Picking up baseball requires you to purchase several pieces of equipment, but it is vital to get the best tools to make your games as comfortable as possible. You shouldn’t grab just any bat or glove you see on a store shelf; you need to ensure a few things before deciding to practice with any equipment. Neglecting the essentials every new baseball player needs can mean a more significant risk of injury or, at the very least, discomfort.
Protect Yourself
You can sustain a lot of damage on the field—sometimes from the places you least expect it. The most obvious danger is being hit by a ball while you’re up to bat; pitchers send those things flying, and you’ll need to protect your head. Get a durable helmet that will absorb the blow in the event a ball collides with it.
Cleats
Baseball players use a particular type of shoe, called cleats, to maintain their traction on the ground as they’re running. Cleats prevent players from slipping and falling while they run from base to base or sprint to try to catch a ball. Buying shoes without the proper cleats exposes you to the dangers of sprained ankles or other injuries that result from falling over.
The Right Bat
The most iconic piece of gear in baseball is the baseball bat, and you need to get one that fits you perfectly. There are several factors to consider when deciding on the right bat for you; settling for a sub-par bat will affect your ability to hit a ball. Shop around for a bat that feels right in your hands and has the proper weight distribution. A poor-quality bat can make or break a performance and sabotage your ability to play the game.
A Means of Carrying Your Equipment
You’re going to accumulate a lot of gear to bring with you from place to place, and you must keep everything organized. Look into different baseball bags to determine which one has the most space and the most durability to keep everything in order and safe. Many cheaper bags rapidly degrade, forming holes and making it harder to manage your equipment.
Don’t Show Up Unprepared
Always know what you need and never leave any important equipment at home. Forgetting to bring the essentials every new baseball player needs can slow you down at practice and frustrate the rest of your team. Set yourself up for success by getting the best gear for you and always having it on hand when you need it.