BASEBALL EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES

(Put your name on every single piece of equipment you own!)

Fielding Glove

• Determine which hand child throws with so you can purchase glove for opposite hand

• Glove measurement runs the base of the glove at palm to the top of the middle fingertip. 

• Have child put glove on hand making sure each finger is inside correct finger slot. 

• Most importantly make sure pinky finger reaches pinky slot while the thumb reaches the thumb loop. 

• Have child hold glove up a few minutes like about to catch the ball.

• If their hand feels uncomfortable like it is about to cramp up, the glove is stretching their fingers out too wide apart and it is too big.  

• Smaller gloves will build better fielding mechanics

• If the child can’t easily open and close the glove with the aid of the pinky slot and thumb loop, it is too big. 

• I would not recommend buying position specific gloves at little league age

• This chart is a good starting point but make sure child tests finger slots and thumb loop as described above.

• Grab a correct size ball (see below) for their age off the shelf and see how it fits in the glove. 

Youth Glove vs Adult Glove?

A youth glove is designed for younger players with smaller hands. They are typically cheaper than the adult gloves and are much easier to close. The youth gloves are not made of the same high quality leather, but the materials they are made of makes them easier to close. Youth gloves have smaller, narrower fingers and should be used for a player under 10 years old. 

Ball by Division

If you want to purchase a ball so you can play catch at home its worth spending the extra money for a ball with a genuine leather cover vs synthetic cover because it will hold its shape, weather better, and have taller seems. 

Baseball Bats

• Size and weight of the bat matter. These are the most important factors, because it allows players to work on their hitting mechanics, batting stance, and swing speed.

• Regarding bat weight, most youth bats feature a length to weight ratio (or, drop) between minus 10 and minus 13.

• Length to weight ratio (drop) represents how many ounces a bat weighs compared to its length. The higher the drop ratio number, the lighter the bat.

• It's recommended to select a bat that's easiest to control. DON’T buy a bat for your child to “grow in to.” It will be too heavy for them.

Examples of Drop

5-6 year olds = 24”-26” (-10 to -13) Example: 26 inches -11 drop = 15oz bat

9-10 year olds = 28”-29” (-10 to -13)  Example: 29 inches -13 drop = 16oz bat

Bat Length

Materials: Alloy vs. Composite vs. Hybrid

The majority of LL players should use alloy barrel bats. Composite barrel bats aren’t recommended until every pitcher you face throws over 55mph because they require ball speed and bat speed to be most effective. Below is a high level comparison of the two bat types. 3 piece bats offer less vibration to the batter. These bats also carry a higher price tag. Most years the bat companies make no changes to their bat models, they just choose a new paint scheme. Previous year bat models can be half the price and you still get the 365 day new warranty. 

Batting Helmets: Most families buy their own helmets for hygiene reasons but the manager will have 1 or 2 helmets available to use in the team bag if you don’t want to invest in one yet.

• Helmet w/ full face shield required for ages (4-10)

• Helmet w/ face shield HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for ages (11-16)

Defensive Face Masks: Many players like these because it keeps them from being intimidated by the ball. There are only certain situations in which they are required. See below. 

• Machine Pitch = Pitcher required to wear batting helmet with shield or defensive face mask

Cleats

• Help keep from slipping in mud or losing traction on dirt

• Baseball cleats are more conducive to sliding than the round posts on soccer cleats. 

• Cleats keep their regular tennis shoes from getting ruined by the red dirt. 

• Metal spikes are allowed Juniors and Senior division only.  Note that all players should either have rubber cleats as well or be prepared to use tennis shoes when pitching as many leagues have portal mounds and metal cleats cannot be used on portal mounds.