The 7 Best baseball bats for coach pitch in 2023 [Updated]

Coach pitch bats are specially made for young players aged below the age of eight. The best coach baseball bat for coach pitch is shorter, lighter, and have a drop weight of -10, -11, or -12.  However, some bats may go down to as low as -5.

These baseball bats are perfect for coach pitch and machine pitch leagues where the pitch speed is between 40 and 45 MPH.  Also referred to as junior big barrel bats, their barrel diameter can either be 2 5/8 or 2 ¾ inches.

While they play an important role in developing the skills of young batters, not all of them are made equal. This is why it is important to choose the right one. Fortunately, we have reviewed the various options out there and brought you the best options. Read on to make a wise buying decision.

At a glance: bats for coach pitch

• Best Overall baseball bat for coach pitch: Marucci CAT9 Baseball Bat
• First runners up: Marucci CAT8 -10 USSSA Junior Big Barrel
• Second runners up: DeMarini 2022 CF Fastpitch Softball Bat Series
• Best big barrel bat: Rawlings 5150 USSSAA Baseball Youth Bat
• Best vibration-proof bat: Marucci CAT7 Baseball Bat
• Best bat with most pop: Louisville Slugger adult 2020 RXT X20 Bat
• Best bat for a balanced swing: Easton MAXUM 360 -5 USSSA Youth Baseball Bat

Comparison Table of best coach pitch bats

Our review of the top 7 best bats for coach pitch

We have taken the time to research, compare and consider the various options. We are now convinced that these are the best bat for 7-year-old coach pitch baseball.

1. Marucci CAT9 Baseball Bat –Best Overall baseball bat for coach pitch

The Marucci Cat 9 BBCOPR is a popular bat made of an aluminum barrel. It is made using a unique three-stage thermal treatment process. This results in a responsive microstructure that improves its feel and improves its performance.

The thickest part of the barrel features the Longitudinal Groove system that reduces weight and increases flexibility. The variable wall design and thinner barrel walls provide an extended sweet spot. The barrel features a ring-free construction that adds to its flex. This also ensures that it has no dead spots.

A major complaint with one-piece alloy bats is that they have a lot of vibration in case of a mishit. The Marucci CAT9 takes care of this with the AV2 anti-vibration knob. This is a dampening system that delivers a better feel and less vibration in case of mishits.

This is combined with a removable taper on the handle that ensures better control. A micro-perforated soft-touch grip delivers better control and an improved feel.

Pros

• Unique multi-variable wall design
• Balanced feel
• Doesn’t vibrate
• Ultra-responsive performance
• Large barrel size

Cons

• Requires break-in period

Not only is it power loaded but has an end-loaded feel. This enables it to produce more power with less effort.  The barrel and the handle of the bat are combined using an outer-locking system. The results are a stiff connection. All vibration on contact is removed, making swings easier and more enjoyable.

Overall, the Marucci CAT9 is strong, lightweight, and easy to swing. With its great barrel size, good grip, and great performance, it’s one of the best baseball bats for coach pitch. It is suitable for the young batter who needs a smooth swing. It will help to put the ball where they want it to be.

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2. Marucci CAT8 -10 USSSA Junior Big Barrel – First runners up

The Marucci company has made a name as the manufacturer of solid baseball equipment. Their Cat 8 baseball bat is not an exception. It is made of an AZ105 Aluminum alloy that is durable and offers a higher response rate. This aluminum is strong but still, makes thin barrel walls preventing the user from stings after mishits.

As it’s the case with many aluminum bats, no braking is needed in this baseball bat. That means young batters can use it right off the box. The baseball bat is made of a one-piece barrel that helps to retain the player’s power during a swing. This results in a powerful and smooth swing.

The best bat for a 6-year-old coach pitch also has an extended sweet spot, which is bigger than what other alloy bats have. It has a lower moment of inertia that provides it with a lighter feel and better control when swinging. It, therefore, offers a great balance between power and speed.  It’s also comfortable to hold as it has a handle covered with a perforated soft-touch grip.

Pros

• Lots of  pop
• Durable but lightweight
• Easy to swing
• Ample sweet spot
• Doesn’t sting

Cons

• The grip color stains easily

With a mid-balanced barrel, the Their Cat 8 baseball bat offers a balanced and comfortable feel. This also makes it easy to swing. Young users can easily direct it to the expected destination of the ball. This provides them with a bigger contact percentage. Players will hardly feel any sting. It is therefore the best aluminum baseball bat for coach pitch.

