A guide to baseball bat restrictions in Victorian baseball leagues
There are quite a few baseball leagues and divisions that are played in Victoria, and that all have slightly different rules about which bat you’re allowed to swing. When purchasing a bat, it’s important to know which bat you’re allowed to bring to the plate. It’s also important to consider how much life you’ll get out of your bat before you’re forced to give it up as you move up the divisions. I have read through all applicable bat regulations and compiled it into a handy table. It’s up-to-date as of the 2024/2025 summer season.
USA Baseball – A aluminium or alloy kiddie bat that that meets “USA Baseball” certification.
BBCOR Metal – An aluminium or alloy bat that meets BBCOR certification.
BBCOR Wood – A wood composite or wood laminate bat that meets BBCOR certification.
Solid Wood – A bat made from a single piece of solid wood that complies with rule 3.02 in the Official Rules of Baseball (MLB rules).
| League | Age Range | USA Baseball | BBCOR Metal | BBCOR Wood | Solid Wood | Maximum Barrel Diameter | Maximum Length | Minimum Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MWBL U11/U13 | 6 to 12 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | 2⅝” | ||
| VSBL Little League Minor/Major/Rookie | 7 to 12 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 2⅝” | ||
| Baseball Australia Little League (Junior/Intermediate) | 11 to 14 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 2⅝” | ||
| MWBL U15 | 11 to 15 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 2⅝” | 34″ | |
| VSBL Senior League 70/80 | 12 to 15 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 2⅝” | ||
| Baseball Australia Little League (Senior) | 13 to 16 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 2⅝” | 36” | -3 |
| VSBL Senior League 90 | 13 to 16 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 2⅝” | 42” | -3 |
| MWBL U17 | 13 to 16 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 2⅝” | 34″ | -3 |
| MWBL U17 Division 1 | 13 to 16 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | 2⅝” | 34″ | -3 |
| VSBL Big League | 14 to 19 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | 2⅝” | 42” | -3 |
| MWBL/VSBL Senior Women’s | 13+ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 2⅝” | 42” | -3 |
| MWBL/VSBL Senior Men’s | 14+ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | 2⅝” | 42” | -3 |
✅ = Yes, you can.
❌ = Can’t be swingin’ that.
References:
MWBL Match Conditions 2024 (rule 3)
VSBL Playing Conditions 2024/2025 (rule 113)
Baseball Australia Little League Bat Rules
MLB Official Baseball Rules 2024 (rule 3.02)