When baseball first became popular, the only option for making bats was wood. Metal bats were first introduced in 1924, and the aluminum bats available today are lighter than wood and give the ball extra bounce upon contact. Th...
Quick links, also known as rapides, rapid links or screw links, are a life-saving safety device used by rock climbers and canyoneers to attach rope to an anchor, in addition to other uses. No matter how many safety precautions ...
They swing bats that are not too heavy or light and not too long or short. Cleats are another piece of important equipment. Baseball players can choose to exclusively wear metal cleats or hard rubber cleats. Different play
For many baseball players, oiling a baseball glove is one of the great joys of the sport. Besides the nostalgic value of handling leather and crafting your own tool for your own use, you can also reinvigorate old baseball glove...
Reaction time is one of the most important aspects to playing baseball at a high level. Hitters need to react quickly to a pitcher's delivery, but indecision at the plate and fear of injury may slow down the process of swinging...
Hitting a baseball with consistency takes a strong grip, a solid stance, a powerful swing, quick hands and a good follow through. When you are using a wooden bat, you have to be more aware of the sweet spot and the weak spot on...
Baseball is a game of strategy at every level. Whether playing recreational league, high school, college or professional baseball, there are elements of strategy involved in every pitch and play. Having a productive at-bat can ...
Coleman is a manufacturer of outdoor gear and equipment. Its electronic compass is a combination of devices, including thermometer, clock and stopwatch. But the most important feature is the compass. If a compass is not calibra...
The baseball glove dates back to the 1870s, when the gloves were made from simple pieces of leather and were designed to cover the palm of the hand. However, as the game has evolved through the years, so has the baseball glove....
It does not take much to cut, scuff or otherwise mark a baseball. Despite the rules of the game that prohibit such actions, some players actually try to create abrasions on the ball. The reason for this is simple: Scuffing the ...
Blisters generally occur when an object moves across the skin in a manner that creates friction. On the hands, baseball bats and other handheld sports equipment cause blisters when they rub against delicate skin on the fingers ...
While baseball gloves are somewhat softer and more pliable than they were 20 years ago or more, they still might need adjustments when you buy them off the shelves. Oiling your baseball glove is a way to soften the leather and ...
Catchers' mitts, just like almost everything else about the position of catcher, absorb a lot of wear and tear during a game and over the course of a season, their equipment can begin to wear out. The laces on a catchers' mitt ...
Hitting with power is one of the goals of any young baseball player. The ability to hit the ball in the outfield gaps or over the fence comes from hand-eye coordination, timing, weight shift, strength and quick hands. There are...
New catching gloves are stiff and difficult to manipulate. It makes fast-moving balls harder to catch because the glove cannot flap closed over the ball as quickly as needed. That's why it is essential to break in a glove befor...
The first aluminum bats hit the market in the mid 1970s. Before then, wood was the standard. Today, some manufacturers use materials and technologies that old school baseballers would be amazed to see. Even some modern wood bas...
Nothing says summer like the the satisfying smack of leather against leather when you catch a baseball in your glove. There's a kind of magic in getting out your old, broken-in glove for the first practice of the season -- like...
Catcher's equipment protects your body without sacrificing mobility to make plays. Despite the equipment protecting your body, your knee joints still experience significant pressure and stress that can eventually cause injuries...
Nicknamed "Mr. November" for his frequent World Series heroics, New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter has become one of the most famous athletes not only in baseball but all of professional sports. In fact, he was named the gr...
Baseball is full of strategy and subtleties, and no fundamental task is more critical to a team's success than bunting. Bunting is very important in the generation of runs and can raise an individual batting average significant...
Pro snowboarders practice years to perfect high-altitude tricks that involve flips and rotations. Most snowboard companies allow their pro riders to create signature outerwear and equipment. The snowboarding equipment used by p...
Rawlings is a well-known sporting goods company that specializes in all different types of baseball equipment. Rawlings makes baseballs, uniforms, gloves and bats for both amateurs and professionals. The Rawlings 5150 line of b...
Baseball and fast-pitch softball catchers wear proper equipment to minimize the risk of injuries. A protective mask, a chest protector and shin guards are mandatory. While many teams provide catching gear, players who catch man...
Along with your hands, your hip movement can give you additional support whenever your upper body moves toward the ball. Your hips help ground you in preparation for throwing a ball or swinging the bat. It is in the hips where ...
In the course of following baseball and surveying the game's statistics, you are likely to encounter many abbreviations that denote information about a given player's performance. The abbreviation AB, for example, reflects the ...
