Equipment Suggestions
BAT SIZES
Having the right size bat is very important.
Please note that at the high school level players are required to need to swing a "drop 3" BBCOR bat.
To determine the "drop" you take the length and subtract the weight.
So, a 33 in/30 oz would be a -3 bat.
TIP: Beginning in middle school, I would begin swinging a wood bat in practice. At least for tee work, front toss, and BP.
Why should I swing wood?
1) Wood feels heavier than metal bats. So, it can make you stronger.
2) It "teaches" you how to swing. If you don't swing correctly, you will end up stinging your hands, breaking the bat, or the ball won't go far.
3) It'll keep your metal bat ready for games.
4) If you go pro, you'll need to perform with wood.
GLOVE SIZES (for the HS age player)
Infielder Gloves (GO SMALL ! )
Sizes: 11 1/4 inch - 11 1/2 inch
You want a SMALL glove on the infield so you can transfer the ball quickly.
You don't want the ball to get "lost" in your glove.
A bigger glove is heavier. It can slow you down and make you have "hard" hands.
Notice the web is an "I Shape". More holes in the web, the lighter it'll feel.
Outfielder Gloves
Sizes: 12 inch - 12 3/4 inch
You want a bigger glove in the outfield. The transfer isn't as high priority as simply catching the ball.
Notice the web. It's like a basket. It will look different than an infielder glove.
Pitcher Gloves
Sizes: 11 1/2 inch - 12 inch
You don't want too big of a glove to weigh you down when you're trying to pitch. You should be focusing on pitching, not thinking about how heavy your glove is.
Notice the web. It's shouldn't have any holes. It hides the ball from the batter so he can't see your grip.
Be careful when getting colorful gloves, some umpires and league may have restrictions on colors for pitcher gloves (distractions).
Catcher Gloves
Sizes: 30 inch - 32 inch
Depending on your forearm and shoulder strength, you can go up or down. Some MLB catchers use a 34 inch glove.
Again, you don't want it to weigh you down. It will make it harder to frame pitches.
First Baseman Gloves
Sizes: 12 1/4 inch - 12 3/4 inch
Be careful, you're still on the infield so you don't want the ball to get "lost" in your glove. You'll still need to start double plays quickly and throw to home sometimes.
A bigger glove is heavier. It can slow you down and make you have "hard" hands. Making it difficult to pick and scoop.
