As the baseball itch starts to set in for baseball fans around the world, we start to hear from parents asking about the best tee ball bats.
This year is no different, so we are putting together our list of the best tee ball bats for the upcoming season.
We put a lot of consideration into our recommendations to ensure you are getting the best possible tee ball bat for your hard earned money.
We have put 4 kids through tee ball and we know how important the budget can be.
One of the most important things we have learned over the years is that the most expensive tee ball bat is not necessarily the best tee ball bat.
We have decades of experience with baseball and softball bats, and we make it our mission to rid ourselves of all the hype when putting together our recommendations.
Below you will find the best tee ball bats that we feel give you the best value and ensure that your slugger has the best possible bat when they take the field this season.
Best Tee Ball Bats – 2024
Rawlings 2021 5150 USA Baseball Tball Bat Series (-11)
The Rawlings 2021 5150 is a terrific all-around T-ball bat. It’s made of a proprietary 5150 alloy, providing excellent sturdiness. The model is highly responsive, too, delivering high velocity consistently.
Another great thing about this bat is its carefully optimized weight. It’s nicely balanced to offer an even swing with an -11 length-to-weight ratio. As a result, you can control the bat easily and make comfortable swings.
In addition, the wide 2 5/8-inch barrel provides a large surface for ball contacts. It gives you an enhanced sweet spot to help ensure consistent hitting and greater confidence when stepping up to the plate.
The bat also boasts a USA Baseball certification, meaning you can use it in all standard T-ball leagues.
It’s hard to find fault with the Rawlings 2021 5150 T-ball bat, but it does have a notable flaw. Namely, the -11 length-to-weight ratio might be too heavy for young players, hindering their development.
Pros
- Large barrel for consistently powerful batting
- Durable alloy to extend the bat’s lifespan
- Highly responsive design
- Permitted in most T-ball leagues
Cons
- The length-to-weight ratio could be more versatile
Mizuno HOT METAL T-Ball -13 USA Baseball Bat
The Mizuno Hot Metal is a well-made T-ball bat. It’s relatively lightweight yet highly durable, which is desirable in any league. It’s also perfect for young players making their first steps in this game since it doesn’t put too much pressure on their hands and wrists.
With a -13 length-to-weight ratio, young batters shouldn’t have a hard time using this model. In addition, it’s pretty easy to swing, allowing them to play the game more comfortably.
The bat uses Mizuno’s Hot Metal aluminum alloy. It’s one of the most responsive materials on the market, delivering excellent pops upon hits from Ts. Even though it has a 2 1/4-inch barrel diameter, the highly responsive alloy more than makes up for it.
Moreover, there’s a high-quality Speed Helix Grip. It’s incredibly comfortable even if you’re not wearing batting gloves. In addition, it delivers a sticky surface to keep your hands firmly locked in position. As a consequence, you get enhanced bat control to boost your performance even further.
The bat also comes with the USA Baseball certification, allowing the player to use the bat in most T-ball leagues.
That said, the Mizuno Hot Metal has a similar problem to the previous entry on our list. More specifically, an older T-ball player might find the -13 drop weight too light.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to use and swing
- Terrific Speed Helix Grip for outstanding comfort
- High-quality aluminum alloy
Cons
- The length-to-weight ratio might be too light for older players
Easton ADV -13 USA Youth T-Ball Bat (Released March 2021)
If you’re looking to make quick swings, you can’t go wrong with the Easton ADV T-ball bat. The one-piece composite model comes with a Speed Cap to ensure an excellent response to high-impact shots.
There’s also a streamlined Carbon Zero Handle. As the name suggests, it’s mostly made of carbon fiber, dramatically reducing vibration. The grip is slightly stiffer than most bats, but it usually helps deliver powerful swings.
Furthermore, the bat features a wide 2 5/8-inch barrel. It helps ensure the ball lands in your sweet spot with each swing.
The bat’s durability is also impressive. Made of Hyperlite Composite, the materials prolong the bat’s lifespan without feeling heavy in your hands.
