BBCOR stands for Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution and started January 2011. Any bat used in NCAA baseball must have a BBCOR certified approval seal on it in order for it to be used in a game. In 2012, high school baseball teams will also have to have the BBCOR certified approval seal in order for their bats to be used in games. It is recommended before purchasing any bat; you want to make sure the BBCOR certified approval seal is clearly shown to avoid any issues during a game.
The BBCOR measures the loss of energy at the time of impact – bat hitting a ball. It is obvious in order for the ball speed to increase is there has to be less energy lost at the time of impact. The ball gets its power from the bat and depending on what type of bat will determine how much power the ball will have. Solid wood bats lose most of the ball’s energy at the time the ball compresses on impact. Most commonly used composite bats or hollow-core aluminum bats; the ball will distort less and will retain its pitched energy while it adds the power of the bat speed.
The benefits of using certified BBCOR bats is homeruns have increased compared to years prior to BBCOR bats. Plus, the bats minimize risk and improve play time while balancing the game among all of the players.
Leagues want all bats used to have the same performance factors as the best wooden bats that are used. Just because aluminum or composite bates will last longer than wood bats, it won’t necessarily make better hitters.
Any teams playing under the NCAA or the NFHS rules will most likely need a new bat that is BBCOR certified. Fortunately, bat manufacturers have been able to make the necessary adjustments to comply with the BBCOR. It won’t be long before players of any age and of any league are required to have a BBCOR certified bat.
