

Overview:

Easton has a long history of making great bats and their newer ADV 360 is yet another winner in their lineup. This is another bat that is likely to be popular choice in 2022.

Barrel and handle:

The Easton Adv is a two-piece composite bat that provides a great balanced swing. The bat size ranges from 27 to 32 inches with drop weights of -5, -8, -10, and -11. The barrel comes in at 2 5/8 inches providing great power to go along with the great swing speed.  The handle is covered in a flow-tack grip which provides excellent cushioning. Additionally, a speed end cap results in the bat feeling lighter than the weight listed in the specs.

Why we recommend it:

The Easton Adv provides excellent pop and swing speed to go along with and a ultra comfortable handle. Additionally, the sting you normally get from most bats is nearly non-existent here. Throw in the fact that this is a USA Bat that is accepted in all USA leagues and this is one bat you should consider. One negative is you’ll be paying a premium price for this premium bat.

The Pros and Cons:

PROS:

  • Flow-tack grip
  • Balanced swing
  • 2 5/8″ barrel
  • Reduced vibration
  • Two-piece composite bat
  • USA baseball certification

CONS:

  • Expensive

Axe 2022 Elite One USA Baseball Bat

Product

Overview: 

The Axe Elite One is uniquely designed to provide superior swing speed and power. As you might have noticed, this Axe bat has a unique knob on the handle which provides a more a comfortable grip and super quick swing speed. Although not as widely used as some of the conventional designs, the Axe bats are quickly gaining in popularity due to their great performance.

Barrel and handle: 

The one-piece Elite One bat has a 2 5/8 inch barrel designed with a large sweet spot. It comes in lengths of 28 to 31 inches each with a drop weight of -10 providing a nice lightweight bat perfect for youth players. The ergonomic handle provides excellent comfort, balance, and bat speed that only an Axe bat can provide. Additionally, the HyperWhip carbon-fiber endcap reduces weight on the barrel to provide additional bat speed.

Why we recommend it: 

The Axe Elite One immediately draws attention with it’s very unique design. It might take a little bit of time to get used to, but many players that try an Axe bat continue to stick with an Axe as they get older and move on to different leagues. The swing speed you get with this bat is amazing and you also get much less sting from mis-hits which always keeps young baseball players happy.

The Pros and Cons:

PROS:

  • Patented Axe handle
  • Balanced swing
  • 2 5/8″ barrel
  • Reduced vibration
  • One-piece alloy bat
  • USA baseball certification

CONS:

  • Need to acclimate to unique design

Conclusion

These are some of the best baseball bats for 9-year-olds and we hope you now have a general idea of what to look for. One important thing to consider before purchase is that you’ll need to confirm which bats are acceptable for the league your child is in. Bats that have the USA Bats certification logo should be acceptable in all or most leagues while USSSA bats might be acceptable in a smaller set of leagues. Additionally, another important factor to consider, aside from all the specs, is your child’s preference. Some young players might prefer a bat for its looks or maybe a certain bat is popular amongst their friends so they’ll like to have the same one. In the end, if they’re happy with the bat it will be another boost of confidence that drives them to be a successful baseball player.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baseball Bats for 9-year-olds

Q: What size baseball bat should a 9-year-old use?

Usually, the right bat size for 9-year-olds is 28 inches with a bat drop of -10. However, if your child is bigger than average, you can adjust the size up to 29 inches with a bat drop of -10.

Q: What is a good bat for a 9-year-old?

A good bat for a 9-year-old must have excellent features such as a lightweight feel and a comfortable grip. With these requirements, we recommend the Marucci CAT9 as the best baseball bat. Another great choice at a lower price would be the Rawlings 2022 5150. For your 9-year-old, both of these bats have qualities that any youth player would benefit from.

Q: What is the best bat for a 10-year-old?

The average 10-year-old baseball bat should be at least 30 inches long with a bat drop of -10. For bigger than average children, parents can get them a heavier -8 bat drop bat around 30 to 32 inches long.

Q: What size baseball bat should an 11-year-old use?

For an 11-year-old child, we also recommend a baseball bat around 30 to 32 inches long with a bat drop of -10. Generally, if your child is taller and heavier than average, they can settle for a heavier and longer bat.

Q: What does drop mean on a bat?

A bat drop refers to the weight of a bat in ounces subtracted from its length in inches. For example, a 32″ baseball bat that has a bat drop of -12 should weigh about 20 ounces.

Q: Composite bats vs aluminum bats which is better?

Both composite bats and aluminum bats have their pros and cons. Composite bats are usually lighter which allows a longer and bigger barrel with a larger sweet spot. Additionally, composite bats usually have better vibration dampening which results in less sting on mis-hits. However, composite bats are also less durable, require some break in, and don’t perform as well in colder temperatures. Aluminum bats are usually much more durable, more affordable, no break in required, and perform well in all temperatures. However, aluminum bats tend to be heavier with a smaller barrel. Some baseball bats come in a hybrid model which combine both a composite and aluminum component. These can provide benefits from both types of bats but also usually come at a higher cost.

Q: How do you know if your bat is allowed?

Depending on which league you’re playing in, you’ll need to confirm whether you’ll need a BBCOR, USA Baseball, or USSSA baseball bat. In high school and college, non-wood baseball bats will require BBCOR certification. In youth leagues such as American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC), Babe Ruth Baseball/Cal Ripken Baseball, Dixie Youth Baseball & Dixie Boys Baseball, Little League Baseball and PONY Baseball, baseball bats will require the USA baseball certification. USSSA baseball bats usually provide more pop and therefore are only used in certain tournaments or “travel ball”.

ProBaseballGuide
Logo