Franklin Sports MLB Jumbo Kids Plastic Baseball Bat - Backya
✅ PROS
- Injection-molded plastic won't dent or crack like hollow aluminum bats, surviving years of wiffle ball and tee work
- Full MLB team logos printed directly on the barrel—no cheap decals that peel after a week in the sun
- Large 2.25-inch barrel diameter gives young hitters a bigger sweet spot and forgiving contact zone
❌ CONS
- At 28 inches and 18.5 ounces, it's too heavy for 4-5 year olds—this is really a 6-10 year old bat
- Plastic construction means zero pop; balls off the barrel sound and feel dead compared to wood or metal
The Verdict
Bottom line up front: If your kid is past the tee-ball stage but not ready for a $90 USA Baseball alloy bat, this Franklin jumbo bat is the backyard workhorse that actually holds up. It’s not going to win any home run derbies, but it’ll survive being left in the rain, slammed on the ground after a strikeout, and used as a lightsaber by your other kid.
What you’re actually getting
The box contains exactly one thing: a 28-inch, 18.5-ounce plastic bat with a 2.25-inch barrel. No balls, no tee, no accessories. That might sound thin, but the construction is what matters. This isn’t a cheap blow-mold bat with a hollow ring when you tap it. Franklin uses injection molding, which means the plastic is denser and thicker throughout. As shown in the product image, the MLB logos are printed directly into the barrel surface, not applied as stickers. After months of use, they’re not going to flake off.
The grip is a molded rubber sleeve, not tape. It’s slightly tacky, gives decent traction for sweaty little hands, and won’t unravel. The bat is available in multiple MLB team variations, which is a nice touch for kids who care about repping their favorite squad.
How it performs in the real world
Let’s be direct: this bat has zero pop. The ball comes off the barrel with a dull thud, not a crack. That’s physics—plastic isn’t wood or alloy. But for a 6-to-10-year-old working on swing mechanics, that’s arguably a feature. You can’t cheat with this bat. Mishits don’t carry, so kids learn to find the sweet spot. The large barrel does help with that—the 2.25-inch diameter is the same as a real baseball bat, so the transition to a metal bat later won’t feel foreign.
The weight distribution is surprisingly balanced. At 18.5 ounces, it’s not a feather, but the weight sits behind the hands rather than all at the end. Kids can keep the barrel through the zone without dragging it. One Amazon reviewer noted: “My 8-year-old has used this daily for three months. It’s been dropped, thrown, and left outside. Still looks brand new.” That durability claim checks out—the injection molding resists cracking and the plastic won’t rust or corrode.
Where it falls short
The biggest issue is sizing. This bat is too heavy for younger kids. If your child is 4 or 5 and just starting tee-ball, 18.5 ounces will be a struggle. They’ll drop the barrel and develop bad habits trying to compensate. This is really a 6-10 year old bat, and Franklin’s age recommendation of 5+ is generous on the low end.
Also, the plastic doesn’t weather well. Not in terms of damage—it’s practically indestructible—but the surface gets scuffed and dull over time. The mold lines are visible up close, which makes it feel cheaper than the $25-$30 price tag suggests. And if your kid is playing with real baseballs rather than plastic or wiffle balls, the deadened feel will frustrate them quickly.
Who should buy this
Buy it if: You need a bat that can live in the backyard, get rained on, and be abused without you worrying about it. Perfect for whiffle ball games, tee work, and BP with plastic balls. Also a solid choice for a first bat that won’t break the bank.
Skip it if: Your kid is under 6 or over 10. Too heavy for the little ones, too light for the big kids. If your child is serious about travel ball or actually hitting real baseballs hard, spend the money on an alloy bat instead. This is a toy-adjacent training tool, not a game bat.
Frequently asked questions
Can this bat hit real baseballs? Technically yes, but don’t expect any distance. The plastic construction absorbs energy, so balls die on contact. Best used with wiffle balls, plastic baseballs, or tee work with reduced-impact balls.
Is it safe for indoor use? It’s lighter than wood or metal, but it can still break things. The large barrel will knock over lamps and dent drywall. Keep it outside or in a garage.
How does it compare to the Franklin Powerload or other jumbo bats? The Powerload has a more pronounced end-load and slightly better balance, but it’s also more expensive. This jumbo bat trades a bit of performance for durability and a lower price point.
The verdict
Rating: 4.6/5 — This is a 4-star product with a 5-star purpose. It’s not the best-performing bat on the market, but it’s arguably the best survivor. For the price, you’re getting a bat that will outlast your kid’s interest in baseball, survive being left in the elements, and handle the abuse that comes with backyard play. The lack of pop is a legitimate downside, but for the intended audience—kids learning the swing, not crushing dingers—it’s a non-issue. If you want a bat that’ll be there when your kid finally connects with the sweet spot, this is it.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.