Baseball is all fun and games until one player suffers from a broken bone. With a sport that uses a solid ball thrown at mind-boggling speed and traveling a short distance, the subsequent accident may just be lurking ahead. One way to minimize this risk is by wearing proper protective gear once the players are on the field.
If you ever plan on starting a baseball team for whatever league or tournament you plan to join, you want to make sure that all your players are properly equipped for the game. For you to do that, here are some things you need to prepare.
Baseball Gear
Different kinds of baseball equipment must be worn to play the game. Aside from protecting a player’s body parts, some of these help them play the game better and easier.
Here’s a quick list of the different things you need to invest in if you wish to build a baseball team:
Baseball Bat
There are different kinds of baseball bats: those made specifically for adults and those designed for kids or teens. The latter is smaller and lighter so that the younger players can swing it easily. Adult baseball bats, however, are heavier and have a longer barrel.
Baseball bats are often made with metal or wood. It’s a matter of preference which one you use. A metal bat can hit balls a little better, and it doesn’t break easily. On the other hand, wooden bats are easier to swing.
Baseball
Just like the baseball bat, you can’t play baseball without the ball. The ball used in baseball is also called a baseball. The core of a baseball is rubber wrapped densely by yarn. It is then covered with leather and then stitched. This stitch is what helps the players grip the ball easier. Some balls feature plastic instead of leather covering, especially when playing baseball in the rain.
Batting Helmet
Baseball gear is made to cover the most critical parts of the body, which means protecting the one that controls their every movement—the head. There are times when a pitcher loses grip of the ball just as he is about to throw it, resulting in a wild ball. To keep a player’s head protected whenever this happens as he/she bats, they will need a batting helmet.
Catcher’s Gear
The catcher is the one who needs the most protection because he receives all the balls thrown by the pitcher. When a ball is thrown, anything can happen. The pitch may be inside or outside the strike zone; the bat may hit the ball just a little, resulting in a foul ball; or the ball may hit the ground and bounce right into the catcher’s face. Without a catcher’s gear, which consists of a helmet, chest pad, and leg guards, the catcher would probably end up with quite a few stitches and bruises.
Protective Cup
A ball thrown at a very high speed and hit hard can go anywhere in the field. Even a player’s private part is not safe from this. To keep it safe, a protective cup can be worn in a pocket provided specifically for it inside baseball pants.
Speed Gun
If you want to go big and be specific with developing your baseball team, you may want to look into a speed gun. This will help measure the speed of the ball once it’s thrown. Having a radar gun for measuring speed will help you identify who among your players can throw the fastest, which can be crucial in baseball. This will also help you keep records of your player’s pitch development.
Cleats
If your players are going to run on the dirt for hours, it’s going to be difficult if they’re not wearing cleats. Baseball cleats are the shoes worn by baseball players. These have spikes on the soles that allow the players to get better traction on the ground so that they can run fast without the fear of slipping. The points underneath the shoe are sometimes made with rubber, which is safer than metal ones. For professional games, though, metal spikes are often used because they provide more traction than rubber spikes.
Baseball Gloves
Lastly, one of the most important pieces of baseball gear you need for your team is the baseball glove. This is worn on a player’s left hand to catch the ball easily. However, baseball gloves are made for left-handed players, which can be worn on their right hand.
Baseball is supposed to be fun and not dangerous. That’s why all of us should be adequately equipped when participating in this game. Ensure that you know all of the things you need to prepare for this sport to keep it safe and exciting.