Given the risks of wild pitches, being hit by foul ball and swung bats and collisions at the plate, catchers are required to wear protective equipment, including a helmet, shin guards and chest protector. Each piece of protecti...
Newton's three laws of motion define the way force and mass interact to produce velocity. These laws define the way all objects travel in your everyday life. The dynamics of physics on the baseball field are no stranger to Newt...
Youth baseball leagues, from T-ball through college, tend to use aluminum or composite bats to help defer equipment costs -- a single aluminum bat typically lasts an entire season without breaking. However, professional leagues...
The 2011 Demarini CF4 baseball bat "is a continuation of the CF4 from last year," says Baseball Equipment Review. While it's largely the same bat, it does boast four distinct improvements over the 2010 model: strength, barrel l...
The sports world is full of stories about athletes who search for an edge, be it by legal or illegal means. In baseball, one of the most iconic cheating methods is corking a bat. The perceived advantage a corked bat gives to a ...
A Wiffle ball is a plastic ball that mimics the size and shape of a baseball. Players often use it in combination with a thin, yellow baseball bat. A Wiffle ball's design makes it suitable for practicing baseball in small, conf...
Hitting a baseball is commonly referred to as one of the most difficult feats in sports. Improving your baseball performance requires the right skills and fundamentals combined with extensive practice. Just like any other skill...
Josh Beckett is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. As of May 5, 2011, Beckett had a career record of 114 wins, 75 losses and 1,481 strikeouts. Beckett is considered to be one of the top pitchers in Major Le...
While batting gloves may appear to simply be an extra accessory for a baseball player, they are actually an essential piece of baseball gear that should not be overlooked when outfitting your youth player for the season. Battin...
Taping an aluminum baseball bat handle provides you with more grip to help control your bat as you swing at and hit a baseball. Grip tape comes in a variety of materials and designs. Some tapes offer cushioning while others fea...
Baseball players are taught to use a variety of strategies while they are hitting and throwing. During both hitting and throwing, there are theories regarding where the elbow should be and the action that it should take during ...
Baseball is a sport for spring and summer, which also happen to be the prime seasons for dew and rain. Even if your game is canceled because of rain, you've probably already been on the field and gotten your cleats wet. If the ...
One of the most important factors to learning the proper mechanics is having equipment that fits the size and strength of the player. The baseball bat, for example, must match the skill level, height, weight and strength of the...
Baseball is a time-honored tradition that is considered America's national pastime. Statistics are an important part of baseball history and provide a reference for current performance at the plate and on the mound. An RBI in b...
There is great debate on whether a stiff or flex bat handle increases bat and overall ball speed. There have been a few studies involved in the physics of the bat swing and whether a bend in the bat increases or decreases bat s...
Many baseball gloves are held together by leather laces, which can become brittle and break over time. If the glove is not taken care of, especially if it is left in sunlight for too long, the leather can shrink slightly and dr...
Baseball cleats are specially designed shoes to be worn while playing baseball. Baseball shoes or cleats are made with special spikes on the bottom to help with grip and traction. Baseball is played on a variety of surfaces and...
A catcher's mitt has a distinctive design that differs from the traditional baseball glove. Pro catcher Steven Ellis says the most crucial thing about the mitt is how it fits your hand. The first step to getting that perfect mi...
Not all baseball bats are made the same. Professional leagues use wooden baseball bats, but at all levels of amateur play, including college play, players use metal bats. Many new rules and regulations in college baseball dicta...
The point where a baseball bat connects with the ball involves more than just sport; it is an exercise in science. When a pitched baseball makes contact with a swung bat, the resulting connection is a transfer of energy that, d...
Baseball glove sizes vary based on the position that you play. Glove sizes change because different positions on the field require different actions and skills for the player. You can divide gloves into four types: those for in...
Kelley Athletic Co. is a sports product manufacturer that offers a wide selection of baseball gloves. Conditioning a glove refers to breaking it in so that it fits your hand, and maintaining the skin. When gloves are new, they ...
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to baseball bats. Although bat makers provide general guidelines for choosing a bat, based on your age and height, your skill level also comes into play. Start with a baseball sizing c...
With so many options available, finding the right baseball bat can be difficult and complicated. Bats come in a variety of lengths and weights, and also in many different materials. It is important to know the options you have ...
Organizing bodies for the sport mandate you use specific equipment for a match as a matter of safety. In addition to mandatory equipment, you may take extra precaution to protect yourself from the dangers of grappling with allo...
