baseball bats for 12 year olds

When looking to select a baseball bat for your child, it is important to understand key details about the bat such as bat length, bat weight, bat drop weight, materials, and construction of a baseball bat. Although you might think this process is identical to choosing a bat for a younger player, there are some differences to be aware of. One difference is that the drop weight will be different, hence the parent should understand whether or not the bat is balanced or end-loaded as the player’s bat is getting heavier. Another difference could be the length of the bat as the player has grown since they were younger. There still are many similarities to choosing a bat, however, such as the materials the bat is made out of and the construction of the bat. Check out our full selection of youth bats for the 12-year-old baseball player to find the perfect bat for your ball player.

In this article, we’ll cover:

The chart depicted above should serve as a general guideline for a 12-year-old. Although it takes the player’s size into consideration, players of different sizes could have various levels of strength. To find the best bat, the main factors of length, weight, bat drop, and bat materials should be considered. Bat length should be longer depending on the player’s height, while a shorter player who is stronger can also gear towards a longer bat than what their height says. 

As far as bat drop goes, the standard drop weight seen for a 12-year-old is a -8. This is the perfect weight because they will move to a -5 drop weight at 13 years old and at 14 the player will be swinging a -3 drop weight for high school baseball. Bat materials will also vary depending on the player’s strength as a one-piece aluminum bat will typically feature a lighter and more balanced swing weight compared to a two-piece composite or hybrid bat. All of these different factors can aid in your decision-making process to ensure you are selecting the proper bat for your child.

Baseball Bat Length for an 12 Year old

A 12-year-old baseball player, as previously stated, should swing a bat that is anywhere from 28” to 32” in length. This size will depend on the player’s height and weight, while the strength of the player should also be considered. If you are still having trouble deciding on a bat length for your 12-year-old, here are step-by-step instructions to help narrow down a good bat length.

  1. Place the knob of the bat at the center of the player’s chest and point it to either side
  2. Have the player raise their arms straight to the side of their body
  3. The bat and arm should be parallel to one another
  4. If the player can comfortably reach their fingertips to the end cap, the bat is a proper length

Baseball Bat Weight for an 12 Year old

The bat weight for a 12-year-old will not have many variations as bats will typically feature the same -8 drop weight. That being said, the bat weight will range from 20oz to 24oz for a 12-year-old’s baseball bat. This weight range can depend on a couple of different factors, such as the height and/or weight of the baseball player. 

If the 12-year-old is still waiting on a growth spurt and is shorter in height on the table depicted above, they might opt for a lighter baseball bat between 20 and 22 oz. That being said, they could also be strong even if they are not as tall yet and might be able to opt for a 23oz bat as well. For the taller 12-year-old, a bat weighs between 23 and 24oz. This will also provide them with a longer bat will provide them with more plate coverage.

Bat Drop for a 12-Year-Old’s Baseball Bat

Bat drop on a baseball bat refers to the difference between the length and the weight of the baseball bat. For example, a baseball bat that is 30” and features a -8 drop weight would weigh 22oz. A -8 drop weight will be perfect for a 12-year-old for a couple of reasons. 

The first reason is that in a year, the player will have to move up to a -5 drop weight as a 13-year-old. Following that year, the player will be required to swing a -3 BBCOR Certified bat in high school baseball. You might be thinking to yourself “5oz isn’t that big of a difference in weight,” but for a baseball bat, this is a significant difference. Thus, bringing us to our second reason for swinging a -8 bat as a 12-year-old, an easier transition. It is important to transition gradually to heavier baseball bats to help ease the transition from a -8 baseball bat to a -3 baseball bat over a two-year span.

General Bat Sizing Wave Chart for 12 Year Olds

For a better visual on baseball bat sizing for a 12-year-old, here is a visual example. This chart will show the bat sizes for a smaller 12-year-old, an average-sized 12-year-old, and a bigger 12-year-old. 

League Rules and Requirements for Baseball Bats

Another thing to be mindful of with selecting a baseball bat is the league rules and requirements for baseball bats. Different leagues will require different bat certifications in order to be eligible for play. Baseball bats for 12-year-olds will either feature a USA Baseball bat certification or a USSSA bat certification. In order to make sure your bat is eligible for play, make sure to check with your league for requirements for baseball bats so you can ensure you are selecting the correct bat.

Baseball Bat Materials

Although baseball bats may look similar at a surface level, bats can be made from several different materials and provide differences for the hitter. The most common materials you will see on a baseball bat are alloy, composite, or bats with a combination of ally and composite which is also known as a hybrid bat. 

One of the main differences is that alloy baseball bats will be stiffer on swings and will in turn produce higher swing speeds which can result in higher exit velocities. However, a disadvantage to alloy bats is that it will not reduce vibration to the hands-on miss-hits as well as a two-piece composite bat. A composite bat is typically a bat that is two pieces but features a connection point between the handle and barrel. The same also goes for a hybrid baseball bat that features a composite handle and an alloy barrel. These two-piece bats will feature more flex with each swing which will create more of a whip-like action when connecting with the ball. These bats will also dampen vibration to the hands better than a one-piece baseball bat because of the connection point between the barrel and handle. Another advantage of a composite or hybrid bat is its larger sweet spot compared to its alloy counterpart. For a 12-year-old, many at this age will prefer a composite or hybrid bat due to less vibration in the hands as well as a larger sweet spot.

