
2021 Marucci CAT9 Pastime BBCOR Bat Review
The patriotic, stars-and-stripes edition of Marucci's CAT9 alloy. Same one-piece AZR alloy, ring-free barrel and Longitudinal Groove System as the standard CAT9, dressed in an Americana colorway.
Price just dropped $190 — that's 63% off and a great deal right now!
Check today's price →The Score
How we score ↗How big and forgiving the barrel is — based on barrel length, construction (one- vs two-piece, alloy vs composite), and how it plays on balls hit off the center. A primary driver of the overall score.
Raw exit velocity and distance. We use measured numbers from freely available independent testing when they exist; otherwise construction and consensus, judged against the certification’s performance ceiling. A primary driver of the overall score.
Comfort and feedback on contact — vibration dampening from the knob/connection, the sting of a stiff one-piece vs a smooth two-piece, and the sound off the barrel. A primary driver of the overall score.
How well it holds up and how the company stands behind it — documented cracking/denting reports, cold-weather behavior, and the brand’s real warranty record. Good to know, but weighted lightly in the score.
Our take on price-for-performance — the overall package weighed against its cost and what comparable bats run. Shown for context; it is NOT factored into the overall score (price changes too often and is personal).
Why this score: The CAT9 platform remains one of the most dependable balanced alloys ever made, scoring high on sweet spot, swing weight and durability. Value is excellent at current closeout pricing. Power lands a notch below the newest barrels and composite bats, which is expected of a balanced one-piece alloy from this generation.
Our Review
The CAT9 Pastime is the special-edition cosmetic of one of the most popular alloy BBCORs Marucci ever made. Under the Americana paint it is the standard CAT9: thermally treated AZR alloy, a ring-free multi-variable-wall barrel and the Longitudinal Groove System that adds barrel flex for a big, forgiving sweet spot. The AV2 anti-vibration knob keeps the hands comfortable for a stiff one-piece, and the balanced swing works for nearly any hitter. Years on, the CAT9 platform still holds up, and at closeout pricing the Pastime is a lot of bat for the money.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Proven CAT9 AZR alloy with a big ring-free sweet spot
- Balanced, easy-to-control swing for any hitter type
- AV2 knob tames vibration well for a one-piece alloy
Cons
- Older platform now superseded by CATX-generation barrels
- Alloy power ceiling sits below composite and dual-stamp bats
Full Specifications
| Brand | Marucci |
|---|---|
| Model | CAT9 Pastime |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Certification | BBCOR |
| Sport | Baseball |
| Construction | One-piece AZR alloy (ring-free multi-variable wall, Longitudinal Groove System, AV2 anti-vibration knob) |
| Model # | MCBC9A |
| Drop | -3 |
| Barrel | 2 5/8" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | $299.99 |
Where to Buy
2021 Marucci CAT9 Pastime BBCOR Bat — FAQ
Is the 2021 Marucci CAT9 Pastime a good BBCOR bat?
We rate it 8.1/10 (Grade A). The patriotic, stars-and-stripes edition of Marucci's CAT9 alloy. Same one-piece AZR alloy, ring-free barrel and Longitudinal Groove System as the standard CAT9, dressed in an Americana colorway.
What drops does the CAT9 Pastime come in?
The 2021 CAT9 Pastime BBCOR comes in -3.
Is the Marucci CAT9 Pastime BBCOR-legal?
Yes — it's BBCOR certified by the WSU Sports Science Lab. Certified to the BBCOR .50 standard — the barrel is regulated to perform like wood, so it’s legal for high school and college.
How much does the 2021 CAT9 Pastime cost?
MSRP is $299.99. We've seen it for $110. We list the lowest price across CheapBats and Amazon on this page.
New to buying bats? Read our bat sizing guide, certifications explained, or browse all guides.
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Sources: CheapBats - Marucci CAT9 America BBCOR (MCBC9A) · JustBats - Marucci CAT9 Pastime BBCOR (MCBC9A) · JustBats - Marucci CAT 9 review & release