A baseball that is pitched, hit and flies in the air is acted upon by one or more of the physical principles formulated over 300 years ago by Sir Isaac Newton. Folklore tells how the mathematician and physicist first realized t...
Players tape baseball bats for a variety of reasons, all of which are designed to increase performance or extend the usage time of the bat. Some players tape both metal and wood bats, but it is far more common to see a player t...
Baseball uniforms used to have no lettering, a significant difference from the variety of lettering styles now available. Standard choices include Old English, a variety of scripts, Pro Block, Cooper, Tiffany, Times, Varsity an...
Baseball hats are a staple of the baseball uniform, with each player, except the catcher, wearing a cap when out on the field. Baseball hats were initially used to protect the players from the heat and shield their eyes from th...
Softball helmets are a mandatory piece of equipment for all players from Little League, to college, to organized adult leagues. Helmets can help protect against head injuries, especially concussions. They are made of an impact-...
A baseball game often goes on regardless of the weather. Thunderstorms and torrential downpours are enough to delay, cancel or postpone a baseball game, However, most baseball games will continue even in the presence of light r...
Sizing athletic gear typically involves physically measuring something, but it can also involve other aspects such as a player's age and the equipment's purpose. Baseball mitts in particular rely on how old the player is and wh...
Youth baseball programs are designed to teach the basic fundamentals and mechanics of the game. To help learn these skills, youth baseball players use equipment that is scaled to fit their body size, height, weight and strength...
Aluminum bats were introduced in the 1970s and quickly gained popularity with players because of their ease of use. However, in recent years states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania have sought to ban aluminum bats from Little L...
Many types of baseball gloves exist, each with different features that makes it suitable for particular playing styles or positions. The best way to choose the right glove for you is to test different models during a baseball p...
With players ranging in ages from 7 through 12, the bats and other equipment must match the player's strength and ability levels. Along with the size of the bat, choosing a proper bat for a youth baseball player requires consid...
Composite baseball bats are made of various materials, including carbon fibers, Kevlar fibers, graphite and glass. They are typically more expensive than wood or aluminum bats. Composite bats offer both benefits and drawbacks. ...
In general, when a game is termed slow pitch it refers to slow pitch softball. Baseball refers to fast pitching, or Little League baseball. Softball uses slightly different rules and marginally different equipment. In slow pitc...
From the different length of the base paths, to the pitching mound or lack thereof, to the different types of equipment used, baseball and softball have their dissimilarities.
There are hundreds of methods, myths and traditions for breaking in a baseball glove, particularly leather ones that arrive from the factory stiff and difficult to use. The keys of breaking in a glove are to soften the leather,...
The ring that people use on bats in known as a batting doughnut. It was created by former New York Yankees catcher Elston Howard. Howard, in 1955, was the first African-American player on the Yankees' roster. He played catcher ...
A newly-purchased baseball glove, though neat and pristine out of the box, does not come ready for use. The leather is much too stiff for a fielder to close the glove easily around the ball when trying to make a catch. Thus, to...
Curveballs vary depending on hand position, delivery and release, but the main purpose of a curveball is to show the batter a pitch that is traveling at a different speed and location than a fastball. Curveballs are often calle...
Before you start looking for a baseball mitt or glove, you need to think about how it will be used. The type and size of glove you choose depends on the position you play, the size of your hand and the type of material you pref...
Choosing the right baseball bat is the first step to hitting performance. Baseball bats are available in a wide range of sizes, weights and lengths to accommodate the various ability levels and hitting styles. Baseball bat manu...
Time to play ball. Starting the baseball season with a new mitt is tough without first breaking it in. If you have a synthetic glove, you may not need to do anything. But if you have a traditional leather mitt, you will need to...
You are allowed to use a face mask for protection from pitched or hit baseballs. Some leagues, especially in youth baseball, are making face masks mandatory for hitters or fielders or both. There is no uniformity in baseball on...
The rules and equipment of softball and baseball are nearly identical, except for a few small differences. Softball uses a larger ball than baseball, which means it needs a larger glove, both in length and in pocket size.
Green grass, pitching mound, chalk foul lines and outfield fences. These are the things in a baseball stadium that most people think about. Netting does not usually occupy most fans' thoughts. However, nets are located behind h...
A new baseball mitt can be an exciting acquisition --- until you try to use it. Good mitts are well-worn, pliant, and more likely to serve you well in the game. Plus, a broken in mitt is considered a sign of luck in some circle...