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3. DeMarini 2022 CF Fastpitch Softball Bat Series- Second runners up

The DeMarini 2022 CF Fastpitch Softball Bat Series features a two-piece construction. This barrel makes it durable and responsive. It does that by directing energy from the heart of the barrel into the user’s hand. This makes it one of the best options for users searching for a light swinging bat.

The barrel and the handle of this bat are connected using the Type V connector Piece. This connection enhances the energy transfer from your swing into the barrel when it hit a softball. It provides the player with a better feel and reduces the sting in case of a mishit.

 This baseball bat has a Tracer End Cap, which is made of composite, making it lighter. This provides the user with more speed and better control. The baseball bat has an ultra-balanced swing weight.

Players can choose between drops -8, -9, and -10. The best option for contact hitters is the drop -10. The baseball bat comes with a warranty of 12 months.

Pros

• Great pop and feel
• Massive sweet spot
• Produces a good sound
• Great barrel control
• Doesn’t vibrate

Cons

• Has a break-in period

Therefore, the DeMarini 2022 CF Fastpitch Softball Bat is a great choice for light-swinging players. If you are searching for a baseball bat with a big sweet spot, this is worth considering. It has a drop weight of -10 which provides it with a balanced feel. This makes it a good choice for slap hitters, contact hitters, and power hitters.

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4. Rawlings 5150 USSSAA Baseball Youth Bat –Best big barrel bat

The Rawlings 2021 5150 features a composite material for faster swing speed. This baseball bat has an enhanced trampoline that ensures increased pop.  It has a big barrel of 2 3/4″ that provides it with a massive sweet spot. This makes it easier for the young batters to make contact.

The baseball bat has a drop weight of -11 that enables users to add power and distance to their swing. The ultra-thin handle enables a more controlled swing and a comfortable grip.  It is therefore designed for players under the age of 12. It can help them to make faster pitches and improve contact rates with their first swing.

The best coach pitch bats have a Hyper-lite speed cap that helps young batters to get it through the swing zone faster. It’s approved for the majority of leagues that are sanctioned by the USSA baseball. However, it cannot be used in the Little League.

Pros

• Massive sweet spot
• Easy to swing
• Approved by USSA baseball
• Enhanced power
• Super lightweight

Cons

• Cannot be used in little league

The Rawlings 2021 5150 is a good entry-level bat that has a stiff feel, a medium-sized barrel, and a balanced swing. Not only is this bat easy to control but it enables kids to respond faster. It’s available in vibrant lime green or black colors. It’s therefore, among the best bat for a 5-year-old coach pitch.

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5. Marucci CAT7 Baseball Bat –best vibration-proof bat

Launched in 2017, the Marucci CAT7 Baseball bat is undoubtfully one of the best baseball bats for coach pitch. It’s made of the AZ4X alloy construction that improves its strength while providing it with a higher response rate. The baseball bat has a multi-variable wall that created an enhanced sweet spot. It also creates thinner barrel walls that reduce vibration in case of mishits.

  While it’s a one-piece bat it has a considerably light swing. This single piece enables a smooth batting experience no matter the hitting range. It uses a ring-free technology that improves its performance and reduces the dead spot.

One of the key features of the baseball bat is the anti-vibration knob. This is made of a composite rubber that absorbs all vibration when hitting the ball. It, therefore, helps to reduce stinging.

Since it’s made of a strong alloy, the bat has an improved response and strength. It has a larger thin barrel that produces a great trampoline effect when it gets into contact.

Pros

• Provides a balanced swing
• Durable but lightweight
• Thicker than most bats
• Ring-free barrel enhances its performance
• Balanced swing weight

Cons

• Heavier than most bats
• Not approved for Little League

Overall, the Marucci CAT7 Baseball bat has great features such as the anti-vibration knob.  Its precision-balanced barrel and one-piece alloy enable it to provide users with consistent swings when they hit the ball. It’s approved for use in USSSA baseball leagues & tournaments. It’s, without doubt, one of the best bats for coach pitch baseball.

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6. Louisville Slugger adult 2020 RXT X20 Bat –Best bat with most pop

The Louisville Slugger adult 2020 RXT X20 Bat works for all pitch speeds. It also has a great level of responsiveness. The two-piece design has a loading connection system that improves its overall feel when being used. It has lots of pop that makes hitting a breeze.

