Baseball cleats have always been an important part of the game's equipment. Modern cleats help players dig in on the base paths and in the field, while providing added traction and stability. The variety of cleats are for grass, field turf and Astroturf. These cleats have evolved from a very rudimentary version developed during the beginning of the game.
Beginnings
From the very first pitch thrown when baseball was invented in the mid-1840s, players have looked to gain an advantage over their competition. One way of doing so was provided through the invention of cleats, which was nothing more that small spikes tied over and over to soft leather athletic shoes. In the early days, cleats became longer to combat heavy and soft grass surfaces. Players would tie metal spikes together to form a triangle on the toe and both sides of the heel.
Developing Technology
Cleats developed in the 1900s and were not so primitive. Instead of players having to hand tie spikes on the bottom of shoes, blacksmiths and shoemakers welded the pieces together for a firm, secure fit. The preferred shoe material was soft leather, and spikes gave the footwear added traction -- especially on the base paths and in the elements. The shoes were not comfortable because of a lack of support, and metal cleats were still used at all levels of baseball.
Changing Times
It wasn't until the 1970s that molded rubber became an option for baseball cleats. This was in a response to the injuries suffered by spiking with metal cleats. Youth baseball, little league and recreation ball in particular began to suffer a rash of injuries as an aggressive style of base running became the norm. Also, domed stadiums came into the major leagues, and players were not able to wear metal cleats on the Astroturf, which was essentially carpet on top of concrete.
Modern Cleats
Today, ballplayers have a wide selection of cleats that have evolved into game improvement and enhancing equipment. The game is largely still played outdoors on grass, which requires metal cleats -- usually singular strands placed six or eight places all around the sole. On rare instances of Astroturf, small rubber nub cleats are used. Some indoor and outdoor fields have moved to Field Turf -- which simulates grass -- and have metal spikes available specifically for that surface.
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