League play is divided into two major divisions: the Cal Ripken Division for players ages 4 through 12, and the Babe Ruth Division for players ages 13 through 18. Affiliated leagues follow the rules of Babe Ruth Baseball, which...
Baseball players of all ages benefit from hitting off a batting tee, which is a stationary vertical pole designed to hold the baseball in place. Youngsters begin playing baseball in tee ball leagues until they gain the necessar...
To be a complete baseball player, you must be proficient with the bat, as well as out in the field. You may be the best fielder on your team, but if you strike out most of the time when batting, you aren't doing all you can to ...
Wooden baseball bats are considered to be safer overall than metal, and all professional leagues use wooden models. But wood bats have one main drawback: they can break at any time. Companies have developed composite wooden bat...
There's nothing like the smell of a new car or the look of fresh cut flowers. But not everything is better new and fresh. Like shoes, baseball gloves and your favorite chair, baseball bats get better after you break them in. Co...
While football and baseball cleats may have some different features, their purpose is essentially the same. Both give an athlete stability and traction on the playing surface, and they are equally as important to a player's per...
Composite bats have evolved quickly to become hot-hitting bats. Although many vendors advertise that their bats are hot with your first hit, these bats produce greater ball exit speed after the bats have been broken in, accordi...
One of the principal differences between baseball and softball is the type of equipment used. Softball has larger balls, longer bats and bigger gloves. However, the differences end when you get to cleats. There are no inherent ...
Wooden baseball bats are the oldest form of baseball bat. They are the only type of bat material allowed in Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball and are the most expensive type of bat produced for the game. Like bats...
A baseball bat is a very individualized piece of equipment. You want to choose the bat that has the perfect balance of swing speed, power and reach. Choosing a bat requires you to make decisions about two main characteristics, ...
When they come out of the factory, leather baseball gloves are stiff and difficult to use. You can soften your glove and help develop a good pocket for the ball with a wide variety of oils, conditioners and softeners. These sub...
Baseball's origins in the United States date to the mid-1800s. The division of the game into innings allows each team the same number of chances at bat over the course of the game, which ensures that each game reaches a fair co...
Ty Cobb and Joe DiMaggio swung 42 oz. bats, according to associate professor Daniel Russell at Kettering University in Michigan. Today's baseball bats are much lighter and more compact than those used by the great hitters of pr...
Selecting a baseball bat can seem overwhelming with all the different choices of size and weight, but if you understand the different size specifications and what they mean, you can select a bat that fits you. Try out each bat ...
Figuring out who holds baseball's "world records" is difficult because the sport is played in amateur and professional leagues at every skill level throughout the world. However, Major League Baseball records are often consider...
Since Vince and Linda McMahon, owners of the WWE, admitted to wrestling being staged in the '80s, professional wrestling has grown into a legitimate form of entertainment, selling out massive venues across the globe. Like most ...
Baseball uniforms distinguish each team through colors and designs, and also provide functional protection for players in the field. The uniform pants are no exception. Baseball pants protect players and keep them comfortable i...
When you get a new baseball glove, you'll notice that the leather is stiff and new. If you've been playing with an older glove, the new leather can feel unnatural on your hand. Experienced baseball players have tricks that will...
The various aspects of baseball -- baserunning, batting, catching, fielding and throwing -- require powerful muscle contractions throughout your body, particularly from the muscles within your abdomen, shoulders, thighs and upp...
Since the very first game, baseball has always required bats. However, the evolution of bats has included several important inventions and events that have led to the baseball bat as we know it today.
Baseball bat ratings are based on a variety of factors. These ratings can help determine the best type of bat for you. Bat-making technology has come a long way since the game's inception. Bats are specialized in many ways to s...
Choosing the right size bat depends on your individual strength, hitting style and league regulations. For senior league baseball, the players are 10- to 13-years old and participate in a variety of leagues and tournaments that...
The debate regarding wooden and aluminum bats involves many factors, including safety and performance. Daniel Russell, a physics professor at Kettering University in Ohio, says that high performance metal bats can help a ball t...
America's pastime is versatile enough to play seriously in a league or as a pickup game with friends. Either way, as a baseball player you only need a bare minimum of equipment. Follow your league's guidelines to avoid disquali...
Speed in sports, whether it involves a hockey slapshot, a soccer free kick or a thrown baseball, involves a kinetic chain that begins in the feet and races up the body to the point of contact with the ball, bat or puck. Even at...
