The governing body for baseball in Europe has taken this step to ensure the safety and fairness of the game while embracing technological advancements in bat manufacturing.
WBSC Europe has decided to approve baseball bats for a fixed period of three years at a time. This decision aims to ensure that the list of approved baseball bats remains current and relevant, taking into account advancements in bat technology and manufacturing processes. After the conclusion of this three-year period, bat manufacturers will be required to undergo the approval process once again.
WBSC Europe's bat approval program classifies bats into two distinct categories:
Wood Bat List (One-piece wood) approved for use in high-profile European baseball events including:
- Baseball European Championship
- U-23 Baseball European Championship and U-18 Baseball European Championship
- Baseball European Champions Cup
- Baseball European Confederation Cup
- Super 6
Non-one-piece wood bats permitted for use in these European baseball events:
- Baseball European Championship Qualifiers (senior)
- Baseball European Championship C-level (if played)
- U-23 Baseball European Championship Qualifier and U-18 Baseball European Championship Qualifier
- Baseball European Federations Cup and Baseball European Federations Cup Qualifiers
To have their baseball bats approved for these European competitions by WBSC Europe, bat manufacturers must initiate the approval process by contacting Mr. Marko Kärkkäinen at +358 40 771 2442 or mkarkkainen@wbsceurope.org.
Detailed instructions and necessary forms for approval can be obtained through this contact.
The approval process itself necessitates the submission of two test bats to WBSC Europe, along with a completed information sheet and a payment of a license fee amounting to €1,250 for a three-year period.
The license fee will only be charged once the bats have undergone testing and been approved.
The current lists of approved baseball bats are set to expire on October 1, 2023. Therefore, all bat manufacturers seeking approval for their products for use after this date are required to undergo the updated approval process outlined by WBSC Europe.
Cover photo by Lisztes Alex
