Baseball players are required to have the right kind of equipment in order to play the game. This is particularly true of youth baseball players who play in organized leagues. Protective equipment is needed to prevent players from getting injured in the course of a game.
Helmets
All players must wear batting helmets when they come on the field of play. Not only must helmets be worn in the batter's box, but also players must wear their helmets when they are on base or in the on-deck circle. The helmets must be hard protective plastic on the outside and must have a protective padding on the inside. Facemasks on the helmet are not required, but they are allowed.
Catcher's Equipment
Catchers must wear masks, a chest protector, a protective cup and shin guards. The catchers mask may be a traditional mask that uses metal bars to protect the catcher's face and head or a hockey-style goalie mask. If the catcher wears a traditional mask, it must have a bar on the lowest rung to protect the throat.
Cleated Shoes
All players can wear cleated shoes on the baseball field. Player can wear rubber-soled "gym" shoes, but cleats are encouraged because much of the game is played on a dirt surface and it's difficult to gain traction unless the player wears cleats. These shoes, also known as "spikes," allow a player to get a toe hold at the plate, on the basepaths and in the fields. The cleats on the bottom of the show may be rubber or plastic but they may not be metal.
Baseball Gloves
All players must wear baseball gloves when they take the field to play defense. All players other than the first baseman and the catcher wear gloves with individual holes for the fingers. The first baseman and the catcher wear a mitt. The first baseman's mitt is long and thin and allow the fielder to scoop up errant throws. The catcher's mitt is padded to protect the player's hand.
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