Baseball, like any sport, has standard equipment and uniforms for participants. For many parents, this equipment can be a serious investment representing hundreds of dollars or more. Before buying any baseball gear for your child, it is a good idea to check with his league regarding any equipment or uniform limitations and requirements.
Make Sure it Fits
With the cost of baseball equipment, many parents try to save money by buying equipment and uniforms that their child can grow into. But ill-fitting equipment and uniforms are uncomfortable and can be dangerous. Gloves that don't fit can come off, oversize shirts and pants make it hard for the child to move properly, and a bat that is too heavy is difficult to swing properly. Resist the temptation to cut corners, and get your child equipment and a uniform that fit properly.
Uniform
The standard baseball uniform includes baseball pants, cleats, cap, socks and cap. Many youth leagues provide your child's shirt and cap as part of the league fee, and some also provide pants and socks. It is a good idea to check with your child's coach or league to see what the league provides and whether there are any restrictions or mandates on what players should wear.
Athletic Supporter and Cup
Young males playing baseball should wear an athletic supporter or compression shorts and a protective cup, and many leagues require this. Bad hops in the field, poor throws and collisions can result in a painful blow to this area. Many young players are not familiar with wearing this piece of equipment; you can have your child practice wearing it at home. As with any part of the uniform, proper fit is important.
Glove/Mitts
No matter their position, all baseball players in the field wear a glove. Catchers and first basemen often wear specialty mitts, so-called because they usually lack individual fingers; other players wear gloves. When buying a glove, make sure it fits the child well and is comfortable. Most gloves and mitts require a break-in period; rub a small amount of glove oil into the entire glove, and have your child play catch with the glove as often as possible. Continue this until the glove is well broken-in and has a good pocket.
Bat
Your child's league probably allows or requires aluminum and composite bats. Check with the league for bat requirements and restrictions before you buy a bat. In general, aluminum bats tend to be less expensive and more durable than composite bats, and they have little or no break-in period. Composite bats usually provide higher performance, but they can be very expensive and require break-in; the typical break-in period on a composite bat is 150 to 200 hits. When practicing with aluminum and especially composite bats, don't hit rubber batting cage balls. These balls are much denser than standard baseballs and can damage your child's bat. Follow the bat manufacturer's instructions regarding bat use and care.
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