The bat also has a COPA performance end cap that provides it with an extended sweet spot. The barrel of the bat features the patented HV-1 Technology that makes it super responsive. The two-piece design has a Spring Load connection system that improves the feel on contact. This also helps to drive the baseball through the zone.

The bat has a grip that is designed to provide young users with better control and balance.   The bat uses its weight to provide strength in its swing. The handle is also designed to absorb vibration and prevent any form of stinging.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Good balance and control
• Massie sweet spot
• Lots of pop

Cons

Unsuitable for weight behind caps

This bat is suitable for young batters who need a bat with lots of pop. It has a drop weight of -10 making it one of the best baseball bats for coach pitch.

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7. Easton MAXUM 360 -5 USSSA Youth Baseball Bat –Best bat for a balanced swing

This Easton Maxum 360-5 is a drop 12 baseball bat that is easy to control and swing. The baseball bat is made of one-piece seamless carbon fiber. This is combined with precision molding technology to produce equal barrel strength.

This ensures lightweight and consistent walls that deliver optimal performance when swinging it. Besides, the uniform barrel strength delivers maximum performance from the knob to the cap. A balanced swing weight also ensures the right combination of power and speed.

The grip of the baseball bat is made of a custom lizard skin that provides users with a great in-class feel, tack, and cushion. The baseball bat has been approved for use in all USSA-sanctioned leagues and associations such as Little league.

Pros

• Comfortable grip
• Balanced swing weight
• Lots of pop
• Extra-large sweet spot

Cons

• Needs time to loosen up

Despite its discreet tone, the Easton Maxum 360-5 has a lot of pop. Its extra-large sweet pop ensures consistent hits. The bat comes with a warranty of 6 months.

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How to choose the best baseball bat for coach pitch

Here are the factors to consider when choosing the best coach pitch baseball bat.

Barrel size

You want the best bat size for coach pitch that will enable the young batters to hit as far as possible. This is why the size of the barrel is important. Go for a large barrel combined with a low swing weight. This makes it easy for young hitters to swing and hit as far as possible.

However, bigger barrels have their downsides as they can make the bat heavy. This is why you need to find a bat with a big barrel face and a low swing weight.

A recommended bat size for the USA Bat league is 2 5/8”. If you need a bat for a non-USA league, choose one that has a barrel size of 2 ¾”. Remember that little league coach pitch bat rules require youth bats to have a USA Bat stamp. The only exception is for the U-trip that maintained its standards.

Sting dampening ability

When learning, young hitters experience mishit ball. If you don’t want them to be discouraged you will need to choose a baseball that has no vibration.  It should absorb the sting and ensure a smoother swing.

Material

Baseball bats are made of different materials. Each of these can increase the chances of success. One of the advantages of composite bats is that the manufacturer can stretch the barrel, making it longer or shorter. The composite coach pit bats are usually lighter as compared to aluminum bats. Their weight distribution is better and they have greater strength and pop.

Length and weight

You will need to consider the weight of the bat in comparison to the strength and size of the player. The drop weight can help you find a bat that’s comfortable for your kid. A coach pitch bat with a drop weight of -10 is usually 27 inches long and weighs 17 ounces.

Choosing a bat with the right weight will feel comfortable in your hands and provide maximum control in the zone as a result of the balanced weight. If the bat is too heavy, it will be difficult for young ones to control and will tire them quickly.

 When it comes to the length, you should choose something easy for them to squeeze through the zone. It should be too long or too short so that it feels awkward for them to swing. The right length of the bat will depend on the player’s needs.

League and association rules

You will need to understand the coach pitch bat rules of the league in which your kid will be participating. The requirements of the bats and their makeup can differ depending on the league associated with USA baseball.

The majority of leagues nowadays require that baseball bats have a USA Baseball stamp. For older players, the bat may need to be BBCOR approved. This is an indication that they are accepted for use in school-level play.

FAQs on the best baseball bat for coach pitch

Here are the frequently asked questions.

Final Thoughts

The best baseball bat for coach pitch should make it easy for your kids to hit the ball. It should not sting their hands in case of a mishit.  If you need one with such qualities, you can choose one of the above bats for your kid. 

But if you are still undecided on which one to choose, we recommend the Marucci Cat 9 BBCOPR. This bat is made using a three-stage thermal treatment technology. This results in a super-responsive barrel and a handle that doesn’t sting.