Nonprofit foundations as well as for-profit companies and organizations such as Major League Baseball and the National Football League offer grants to encourage youths to exercise and play sports. Some grants are available only...
Selecting the right size baseball bat can be quite a challenge for kids. Bats come in a wide variety of sizes and lengths but finding one that fits your size, strength and swing takes time and understanding of the different opt...
Climbing encompasses numerous styles and techniques that require various equipment to pursue, according to Tony Lourens, author of "Complete climbing Manual." The type of mountain terrain dictates what equipment climbers use an...
While yoga is considered a low-tech, back-to-basics type of exercise, some instructors and enthusiasts find it useful to supplement their program with yoga equipment. These props assist in the performance of the more challengi...
Wilson Sporting Goods Co., established in 1913, makes the Wilson baseball glove. The firm has have been at the heart of the sports industry for more than a century, and it sells its sports equipment in more than 100 countries, ...
These youngsters may come from a sports-oriented family, and so may see parents, siblings or neighbors playing. However, do not let such young players use regular baseball equipment -- younger players need to use a bat they can...
Like many sports, baseball has its own type of cleat. Baseball cleats are athletic shoes that are modified to provide traction on turf or on slippery surfaces. They are characterized by studs or cleats that line the bottom of t...
Experimental models were developed in the early years of the 20th century. However, Charlie Muse, an executive with the Pittsburgh Pirates, is credited with creating the modern helmet that was adopted by the team in 1952 and jo...
A metal baseball bat is usually made of aluminum, but composite metal bats on the market are made of a mix of materials, including graphite and titanium. Wood bats are usually made of northern white ash or maple wood. Each type...
Using the best baseball bat can improve your hitting performance whether you play in Little League or college. Baseball bats are made by a variety of manufacturers using different materials, designs and features. The best baseb...
Baseball bats have changed over time as the game has evolved. Originally, all bats were wooden. With the evolution of modern baseball came more modern materials, including aluminum bats. There are many factors to take into cons...
Baseball gloves can make the difference between a double play or no play at all. Customized for each position on the field, baseball gloves vary in size. Gloves from popular players in the past can hold a lifetime of memories f...
Choosing a baseball glove involves a myriad decisions that range from web designs, sizes and leather types. The type of leather you choose for your glove will ultimately determine glove break-in time. But the break-in period sh...
Composite bats are a relatively new type of baseball bat that become popular in amateur baseball leagues during the early 2000s. They are made out of carbon fibers instead of aluminum or wood. The bats have created some controv...
The introduction of aluminum baseball bats to the market in the 1970s gave consumers a new choice when buying a baseball bat. The traditional wood bat buyers had many customers who remained loyal, but those who bought aluminum ...
A catcher's mitt is one of the most unique, and most abused, pieces of equipment in baseball. Before buying a catcher's mitt for an 11-year-old, you need to consider size of the glove, fit and the player's inevitable growth. Th...
Baseball bats are available in a wide variety of brands, models, styles and sizes. Players choose a baseball bat to maximize the potential for contact and overall hitting performance. The best type of baseball bat, however, is ...
In baseball, a catcher's mitt is designed differently than that of an outfielder. For one, catcher's mitts are larger. They also have extra padding around the fingers, with a thinner "pocket" in the palm region. Youth mitts, ho...
Since the first professional baseball team was established in 1869, hitters have been allowed to use only wooden bats. Metal bats are prohibited due to their extreme potency and the "trampoline effect" that occurs when a ball c...
The most popular cleats or shoes in baseball are primarily based on five factors: Brand, price, performance, style and what the professional players use. However, for most people, it is the brand that really catches the eye. ...
Baseball is a game of statistics. A number can be assigned to every player and team, based on past performance. A batting average, abbreviated "avg." in box scores, is one measure of a player's ability at the plate. The batting...
Baseball is known for pitchers who can throw the ball hard, but hitters often hit the ball back even harder than it was thrown. The speed of a batted ball or the exit speed is affected by a variety of conditions, including pitc...
Since then, the use of aluminum bats has spread throughout lower levels of competitive baseball, where it is now the bat of choice. Aluminum bats are also the bat of choice for collegiate baseball, although in recent years deba...
culture. Parents often teach the game to their children and those children teach the game to theirs. Baseball carries a certain romanticism from generation to generation. The romanticism carries on to equipment manufacturers an...
Sports are constantly evolving. Primarily, this evolution is designed to increase the safety or performance of the athletes. In baseball, where hard objects travel at around 100 mph, safety is always a concern. Basketball, once...
