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PONY Baseball bat rules

PONY is a USA Baseball national member organization. Nationwide league and tournament play follows Rule 8-C (2026 clarification).

Youth non-woodUSA Baseball mark

−3 batsBBCOR certified

2¾″ barrelsProhibited

USSSA-only / BPF 1.15Not for PONY

2026 Rule 8-C (summary)

Bats must be round, ≤ 2⅝″ diameter, ≤ 42″ long; not dented/cracked/modified.
Except for −3 BBCOR bats, all bats must carry the USA Baseball mark for league and tournament play.
2¾″ barrel bats are prohibited in all PONY divisions.
Colt 16U & Palomino 19U: only 2⅝″ −3 BBCOR.
Thorobred 23U: wood bats only (MLB-specified).
Tee-ball / coach-pitch safety-ball limits apply in those divisions.

Maximum barrel diameter (inches) commonly published for this program. Length and drop limits are separate — check the notes.

Age / division	Max barrel	Notes
Shetland–Pony youth (non −3)	2⅝″ max	USABat required; 2¼″ and 2½″ USA bats also OK; 2¾″ prohibited
All PONY divisions	2¾″ banned	Rule 8-C: 2¾″ barrels prohibited everywhere
Colt 16U & Palomino 19U	2⅝″ max	−3 BBCOR only
Thorobred 23U	Wood only	MLB-specified wood bats

PONY Rule 8-C (2026): max diameter 2⅝″; except −3 BBCOR, USA Baseball mark required.

Reference: PONY Rule 8-C / Helpdesk

Rules change. Always confirm with your league or event director before game day.

Page reviewed: October 23, 2026