Essential vs Optional Equipment for Your Baseball Player
Having a baseball player in the family can be an exciting time. For parents, it can also be a little confusing when it comes to buying equipment. The biggest question that needs answering is “What equipment is really important to have?” Let’s try to answer that question by taking a look at some Baseball Parenting Tips for Essential vs Optional Equipment for Your Baseball Player.
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Essential Baseball Gear
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1. Fielder’s Glove
Of course, a glove is absolutely essential. It is also essential that the glove is well broken-in before the first practice. Purchase the glove that is the correct size for your player this season. Buying a glove that is too big will just give them difficulty fielding.
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Tips on Buying a Baseball Glove:
- Choose the right size: Select a glove that fits your hand comfortably and allows you to close it easily.
- Consider the position you play: Different positions require different types of gloves with specific features, so make sure to choose a glove that is appropriate for the position you play.
- Look for quality materials: High-quality leather gloves are durable and provide a better grip, but may be more expensive. Synthetic materials are also a good option and are more affordable.
- Break the glove in: Before using your new glove, make sure to break it in by playing catch with it, applying glove oil, and molding it to your hand.
- Read reviews: Research gloves online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the fit, comfort, and durability of different models.
See Also: Best Baseball Gloves for Under $100
2. Baseball Cleats
Cleats are essential and will prevent injuries. A player who plays in sneakers will run the risk of injury due to unintentional slipping or sliding. Baseball cleats are different than soccer cleats since they have a toe cleat so make sure you get baseball cleats.
Make sure to check at what age your player can wear metal cleats before purchasing them.
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Tips on Buying a Baseball Cleats:
- Consider the type of playing surface: Baseball cleats come in different types for playing on grass, dirt, or artificial turf, so make sure to choose the right type for the surface you play on.
- Choose the right fit: Make sure your cleats fit comfortably and securely, without being too tight or too loose.
- Look for durability: Baseball cleats take a lot of wear and tear, so choose a model that is durable and can withstand the demands of the sport.
- Check for additional features: Some cleats come with additional features such as metal spikes for better traction, molded cleats for better grip, or extra support for your ankles.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of cleats online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the fit, comfort, and performance of different models.
3. Sliding Shorts, Athletic Supporters and Cups
Most of my friends played their entire baseball careers without using any of this protective gear and, luckily, without serious injury. As a catcher, I was a little smarter. The advances they have made since then would have saved many injuries from bad hops and sliding.
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Tips on Buying Sliding Shorts, Athletic Supporters and Cups:
- Choose the right fit: Make sure to choose sliding shorts and athletic supporters that fit comfortably without being too tight or too loose.
- Look for comfort: Look for materials that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft against your skin.
- Consider protection: Make sure the cup you choose provides adequate protection and is secure in place.
- Check for durability: Baseball is a physically demanding sport, so make sure your sliding shorts and athletic supporters can withstand the demands of the sport.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of sliding shorts, athletic supporters, and cups online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the fit, comfort, and performance of different models.
4. Mouth Guards
The mouth guard would be more for the infield positions. Even if your baseball player isn’t an infielder, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have one just in case they were asked to play an infield position.
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Tips on Buying a Mouth Guard:
- Choose the right fit: Make sure to choose a mouth guard that fits comfortably in your mouth without slipping or moving around.
- Look for protection: Make sure the mouth guard you choose provides adequate protection for your teeth and mouth.
- Check for durability: Baseball is a physically demanding sport, so make sure your mouth guard can withstand the demands of the sport.
- Consider customization: Some mouth guards can be custom-fitted to your teeth for a better fit and added protection.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of mouth guards online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the fit, comfort, and performance of different models.
5. Sunglasses
I feel that even an inexpensive pair of sunglasses is a good investment. Some players will play almost their entire baseball career without needing them. However, there will be that one day that the sun is in just the right spot and sunglasses will be essential, especially outfielders and first basemen. Again, my advice would be to keep an inexpensive pair on hand for such an emergency.
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Tips on Buying Sunglasses:
- Choose the right fit: Make sure to choose sunglasses that fit comfortably and securely without slipping or moving around.
- Look for protection: Make sure the sunglasses you choose provide adequate protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Consider the playing conditions: Different playing conditions, such as bright sun or overcast skies, may require different types of lenses, so make sure to choose a pair that is appropriate for the conditions you play in.
- Check for durability: Baseball is a physically demanding sport, so make sure your sunglasses can withstand the demands of the sport.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of sunglasses online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the fit, comfort, and performance of different models.