Bat and ball games are fairly simple, don't use a lot of equipment and are generally open to players of all shapes, sizes and genders. An official playing field is optional, as bat and ball games can work in the backyard or on ...
Baseball catchers are at even more of a risk, because they can be hit with thrown balls or batted foul balls. Catchers wear plenty of protective equipment, including chest protectors that are sized based on the length of the ca...
Competitive wrestlers do not require much equipment, but league regulations often dictate what types of equipment and materials wrestlers may use in matches. If you belong to a league, consult the official rulebook to determine...
Choosing a baseball bat isn't as hard as buying a car, but there are features to consider since today's bats come in a number of styles. While wood bats are the traditional type of bat used in the sport, aluminum bats rose to p...
Baseball cleats are not OK for competitive soccer. You can wear them for an informal game with friends, but you should not wear them for matches. For safety reasons, many referees will not even let you on the field wearing base...
A catcher's mitt is among the most punished pieces of baseball equipment, often receiving more than a hundred pitches a game. The best catcher's mitt ensures that the punishment does not affect a catcher's hand. Choosing the be...
Many of aluminum's physical properties make it ideal for the material requirements of an effective baseball bat. In fact, aluminum bats are deemed so effective at striking the ball that Major League Baseball has banned their us...
Baseball bats vary in terms of the material used and their legality in certain competitive leagues. Typically, wooden or metal alloy bats are employed, with the former being the rule in Major League Baseball. However, in high s...
Youth entering Little League need a plethora of new equipment. Uniforms, bats, balls, cleats and gloves are all part of the initial setup. While some items are easy to size---like cleats and uniform---other equipment can cause ...
Learning how to hit is an important part of the baseball when it comes to being a productive batter. You cannot just walk to the batter's box and simply swing for the fences. Hitting a baseball requires concentration, confidenc...
The OB, or One Body, Pilates bar is a resistance tool you can use with your Pilates workouts. The bar is two pieces that fit together into one 2 lb. bar. The OB bar has attachments on both ends for resistance bands that offer v...
Fencing requires physical conditioning and a mastery of various attacks and defenses. You also must have certain equipment.
Major League Baseball was formally established in 1869. Since its inception, MLB players have strictly used wooden bats at the plate. Metal bats, on the other hand, were initially manufactured in the early 1970s. These bats are...
The average size of a baseball bat depends on the player who is using it. Whey youngsters are playing organized baseball, they'll use a smaller and lighter bat than grown men and women who play the game professionally. Bats are...
Baseball players, except in professional leagues, can use a wood or aluminum bat. Composite bats are illegal at the NCAA, high school and Little League level. If you select a wood bat, you generally have a choice of white ash o...
Breaking in a baseball glove is essential for those who want to feel comfortable when they're fielding a baseball. Modern gloves can be purchased at most sporting goods stores and taken directly to the field for use in a game o...
The company has a rich history of making quality baseball equipment, and the Warrior bat line has shown a natural evolution and progression from its origins in the 1800s.
Wooden baseball bats are one of the most recognizable pieces of equipment that exist in American sports, yet most players don't use wooden bats until they reach high levels of competition, possibly even as far as the profession...
While soccer's minimalist equipment list allows it to be played worldwide, including in the poorest hamlets, official league games and internationally sanctioned matches follow equipment rules set down by FIFA, the internationa...
Finding the proper bat for a youngster can be a key factor when it comes to the player's ability to enjoy himself when he plays and how successful he may be at hitting the baseball. While a well-known manufacturer's bat may loo...
When you were a kid, the best part of a baseball game was probably the prospect of a delicious frozen treat on a hot summer's eve, compliments of your coach. The last thing you were probably worried about was how to properly pu...
Baseball players in general have several curious habits during games. Players unstrap and restrap batting gloves between pitches, pull up their pant legs after taking a lead off or draw shapes in the dirt after stepping into t...
A superficial look at soccer shoes and baseball cleats shows little difference between the two, but there are significant construction differences that affect the comfort, safety and performance of players. The two types of sho...
This length-to-weight ratio, minus-10, creates a light feel and a large "sweet spot." Youth aluminum and composite bats also come in minus-11, minus-12 and minus-13 ratios. "Barrel diameters are usually 2 1/4 inches, 2 5/8 inc...
bat manufacturers hired the Alcoa Aluminum Co. to make an aluminum version of their wooden Louisville Slugger. Since then, Alcoa has continually improved its alloys for use in baseball bat production.
