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Your Spring Baseball Gear Buying Guide

Sports Lifestyle

Your Spring Baseball Gear Buying Guide

Mar 21, 2024

Now that baseball is back, you need more than your game face on. With spring training in session, it’s time to choose the baseball gear that will help you shine your brightest on the diamond. Let’s take a quick look at the essentials, including cleats, bats, fielding gloves, baseball catcher’s gear and all the rest.

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Baseball Cleats

Shoes are obviously near and dear to us, so it probably won’t surprise you that cleats are first up. There are three basic types of baseball cleats, based on what the cleat’s studs are made from:

  • Metal cleats give you maximum traction and pick up less dirt than other types of cleats. Not every league lets players use metal cleats, so check with your coaches to make sure you’ll be able to wear them.
  • TPU cleats have studs made from hard plastic. They give you a good balance of performance and traction on the field. 
  • Molded cleats have the softest studs, made from a firm rubber material. Lots of players find molded cleats to be the most comfortable, but they also have slightly less traction than other types.

Cleats also come in different varieties based on the height of the shoe’s ankle section. Here’s the basic difference: 

  • Low top cleats tend to be the lightest and most maneuverable. If speed and agility are at the core of your game, low top cleats might be the right choice.
  • Mid and high top cleats have a taller ankle section that provides extra ankle support. These cleats are slightly heavier, but some players find that the additional support helps their game.

For more, check out our all-sport guide to cleats. (Oh, and don’t forget a few pairs of moisture-wicking baseball socks!)

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Baseball Bats

Your team probably provides bats, but most leagues also let you use your own bat, so long as it meets the league’s requirements. Our baseball bat buying guide has the full story, but let’s take a quick look at some of the highlights:

  • League Rules: Leagues have different rules about the size and materials of the bats players use. High school players need a BBCOR bat. Younger players need either a USA or USSSA bat, depending on the league. 
  • Length: The right bat length for you is based on your height and how long your arms are. 
  • Bat Drop: This number measures the difference between the bat’s length (in inches) and its weight (in ounces). A drop-8 bat, for example, might be 30 inches long and weigh around 22 ounces. As middle and high school players get taller and stronger, they can handle heavier bats with a lower drop, which provide extra hitting power.
  • Metal vs. Wood: Elementary and middle school players almost always use aluminum bats. High school players sometimes use wood or hybrid bats, depending on league rules. 

Your coach can help you choose the right bat. They’ll be able to assess your strength and batting style, and maybe even help you test out a few bats to see which ones work best. 

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Baseball Gloves

Your fielding glove is a signature part of how you play the game, so it’s worth taking some time to find one that really works for you. Again, when in doubt, ask your coach for advice — and check out the more complete info in Hibbett’s baseball glove buying guide.

  • Size: It’s important to find a glove that fits your hand right. As a guideline, most players ages 8 to 12 will want a 10- to 12-inch glove, while most players 13 and over can move up to an 11- to 13-inch glove. 
  • Infield vs. Outfield: Infield gloves have a shallower pocket and a shorter web, since they’re designed for fast transitions between catching and throwing. Outfield gloves are deeper and have a longer web, allowing you to stretch for a high fly and keep it in your glove.
  • Webbing Type: Basket-weave gloves have no open space and are most common for younger players and pitchers. I-web and H-web gloves use single or double center posts and are a good choice for infield players. Trapeze and modified trapeze gloves feature a longer post that’s ideal for outfielders making big plays.
  • Left vs. Right Handed: Right-handed players will use a glove made for their left hand and throw with their right. If you’re a lefty, make sure to grab a glove that fits on your right hand instead.
  • Catcher’s Mitt: If you play catcher, you’ll need a special catcher’s mitt with extra padding and a thick web. 

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Other Essential Baseball Gear

Here are a few more things you’ll want to make sure are in your bag before you get to the dugout. Your team might issue some of them, but on most teams, players can bring their own.

  • Helmet: You’ll need a batting helmet that’s been tested to meet NOCSAE safety standards. Face masks and jaw guards may or may not be required in your league, but it’s always a good idea to have one.
  • Batting Gloves: Improve your grip, improve your game. A good pair of batting gloves can give you better control of your bat and help you find the sweet spot.
  • Pants: A pair of baseball pants keeps you loose and mobile while protecting your legs from scratches when you slide or dive. 
  • Catcher’s Equipment: Catchers need a full set of protective pads, a catcher’s mask and a catcher’s mitt. See our lineup of baseball catcher’s gear for everything you need.
  • Bag: Finally, make sure you grab a baseball bag that’s tough enough to protect your stuff. Some include special pockets for storing bats, and wheeled bags are great for players whose teams travel often.

Every piece of youth baseball gear you need is right here at Hibbett. Start with our lineup of baseball cleats, or check out all of our bats, fielding gloves, baseball accessories and more.

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