6. Batting Gloves
You may be surprised to see batting gloves on my list of essential equipment and I’ll tell you why they are essential. I see many players who do not use batting gloves regularly. However, I can almost guarantee that there will be a time that even those players will want to use batting gloves. And that time will be during adverse weather conditions like cold or light rain. My advice would be to at least buy an inexpensive pair for such an emergency.
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Tips on Buying Batting Gloves:
- Choose the right fit: Make sure to choose batting gloves that fit comfortably and securely without slipping or moving around.
- Look for grip: Make sure the batting gloves you choose provide a good grip on the bat, so you can perform at your best.
- Consider durability: Baseball is a physically demanding sport, so make sure your batting gloves can withstand the demands of the sport.
- Check for comfort: Look for materials that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft against your skin.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of batting gloves online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the fit, comfort, and performance of different models.
Water Bottle:
7. Water Bottle
When participating in a physical activity like baseball, it is very important to stay hydrated. The water bottle would be great for anytime water is not available or not easily obtainable.
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Tips on Buying a Water Bottle:
- Choose the right size: Make sure to choose a water bottle that is the right size for your needs, so you can stay hydrated during games and practices.
- Look for durability: Baseball is a physically demanding sport, so make sure your water bottle is durable and can withstand the demands of the sport.
- Consider insulation: Some water bottles come with insulation to keep your drinks cool, so consider this feature if you prefer cold drinks.
- Check for ease of use: Make sure the water bottle you choose is easy to use and refill, so you can stay hydrated without interrupting your game.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of water bottles online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the fit, performance, and durability of different models.
Optional Equipment
8. Bats
Bats can be very expensive and really don’t have to be a priority purchase. Most recreational league teams will have bats available. Also, if your baseball player wants to take batting practice at the local batting cage then they usually make practice bats available for people who do not own bats. Travel players and players who are getting more serious about the sport will want their own bat so they get practice reps with their game bat.
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Tips on Buying a Baseball Bat:
- Choose the right size: Make sure to choose a bat that is the right size for you, based on your height and weight.
- Look for weight and balance: Make sure the bat you choose is the right weight and balance for your swing, so you can perform at your best.
- Consider material: Bats come in different materials, such as aluminum, composite, or wood, so make sure to choose the right material for your needs.
- Check for certification: Make sure the bat you choose is certified by the appropriate governing body, such as USSSA, ASA, or NCAA.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of bats online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the performance, weight, and balance of different models.
9. Batting Helmet
Batting helmets are provided by the team and adhere to safety regulations & standards set by baseball organizations and Little League Baseball. If a parent does choose to buy their child a batting helmet, they should make sure that the helmet adheres to the same regulations & standards set by Little League Baseball or your player’s league. You should also know whether your league requires a facemask or if your player would prefer to have one.
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Tips on Buying a Batting Helmet:
- Choose the right fit: Make sure to choose a batting helmet that fits comfortably and securely, without slipping or moving around.
- Look for protection: Make sure the batting helmet you choose provides adequate protection for your head and face.
- Consider ventilation: Make sure the batting helmet you choose has adequate ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable during games and practices.
- Check for durability: Baseball is a physically demanding sport, so make sure your batting helmet can withstand the demands of the sport.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of batting helmets online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the fit, comfort, and protection of different models.
10. Equipment Bag
An equipment bag can also be an expensive purchase that can wait or may not even be necessary. During my coaching days, a lot of players would use their school book bag as an equipment bag.
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Tips on Buying a Baseball Equipment Bag:
- Choose the right size: Make sure to choose an equipment bag that is the right size for your needs, so you can easily carry all your gear to games and practices.
- Look for durability: Baseball gear can be heavy and take a lot of wear and tear, so make sure your equipment bag is durable and can withstand the demands of the sport.
- Consider additional features: Some equipment bags come with additional features such as separate compartments for different types of gear, ventilation, or a built-in cooler.
- Check for ease of transport: Make sure the equipment bag you choose is easy to carry and has comfortable straps or wheels for easy transport.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of equipment bags online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the fit, durability, and performance of different models.
11. Catcher’s Gear and Equipment
Catcher’s equipment can be an extremely expensive purchase. Catcher’s equipment will be made available by most recreational league teams.If a parent decides to buy their child catcher’s equipment then it is usually because the child is a catcher and has made a commitment to that position for years to come.
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Tips on Buying Catcher’s Gear:
- Choose the right fit: Make sure to choose catcher’s gear that fits comfortably and securely, without slipping or moving around.
- Look for protection: Make sure the catcher’s gear you choose provides adequate protection for your head, chest, legs, and hands.