Since it was established in 1869, Major League Baseball players have used only wooden bats. Aluminum bats were manufactured and introduced to the sport of baseball in the early 1970s. Aluminum bats are lighter than ones crafted...
Warrior aluminum bats are made by the company Louisville Slugger, which has been making bats for more than 120 years. The company that began in the 1800s is now one of the most popular maker of bats, producing more than one mil...
A catcher's glove, actually a mitt because of the lack of individual finger slots, is one of the most abused pieces of equipment in the game of baseball. Every inning, dozens of high speed pitches are whipped into the pocket of...
The classic crack of a wooden bat as it meets ball is the quintessential sound of baseball. While metal bats have come to dominate most recreational and college fields, wooden bats are still the norm among professional players....
Aluminum baseball bats are a fixture in baseball leagues around the country, except for professional leagues where bats must be all wood. According to Dr. Daniel A. Russell of Kettering University, aluminum bats were introduced...
Choosing the best youth bat for your young baseball player involves several considerations, including the child's height and weight, his skill level or interest in the game, and cost. Most major brands manufacture bats in a ran...
Breaking in your baseball glove is a tradition that goes hand-in-hand with the game itself. Baseball gloves need to be broken in -- when you first purchase a glove, the leather is stiff and taut, making squeezing your hand arou...
The protective equipment worn by baseball catchers long ago acquired the nickname "the tools of ignorance," suggesting that a smart athlete wouldn't play the position. Of course, because catchers call the pitches based on the s...
Easton is one of the top manufacturers of both baseball and softball bats. The Stealth Speed models are made for college baseball, fast-pitch softball, slow-pitch softball and youth baseball. Easton Sports was founded by Doug E...
Baseball and softball are two sports that have similar rules but require different skill sets and motions to compete. Players are aided by using the proper type of cleats to run, cut and change direction on the base paths and i...
If you've just purchased a new catcher's glove, breaking it in properly and quickly is likely one of your first priorities. Catcher's gloves are typically bulky and stiff -- particularly when they're brand new. If you can't ope...
They're so slight that you could interchange them and still function in either sport. The differences are driven by size differences of other equipment, and by differences of male and female athletes.
Baseball bats have come a long way even since the mid 1970s, when the first aluminum bats were introduced. The best bats use weapons-grade carbon-fiber materials that are both light and durable, and technologies that the old pr...
DeMarini began as a home-grown obsession of a fanatic softball player in Portland. Ray DeMarini founded the company in 1989, selling high-performance bats directly to customers. In 1993 he invented the DeMarini doublewall bat, ...
Baseball bats have evolved along with the sport of baseball, changing over the decades from simple the and varied wooden sticks of the late 1800s to the modern bats used in Major League Baseball today. The rules of the game gov...
In the 1850s, when American baseball was in its infancy, players made their own bats based on their own preferences. Rarely were any two exactly alike. As the sport grew in popularity, various governing bodies implemented rules...
Heavy woods are header to bring through the strike zone and increase the amount of time necessary to get off a good swing. In a game like baseball, every millisecond counts, so a bat that's too heavy would be counter-productive.
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...
Nike has made several advances with its baseball gloves over recent years. The Nike Showtime gloves appeal to baseball players of all abilities with a soft feel and sleek design. Nike has made a push to secure more endorsements...
Baseball is often about the longball, and who can hit the ball the farthest. In college and high school ball, as well as other amateur leagues, aluminum bats have become the number one choice. But for sheer power, a wooden bat ...
Most wooden baseball bats are made using a lathe, which is a machine on which the bat rotates so that it can be crafted and formed into the right shape. Bats originally start as large blocks of wood before being shaped into lon...
Youth baseball players, looking for any hitting advantage available, may opt for big-barrel bats. The barrel is the largest, in diameter, part of the bat and the big-barrel bats provide a larger sweet spot. Senior-league bats, ...
Bats are sold by their weight, in ounces, and their length, in inches. You should first check the rules of the league you are playing in. Different leagues have varying rules regarding the size and type of bats allowed. Make su...
The company was started in 1887 by two brothers, Alfred and George Rawlings, who opened a sporting goods store in St. Louis. According to Funding Universe, the brothers went from selling to manufacturing goods in 1898 when a fi...
Wooden bats are typically only used at the professional levels of baseball. They can be found in Major League Baseball (MLB), all levels of the minor leagues and at collegiate-level summer leagues, where prospects get a chance ...
Easton Stealth fastpitch softball bats are designed to be the best all-around softball bat for any ability level. Made with Visual Composite Technology and the ConneXion two-piece design, the Stealth bats are built for performa...
