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Equipment
Proper Equipment
 To play the best, you need the proper equipment. Baseball glove, bat, and cleats are
all part of the game. Be sure each piece of equipment fits properly to make playing
more enjoyable.
Cleats should fit well and be broken in prior to play. Rubber molded cleats are acceptable
for T-ball through Majors. Ensure gloves and bats are fitted to ensure optimum performance.
Use the sizing charts below as a guide to help select a bat and glove.
Choosing a Baseball
Glove
A number of factors are involved in
choosing a baseball glove to meet your needs, including size,
your position and your budget. Anyone looking to buy a
baseball glove should make the following considerations: After
you buy a new glove, be sure to read this article on breaking
it in:
How
to Break in a glove
Your Position: Baseball Gloves
come in different shapes and sizes based on the position they
will be used for. For example, pitchers gloves and infield
gloves are generally smaller than an outfielder's glove, and
first baseman's gloves and catchers mitts are unique unto
themselves. If you will be playing multiple positions, a
utility glove (which is larger than an infielder's glove) may
be your best bet.
Your Budget: Baseball gloves
range in price from under $15 for base models, to over $200
for high end gloves from manufacturers such as Nokona or
Rawlings. Quality baseball gloves generally cost a bit more,
but will likely last longer. If you expect to get heavy use
out of your baseball glove, it may be less expensive in the
long run to spend a few dollars more on a glove that will
last. Additionally, younger players who may quickly outgrow
their baseball glove may not want to invest in a high end
model.
The Feel: Make sure to
choose a baseball glove that feels right for you. If the glove
is uncomfortable, it may affect your performance in the field.
Your Age / Size of the Glove:
Baseball gloves come in many different sizes made to fit
different ages, positions and games (softball gloves). Gloves
are measured by their "pattern size", a measurement from the
heel of the glove (by your wrist) to the top of the glove on
the palm side (near your fingers). Youth gloves range from 8"
(very small) to about 12". Adult gloves usually fall in the
12"-13" range. Professional gloves are actually required by
the rules to be no more than 12", although the rule is rarely
to never enforced: Rule 1.14 ...”not more than twelve inches
long, nor more than eight inches wide, measured from the base
of the thumb crotch to the outer edge of the glove.."
General Sizing
Guidelines:
Adults:
Outfielders -
12"-13" gloves
Infielders &
Pitchers 10 3/4" - 12" gloves
Adult
Softball Gloves: 12" - 14"
Youth:
Youth
baseball gloves should be chosen carefully - a common mistake
is to buy a big glove for a little kid. Youth sizes range from
9"-11". 8 year olds can often use 11" gloves, while teenagers
often may fit into 12" gloves.
Types of Webs & Backs
Open Web:
Preferred by Outfielders and Third Basemen
Closed Web:
Preferred by Middle Infielders and Pitchers
Open &
Closed Back: Individual Preference, though middle infielders
like open back.
Gloves for
Positions:
Catcher
A
fingerless mitt (it does not have individual fingers) that has
heavy padding to reduce the sting from the pitcher's
throw.
First
Baseman
The
first baseman's glove is designed as a longer glove to help
you field throws from infielders. A shallow pocket allows you
to quickly retrieve the ball.
Infield
The
infielder glove has five fingers glove and a shallow pocket. A
typical youth size is between 9-11 inches, while an adult
would wear a 10-1/2-11-1/2 inch glove. For softball, the
infielder glove will have a deeper pocket. Second basemen
gloves are further specialized as a smaller glove to help make
quick throws while maintaining control of the ball. A
shortstop uses something in-between for grounders and quick
throws. A third basemen needs a larger glove.
Outfield
Outfielder gloves are sized at 12-12-1/2 inch for
adults and about 11 inch for children. They include a deeper
pocket to handle balls hit high in the air, and a longer
length to provide as much reach as possible. To play several
positions, find a glove that provides the most control for a
variety of positions.
Sizing Charts
Gloves
When properly adjusted, a glove should fit fairly snugly. Allow room for a batting glove.
It is a good idea for most players to wear a batting glove inside their fielders glove to
absorb moisture.
| Age |
Position |
Glove Size |
| 5-6 |
General |
10 to 10 1/2 (youth model) |
| 7-8 |
General |
10 1/2 to 11 (youth model) |
| 9-12 |
General |
11 to 11 1/2 (youth model) |
| Junior/Senior |
Infield |
11 to 11 1/2 |
| Junior/Senior |
Outfield |
12 to 12 1/2 |
Bats
Selecting a bat for a little leaguer requires consideration of two things - length and
weight. The longer and heavier a bat is, the more strenth is required to bring the bat
around during a swing. Use the charts below as a reference for determining
the proper bat length and weight. Note for T-Ball (ages 5-6), bats made specifically for T-ball
should be used.
Bat Weight
| Little League Players |
| Player Height (Age 7-10) |
Bat Weight |
| 48-50" | 16-17 oz. |
| 51-54" | 17-18 oz. |
| 55-59" | 18-19 oz. |
| 60+" | 19-21 oz. |
| Player Weight (Age 10-12) |
Bat Weight |
| 71-100 lbs. | 19-20 oz. |
| 101-120 lbs. | 20-21 oz. |
| 121-140 lbs. | 21-22 oz. |
| 141+ lbs. | 22-23 oz. |
Bat Length
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