The Babe Ruth Baseball program, using regulation competitive baseball rules, teaches skills, mental and physical development, a respect for the rules of the game, and basic ideals of sportsmanship and fair play. In all aspects, Babe Ruth League, Inc. is committed to providing our participants the very best educational, sports experience possible. It is our fundamental belief that every child with a desire to play baseball be afforded that opportunity.
Babe Ruth League, Inc., a non-profit, educational organization, named after one of the greatest baseball players of all time – George Herman “Babe” Ruth – has come a long way since its modest start over 60 years ago.
In 1951, ten men, who believed that the future of their community depended upon the proper development of the young people, met at the historic Yardville Hotel in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, for the purpose of developing a baseball program for young men between 13 and 15 years of age. Babe Ruth League, Inc. recognizes Marius D. Bonacci as the Founding Father of the program, along with the contribution of the following nine men, Samuel M. Welch, Ferdinand J. Wagner, Ed Jones, Ted Jasek, Cliff Fovour, Boots Snyder, William Dombrowski, Maskill Paxson and Willard Carson, Jr.
Babe Ruth Baseball has increased steadily from its first 10-team league in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, to its present combined size of well over one million players on some 60,000+ teams in more than 11,000 leagues and over 1.9 million volunteers. The divisions: Cal Ripken Baseball (for ages 4-12), Babe Ruth Baseball 13-18, Babe Ruth Softball, Bambino Buddy Ball and Xtreme Fastpitch are successful due to the millions of volunteer hours spent every year. Every volunteer from the local league manager to the chairman of the 17-member International Board is dedicated to the betterment of youth, while at the same time, producing better baseball and softball players.
A 16-member full-time staff, assisted by seasonal employees, maintains Babe Ruth’s International Headquarters at 1670 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road in the suburban community of Hamilton Township, New Jersey.
Local leagues are independent withinthe guidelines provided by Babe Ruth League, Inc. and operate with simplicity and autonomy. The Babe Ruth International Board is the governing body while Babe Ruth League International Headquarters is the administrative and promotional center.
It is the 13-15 division, started in 1951, where the boys first got their feet wet for the first time on a regulation size baseball diamond. The next stop up the baseball ladder for young athletes was the Babe Ruth 16-18 division, born in 1966 with continued remarkable success.
The Babe Ruth League, Inc. programs above all, are of, by and for youth. Its mission is to make better citizens through proper supervision of regulation competitive baseball and softball in addition to promoting mental and physical development. Inadopting rules, in establishing standards and in all planning, the primary consideration is what is best for the participants.
Babe Ruth League, Inc. would make the baseball immortal for whom the program is named very proud. Youth always had a special place reserved in “The Babe’s” heart.
Baseball Bats Babe Ruth League, Inc. Approved and Non-Compliant Bats Click Here
2018 Bat Rule Changes
Babe Ruth 13-15 Division
All non-wood bats must have the USABat Marking or marked BBCOR .50. Bat Barrel - 2 5/8". Babe Ruth 16-18 Division All non-wood bats must be BBCOR .50 and no greater than -3. Bat Barrel - 2 5/8".
Note: Solid one piece wood bats are permitted for use in all divisions and must conform to Rule 1.10. No laminated or experimental bats shall be used in a game.
Tampering or altering bats may violate certain federal and state laws and voids the USA Baseball certification, as well as all manufacturer warranties. Rolling is considered tampering and would void the bat’s certification and make it illegal for play.