Baseball catchers must wear a helmet mask, chest protector and shin guards, as they take more punishment than any other position in baseball. The sizes for catching gear can be tricky, especially in the youth sizes. Many youths...
Baseball doesn't require an abundance of equipment like football or hockey, but catcher's gear is essential for the position. A mask, throat protector, chest protector, shin pads, knee guards and a catcher's mitt are all basic ...
No matter how good his swing is, your 8-year-old won't be able to hit well without a proper size bat. If he loses his balance when he swings, the bat is probably too heavy. If he is not getting the bat around quick enough, the ...
The baseball glove is an iconic piece of sports equipment, one known for its durability and its nostalgia. New baseball gloves come as shiny, inflexible objects made from leather and quickly become dirty, dusty and flexible in ...
Youth baseball is designed to teach young players the fundamentals and mechanics while having an enjoyable experience. However, hitting a baseball is often considered one of the hardest things to do in sports. As a result, bat ...
When players are just starting to play the game, they quickly understand that hitting a pitched baseball with a round bat is a major challenge. However, trying to hit a baseball with a bat that is too big or too heavy can make ...
Youth bats are made specifically for children ranging in age from 7 to 12 years old. This includes players in Little League, Babe Ruth, Dixie Youth, Pony, AABC and similar leagues. Bats made for this age group usually have a ba...
Baseball bats have evolved quite dramatically since the first bats were used in the 1850s, when baseball started gaining popularity. And since about 1974, when aluminum bats started being used heavily in college baseball, metal...
At lower levels of competition, batting gloves are largely viewed as an optional piece of equipment used out of preference. Many younger players don't have the strength or bat speed to truly benefit from the use of these gloves...
Judo is a form of martial arts that uses positioning and grappling to gently wrestle one's opponent to the ground or otherwise immobilize him. It is practiced with very little in the way of equipment. Since judo as an art teach...
Whether you play in Little League or Major League Baseball, certain rules apply to all baseball players. Some of the gear that the pros wear to play will be the same or similar to the gear that amateur baseball players wear. I...
Just as one size shoe does not fit all, the correct size baseball bat for one youth player will likely not be the right bat for every player on the team. Selecting the correct bat is an important factor in individual performanc...
A new catcher's mitt has a wonderful and unique smell, shape and texture, but all of that won't help a catcher use it to snag balls and strikes. A softening and breaking-in period helps a new catcher's mitt turn into a servicea...
Having the right equipment for the specific type of diving you plan on doing will make the experience much safer and more enjoyable. Comfort and fit are very important considerations when purchasing diving equipment, but even m...
Youngsters who want to play the catcher's position on their baseball team have a choice of a wide array of mitts from quality manufacturers. Baseball equipment has greatly benefited from technological advances, and a youngster ...
Playing the position of catcher is physically demanding. You are required to field and pitch balls that hit your glove at speeds as high as 90 miles per hour. In fact, ESPN reports that 2010 newcomer Aroldis Chapman can throw a...
The Louisville Slugger bat is synonymous with baseball. A. "Bud" Hillerich is credited with designing and making the first bat at his father's woodworking shop in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, in 1884. In 2009, the Louisville ...
By the mid-1890s, baseball players began wearing gloves on the field, which inevitably gave rise to the practice of oiling their gloves. Ballplayers know the importance of a nice, conditioned glove. Rubbing on a little mineral...
Bats are available in different materials, including wood, aluminum and composite. Composite bats are made of several metals, such as graphite, aluminum, carbon or glass. The major leagues in the U.S. only allow wood bats, but ...
Baseball is America's pastime, and baseball cleats have a rich history dating to the origins of the game. Baseball cleats provide added traction on both the dirt surface of the base paths and warning track, as well as the grass...
Established in 1890, Kookaburra Sport calls Australia home and manufactures a wide range of cricket equipment. According to the company's website, Kookaburra is the largest producer of cricket balls in the world, with the Kooka...
The CPSC requires batter's helmets for baseball and softball to meet a safety and manufacturing standard developed by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment.
Cricket -- the archetypical English summer game -- resembles American baseball only in the fact that it utilizes a bat and ball and attracts thousands of spectators. It is an international game in the Commonwealth nations and ...
In the early days of baseball, players crafted their own bats and experimented with various sizes and lengths. As the sport progressed, baseball leagues adopted bat restrictions throughout the 1850s and 1860s, eventually settli...
