Starting January 1st, 2018,a new rule change will be implemented for all bats being used by players ages 14 and younger who play Little League, Babe Ruth, Cal Ripken, PONY, Dixie and AABC Baseball. This rule change will require all players in these leagues to use USA stamped bats starting January 1st, 2018, making it illegal to use a USSSA 1.15 BPF stamped bats in any of the previously stated leagues. All new 2018 USA Baseball Bats will feature a new 2-5/8" barrel size that can be used from Minors all the way up through Junior Baseball. If your young ball player doesn't feel comfortable swinging a 2-5/8" barrel bat, some manufacturers will offer a 2-1/4" barrel for those players.