As soon as kids start playing baseball competitively, the questions start flying:

“How many hits did you get?”
“What’s your average this season?”
“Why isn’t he hitting like he did last year?”

Batting average has been one of the most popular stats in baseball for over a century — and in youth baseball, it often becomes the metric that defines whether a season feels “successful.”

But is that the right way to measure performance? And what actually qualifies as a “good” average for a youth player?

At Swing Lab, we talk to families every week who are concerned about their child’s hitting numbers. Some are riding high after a few great weekends; others are panicked after a slump. In both cases, the batting average alone rarely tells the full story.

This article will break down what batting average really measures, typical ranges by age, and what parents and players should actually focus on.

What Is Batting Average?

Batting average is calculated by dividing a player’s hits by their official at-bats:

Hits ÷ At-Bats = Batting Average

A .300 average means the player gets a hit in 3 out of every 10 at-bats.

Simple, right? Not quite.

Here’s what batting average doesn’t account for:

• Walks

• Strikeouts

• Quality of contact

• Situational performance (e.g., with runners on base)

• Power or extra-base hits

• Level of pitching faced

That means a player could have a high average while hitting mostly soft singles — or a low average while hitting rockets right at defenders.

What’s Considered “Good” in Youth Baseball?

9–10U
• Good: .350
• Very Good: .400
• Excellent: .500+

11–12U
• Good: .325
• Very Good: .375
• Excellent: .450+

13–14U
• Good: .300
• Very Good: .350
• Excellent: .425+

15–16U
• Good: .275
• Very Good: .325
• Excellent: .400+

These numbers vary based on:

• League or tournament difficulty

• Scoring accuracy (many youth games don’t track stats well)

• Number of at-bats (small sample sizes can skew results)

• How official scorekeepers count errors vs. hits

It’s also important to remember that some of the best long-term hitters didn’t have eye-popping averages when they were younger — they just kept developing.

Why Batting Average Can Be Misleading

In youth baseball, batting average often creates more anxiety than clarity. Here’s why:

1. It Doesn’t Reflect Swing Quality

Two players might both go 1-for-3. One hits a hard line drive. The other hits a slow roller that beats a throw. Same average — different process.

2. It Encourages “Just Make Contact” Thinking

Players chasing batting average might start swinging defensively — sacrificing development for short-term results.

3. It Discourages Process-Focused Growth

If a player only feels successful when they get a hit, it’s easy to lose confidence during inevitable slumps — even when they’re actually improving.

What Should You Focus on Instead?

While batting average is part of the picture, it should not be the main focus — especially before high school.

Here’s what matters more:

Quality At-Bats (QABs)

Did the hitter:

• Swing at good pitches?

• Take close balls?

• Hit the ball hard, regardless of result?

• Compete deep into the count?

• Move runners or execute situationally?

QABs build better long-term hitters than stat-chasing.

Exit Velocity & Swing Metrics

Tracking metrics like exit velocity, launch angle, and bat speed gives objective feedback on how well a hitter is improving.

Mental Approach

Does the player have a consistent pre-pitch routine? Are they learning from failure? Are they confident regardless of results?

Contact Quality

Are they barreling the baseball more often? Are outs loud and productive — or weak and off-balance?

These are signs of real growth, even if the batting average doesn’t reflect it right away.

What Should Parents Do?

Parents play a huge role in shaping how their athlete interprets performance. Some suggestions:

• Ask about process: “Were you on time?” or “Did you swing at strikes?”

• Praise effort and adjustments, not just outcomes

• Avoid comparing your child’s stats to teammates or other players

• Encourage patience and long-term thinking

• Trust that development takes time — and slumps are part of the process

If your athlete knows they’re valued regardless of whether they’re 3-for-3 or 0-for-3, they’re far more likely to stay motivated and resilient.

Final Thoughts

A “good” batting average in youth baseball depends on age, context, and competition. But more importantly, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Instead of chasing numbers, focus on quality reps, efficient mechanics, and building a strong mindset. The results will follow — and when they do, your athlete will be equipped to handle both the highs and lows.

If you’re not sure how your athlete’s performance stacks up — or how to improve it — reach out to Swing Lab. We’ll help you track what really matters, eliminate guesswork, and create a plan that leads to consistent results.

from: iStockPhoto