Right baseball bat for son

Question
Hi.  My son is 4'11" and weighs 75 pounds.  He is 11 years old but will be turning 12 in a few months.  He will be playing Babe Ruth baseball and is also on the All Star team.  He is a great defensive player but struggles with hitting because he is so small (skinny).  Could you recommend to us what length, weight and brand of bat would be best for him?  Although he can hit the ball, it doesn't go very far.  :):)  He is getting very frustrated.  Any advice would be great appreciated!!  Thank you.  Lori

Answer
Unfortunately, there is no correct answer on bat selection that applies universally to a certain sized player. There are small wiry boys that can swing a heavy bat just fine, and others the same size who can't handle the same bat.

I recommend a trip to the batting cages, and rent some bats of varying sizes. He needs to find a sized bat that he can comfortably swing, with decent bat speed, and without struggling. It shouldn't be too light either -- he'll know what is comfortable for him, and you (or a coach) will be able to tell when the bat is too heavy.

As for brands -- again, it all comes down to personal preference. Some like Easton, others Louisville Slugger, and some Demarini. Lots to choose from -- just depends on what your son likes best (and of course, prices vary too!). The big thing to keep in mind is that the bat isn't what generates the power --- it's the bat speed (the swing) and the hitter's mechanics. So, any bat he's comfortable with should be just fine.