Softball is both a competitive and recreational sport played throughout North America. It has grown to the point where it has become an Olympic sport for women, but that designation was removed after the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The game requires quite a bit of equipment, especially when played at the competitive level.
Bats
Players need a softball bat to hit the ball. Bats may be either metal or wood, depending on the league and may be between 27 and 37 inches long and 22 and 37 oz. There are some leagues that have no "maximums" when it comes to the weight of the bats, but those are usually recreational leagues.
Gloves
All players must wear fielding gloves when they are playing defense. There are a few leagues that play Chicago-style softball (16-inch ball compared to 12-inch) that play without gloves, but the vast majority of leagues require gloves. Fielder's gloves are required at pitcher, infield and outfield positions, but a first baseman can use a first baseman's mitt and a catcher may use a catcher's mitt. The first baseman's mitt does not have a cutout for each finger, instead it has one compartment for all fingers and is long in profile. A round catcher's mitt also has one compartment for all fingers, but it is much more padded than a first baseman's glove.
Catcher's Equipment
A catcher will also wear a mask, a chest protector and shin guards when playing softball. This is always true when playing fast-pitch softball. Pitches come in at speeds approaching 70 miles per hour and are often fouled back. The resulting foul ball could hit the catcher at any spot on the body, and that's why the protection is needed.
Uniforms
Players from both teams are required to wear uniforms. In most cases, these uniforms have the name of the school or the team on them and they represent the colors of the school or the team. The uniform includes a shirt, pants, hat, and may include socks. Even in recreational league, each team usually has its own shirt.
Helmets
In fast-pitch softball leagues, batters are required to wear helmets. Pitches come in with great speed and can cause injuries. Hard plastic helmets that include flaps that come down over the ears, and may also include a "cage" that protects the face, must be worn. Helmets are not mandatory in recreational leagues.
Function
While much of the equipment used today is similar to that used for the sport 40 years ago or more, the bat has undergone dramatic changes. Metal bats are lighter and stronger than most of their wooden counterparts. They are easier to swing and produce hits that go 250 feet or more. The metal bat gives the smaller player a chance to compete better than the larger and heavier wooden bat.
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