- Consider durability: Baseball is a physically demanding sport, especially for catchers, so make sure your gear can withstand the demands of the sport.
- Check for ventilation: Make sure the catcher’s gear you choose has adequate ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable during games and practices.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of catcher’s equipment online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the fit, comfort, and protection of different models.
12. Chest Protector
A new safety device on the market is a chest protector players wear under their uniforms. It is a compression shirt with protection pad over the chest area. It gives the player extra protection from chest impact. Players who have experienced an injury or are nervous about getting injured sometimes feel more confident wearing it and it gives parents piece of mind.
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Tips on Buying a Baseball Chest Protector:
- Choose the right fit: Make sure to choose a chest protector that fits comfortably and securely, without slipping or moving around.
- Look for protection: Make sure the chest protector you choose provides adequate protection for your chest and abdomen.
- Consider durability: Baseball is a physically demanding sport, so make sure your chest protector can withstand the demands of the sport.
- Check for ventilation: Make sure the chest protector you choose has adequate ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable during games and practices.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of chest protectors online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the fit, comfort, and protection of different models.
13. Shin Guards, Elbow Protectors, Sleeves & Other Protective Gear
Kids will see their Major League Baseball heroes wearing all kinds of different protective gear, modified gear and protective sleeves. It is normal for kids to want to emulate their heroes, but this protective gear in most cases does not help performance. The gear is made to help the big leaguer deal with a specific injury or condition and can hinder a player who is not used to wearing it.
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Tips on Buying Shin Guards, Elbow Protectors, Sleeves & Other Protective Gear:
- Choose the right fit: Make sure to choose protective gear that fits comfortably and securely, without slipping or moving around.
- Look for protection: Make sure the protective gear you choose provides adequate protection for the specific body part it is designed to protect.
- Consider durability: Baseball is a physically demanding sport, so make sure your protective gear can withstand the demands of the sport.
- Check for comfort: Look for materials that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft against your skin.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of protective gear online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the fit, comfort, and protection of different models.
14. Other Accessories
You will never make friends quicker than the day you bring eye black to a baseball game. Players really enjoy the accessories because they enjoy looking and feeling the part.
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Tips on Buying Other Baseball Accessories:
- Consider your needs: Make sure to choose accessories that are appropriate for your needs, such as wristbands, arm sleeves, batting gloves, etc.
- Look for quality materials: High-quality materials are durable and provide better performance, so make sure to choose accessories made from quality materials.
- Consider color and design: Some accessories come in different colors and designs, so make sure to choose ones that match your personal style.
- Check for comfort: Look for materials that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft against your skin.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of accessories online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the fit, comfort, and performance of different models.
15. Training Aids
A training aid can help a player learn new skills by giving them a tool specifically designed to teach a concept. There are a lot of good training aids out there, but they tend to be expensive. Check what your team or private instructor have before purchasing an expensive training aid you don’t anticipate using a lot.
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Tips on Buying a Baseball Training Aids:
- Consider your needs: Make sure to choose training aids that are appropriate for your needs, such as hitting aids, pitching aids, fielding aids, etc.
- Look for quality materials: High-quality materials are durable and provide better performance, so make sure to choose training aids made from quality materials.
- Check for ease of use: Make sure the training aids you choose are easy to use and help you improve your skills effectively.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of training aids online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the performance, effectiveness, and durability of different models.
16. A Wood Bat
Wood bats are great as a training device or just if you want to save your game bat from the rigors of practice or the batting cage. If you are purchasing a wood bat, make sure not to purchase one that is too heavy.
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Tips on Buying a Wood Baseball Bat:
- Choose the right size: Make sure to choose a wood bat that is the right size for you, based on your height and weight.
- Look for weight and balance: Make sure the wood bat you choose is the right weight and balance for your swing, so you can perform at your best.
- Consider the type of wood: Wood bats come in different types of wood, such as maple, ash, or birch, so make sure to choose the right type for your needs.
- Check for quality: Make sure the wood bat you choose is made from high-quality wood that is free of knots and other imperfections.
- Read reviews: Research different brands and models of wood bats online and read reviews from other players to get an idea of the performance, weight, and balance of different models.
Final Thoughts
Baseball equipment can be very expensive so it’s important to establish what is really needed versus what can wait or what is not necessary. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to check in with the coach and see what they have to say before purchasing baseball equipment for your baseball player.
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Essential Equipment for Your Baseball Player
Teaching Basic Pitching Mechanics
Essential Baseball Hitting Drills
Infield Basics and Fundamentals
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