You’ll also appreciate the Power Boost Soft Knob technology. It enhances your performance by making the bat more comfortable for your bottom hand and improving the power potential.
You can buy the bat in three lengths: 26, 25, and 24 inches. Each weight offers a -13 length-to-weight ratio, which may be too light for experienced players. The bat is also a bit on the pricier side.
Pros
- Wide barrel for larger sweet spots
- Minimal vibration travels to your handle
- Comfortable grip
- Lightweight yet sturdy design
Cons
- The drop weight might not suit older players
- Relatively expensive
Easton FUZE -11 USA Youth T-Ball Bat (Released March 2021)
Here’s yet another formidable entry to our list of best T-ball bats. The Easton Fuze youth T-ball bat provides many admirable features, such as the concave end cap. In addition, it helps remove excess weight at the end of the barrel, enabling you to increase the swing speed and enjoy higher comfort.
The bat is made of ALX100 military-grade alloy. The material is highly durable and relatively lightweight. You also get an All-Sports grip to further enhance your comfort and stability.
On top of that, the two and 5/8-inch barrel is wide enough to increase your sweet spot and help you land powerful shots.
However, the Easton Fuze has a significant disadvantage. While the grip is comfortable, it doesn’t stand the test of time and other models. In addition, it tends to peel off relatively quickly, warranting a replacement.
Pros
- Concave end cap to remove extra weight
- Military-grade alloy for exceptional durability
- Wide barrel
Cons
- Questionable grip material
Easton ALPHA ALX -10 USA Youth T-Ball Bat (Released March 2021)
The final entry on our list is the Easton Alph ALX. This T-ball bat is a dependable and long-lasting model that can serve you for multiple seasons. It’s made of ALX50, an aviation-grade durable alloy to extend its lifespan.
You’ll also enjoy the All Sports grip on your handle, facilitating swinging and potentially adding power to your shots.
The bat features a 2.25-inch barrel diameter and -10 drop weight. It’s somewhat heavier than most other T-ball bats, which can be a massive obstacle for beginners. It does come with a hollow end cap to eliminate excess weight, but it may not be enough for optimal performance.
This T-ball bat can be found in three sizes: 26, 25, and 24 inches. Unfortunately, you’re limited to just one color option (black/brown).
The Easton Alpha ALX boasts a USA Baseball certification near the handle, enabling you to use it in major T-ball leagues.
Pros
- Long-lasting ALX50 alloy for maximum durability
- All Sports grip to improve your swings and help generate more power
- Available in three sizes and eligible for major T-ball leagues
Cons
- Novice players may not be able to handle the weight
- Lack of color variety
Tee Ball Bat Buying Guide
Now that we’ve looked at our top recommended tee ball bats, I want to take a minute to discuss a couple of things that you should consider before you make your purchase.
Budget:
As with any purchase, setting a budget before you buy can save a ton of time and arguments!
Buying a tee ball bat is something I looked forward to with the utmost excitement.
While we all would love to have an unlimited budget when we’re looking for baseball equipment for our kids, we all have some kind of budget to keep in mind.
Setting a clear budget is going to make the process of buying your kid’s new tee ball bat a much more enjoyable experience.
Size:
Tee ball is an exciting time in a baseball family’s life.
It’s the first time that your kid gets to take the field and experience first hand the greatest game on earth.
You want to make sure that when they step up to the plate, they have the proper size bat.
Length:
Most tee ball bats will be 24″, 25″ and 26″.
The best way I have found to determine the proper length is to have your kid stand straight up.
- Have them hold their hands straight down next to them
- Measure from the ground to the center area of their palm
This should give you the correct length of the bat to buy.
Another method is to measure from the center of the chest to the center of the palm.
Weight:
Most tee ball bats come between a -10 and -13 drop.
The drop is the bat’s length minus the the bat’s weight.
Example: If you have a 26″ bat with -11 drop, you have a 15 ounce bat. The bigger the drop, the lighter the bat.
The drop will play a big role in determining the bat you choose for your kid.
Let’s say you did your measurements and determined to buy your kid a 25″ bat.
The next thing we want to consider is the drop.