Budgeting for Baseball Bat

With there being several different types of bats and materials available, bats will come at different price points. Alloy bats will typically be less expensive than a hybrid bat, while a hybrid bat will typically be less expensive than a full-composite bat. No matter what your budget might be, there are several great options for finding a quality baseball bat.

The bats stated on this chart offer options from various vendors and bats that are composed of different materials. While most on this list are full-composite bats, the Marucci CATX serves as a great option for a one-piece bat. The list below will include information on the bat material, drop weight, as well as a review of the bat.

Type: Two-Piece Composite

Bat Drop: -8

Overview: Its fully engineered seamless construction ensures maximum barrel size and optimal stiffness, enhancing trampoline effect on contact. The bat features a tuned balance for a slight end-loaded feel, ideal for players seeking speed and power. Zero Loss Technology strengthens the TPU connection, providing added durability and handle stiffness. 

Key Features:

  • In/Tense Carbon Composite: Fully engineered seamless carbon composite construction maximizes barrel size and performance while maintaining optimal stiffness and increased trampoline
  • Swing Weight: Tuned balance performance design provides a balanced swing weight with slight end loaded, best for all players who want maximum speed and performance
  • Two-Piece Composite Construction: Composite Handle + Composite Barrel created largest most forgiving barrel with stiffness preferred by elite hitters

Type: Two-Piece Composite

Bat Drop: -8

Overview:  Easton has optimized the Opti-Flex handle to ensure each bat size provides the perfect balance of flex and stiffness for ideal bat speed and barrel control. The elastomer connector between the barrel and handle eliminates vibrations and stings on mishits—though you might not experience many with this bat. Plus, Easton’s renowned Power Boost Soft Knob enhances comfort in your bottom hand and boosts leverage, helping you harness maximum power in your swing. 

Key Features:

  • TCT Barrel: High performing composite barrel combines a maximized sweet spot and performance
  • Optimized Barrel Performance: Engineered composited barrel with a focus on widening the sweet spot. Improving off-center hits and widening the max performance area
  • Opti-Flex Handle: Driven by ongoing research and feedback from some of the game’s best players, each bat-size handle flex is specifically engineered to the elite travel ball athlete

Type: Two-Piece Hybrid

Bat Drop: -8

Overview:  With a sleek, dynamic design, this special edition bat features a two-piece hybrid construction, combining an S-series composite handle with an AZR alloy barrel for maximum power. The power-loaded, end-loaded barrel ensures effortless power with every swing, while the Liquid-Gel System reduces vibrations for a smooth, solid feel. 

Key Features:

  • Two-Piece Hybrid Construction: S-series composite handle with AZR alloy barrel designed for power
  • Liquid-Gel System: patented anti-vibration technology features the optimal amount of liquid-gel in the knob and endcap to reduce and absorb vibrations from both ends of the bat, creating a smooth, solid feel during contact
  • S-25 Composite Handle: based on performance data and player feedback, the handle is 15% less stiff than the CATX Connect handle, offering more whip and transferring less vibration on contact

Type: Two-Piece Composite

Bat Drop: -8

Overview:  As the official Metal Bat of Perfect Game, this 2-piece composite bat is engineered to deliver unmatched performance on the diamond. Its enormous barrel and sweet spot ensure explosive contact with the ball, while the scientifically engineered 7312 Trampoline Composite and Power Connector generate exceptional whip through the zone. 

Key Features:

  • The official Metal Bat of Perfect Game!
  • Full Taper for Premium Leverage
  • Premium Soft Comfort Tack Grip

Type: Two-Piece Hybrid

Bat Drop: -8

Overview:  Designed for speed, power, and control, it offers a perfect balance of explosive power and a smooth, buttery feel. The ultra-light, durable Katana2X Alloy Barrel, with its double-taper design, delivers maximum whip through the zone and a larger sweet spot, ensuring a no-vibration feel with maximum power. 

Key Features:

  • Katana2X Alloy Barrel constructed of ultra-lightweight premium alloy with a double taper barrel shape to maximize sweet spot and increase whip through the zone
  • 2 Piece Hybrid - Enhanced alloy barrel with ultra stiff composite handle allows for massive barrel size that whips through the zone with less feedback in the hands
  • Feather-lite Aerophite Cap for increased swing speed and durability

Browse BaseballMonkey Bat Selection for 12 Year Olds

Now that you understand all that goes into selecting a bat for your 12-year-old, you are ready to start shopping for their bat! We have several great options available at BaseballMonkey so you can find the perfect bat for your 12-year-old baseball player. Make sure to check them out here.