Here’s my thoughts:
If you feel your child is strong for their age, go with the lowest drop you can get. Going with the lower drop will give you a heavier bat, which can produce further distances when hitting the ball.
If your kid has a hard time swinging a bat, go with the highest drop you can. Going with the higher drop will give you a lower weight bat, which will allow for a faster swing and good distance off the tee.
If your kid is somewhere in the middle, go with either a -11, or -12 drop for the best swing results.
Of course, adding the benefit of an “all composite” bat allows you to go with the biggest drop, while still producing the greatest distance off the tee.
If you have any questions about any of the bats in this article, or anything else we can help you with, please leave a comment in the comment section below and we will get back with you asap.
You can also hit the contact button if you would like to communicate via e mail.
Now you know what the best tee ball bats are! We would love to hear some of your tee ball stories this year.
Thanks for stopping by ~Jeremy
Abbee says
Thanks for providing so much useful information on picking out a good tee ball bat. The Ghost-X sounds like a great option, but I do have a couple of questions. Just out of curiosity, what is the “composite” material of the Ghost-X bat made of? Wood? Also, can the Ghost-X be expected to hold up to more than one season of use?
Jeremy says
Hi Abbee,
You are most welcome and we are glad you enjoyed the post on the best tee ball bats. 🙂
The Easton Ghost X Tee Ball Bat, as with most composite bats, is made out of a composite material called reinforced carbon fiber polymer. Some bats feature full composite, like the Ghost X, while others feature a combo of aluminum barrels with composite handles.
Yes, the Ghost X can last for years if cared for properly. Just don’t let your kid hit rocks with it and they will have it around for years. 🙂
Also – With composite bats like the Ghost X, you will notice more power as the bat gets broken in. The more you use it the better it gets until fully broken in.
Thanks for stopping by and do let me know if I can help with anything.
~Jeremy
Atlas says
Hey Jeremy,
Wow, i never realized they quantified the weight to length difference as a drop. One thing I’m immediately wondering is if larger bats naturally have a higher drop?
I’m also wondering if the Louisville slugger meats all the USA standards and also if you have any mits to recommend?
Thanks for the great info,
-Atlas
Jeremy says
Hey Atlas.
You are most welcome & I’m glad you enjoyed the post on the best tee ball bats!
Larger bats do not necessarily have a higher drop, in fact they usually have a smaller drop. Let’s say you have a 50″ bat that weighs 40 oz. The drop would only be -10. Now unless you’re Babe Ruth you probably won’t be swatting baseballs with a 50″ bat, but normally as bats (and the people swinging them) get bigger, they want a heavier bat.
The heavier bat equates to a smaller drop.
Yes, the Louisville Slugger Prime 918 in the article meets USA bat standards.
If you’re slugger is just starting out, THIS IS THE MITT ALL OUR KIDS USED IN TEE BALL
This is the perfect glove for kids and beginners.
Thanks for stopping by ~Jeremy
Kenneth B says
My 2 boys are starting baseball this coming Spring. Oldest being 9 and the youngster 5, both of which are first timers or “newbies” to the sport.
The problem is that I’m very athletic but never played ball sports personally. so I know nothing in terms of where to begin.
They obviously need cleats I know that much but what is the best kind for beginners that are affordable seeing that they go through shoes like i go through underwear. lol
Also I needed to know the same info foe the best tee ball bats, so thank you very much!
Thanks,
Ken B.
Jeremy says
This is awesome to hear Kenneth!
I love when kids get to experience baseball for the first time. Always brings back great memories. 🙂
The best place to begin is to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of the game. We put together an article called Simple Baseball Rules that will help get you headed in the right direction.
I absolutely hear you about cleats! They sure do go through them. The absolute best kids cleats for the money are Easton. We have been buying Easton cleats for decades and we have found them to be the best value for comfort, performance and durability.
I’m glad you enjoyed the article on the best tee ball bats. Don’t forget to stop back by and let us know which tee ball bats you chose and how the kids liked them.
Happy hitting!
Thanks for stopping by ~Jeremy