Baseball Equipment List: Everything You Need for the Season

Baseball Equipment Checklist

This checklist covers everything a baseball player may need for practices and games, from required gear to optional accessories.

✔ Baseball glove

✔ Glove accessories: conditioner, mallet, and lacing kits

✔ Baseball bat

✔ Bat grip tape

✔ Baseball cleats

✔ Batting gloves

✔ Batting helmets

✔ Batting protective gear: Leg guards, sliding mitts, elbow guards, and chest protector

✔ Baseball pants

✔ Baseball belt

✔ Sliding shorts

✔ Baseball socks

✔ Protective cup

✔ Team jersey & hat

✔ Baseballs

✔ Baseball equipment bag

✔ Eye black

✔ Baseball training aids

✔ Baseball sunglasses

✔ Catcher's set and mitt (if applicable)

1. Baseball Glove

A baseball glove is essential for fielding and varies by position, hand size, and age. When choosing a glove, consider:

• Player age and position

• Glove size and web style

• Leather type and break-in time

Related Expert Advice:

• Best Baseball Gloves

• How to Break in a Glove

2. Baseball Bat

Choosing the right baseball bat directly impacts swing speed, control, and power. Players should select a bat based on:

• Certification: BBCOR, USA, or USSSA

• Material: Alloy, composite, hybrid, or wood

• Construction: One-piece or two-piece

• Length, weight, and drop

Youth players typically need USA or USSSA bats, while high school players are required to use BBCOR-certified bats.

Related Expert Advice:

• Parts of a Baseball Bat

• What is Bat Drop?

• How to Break in a Composite Bat

3. Baseball Cleats

Baseball cleats provide traction, stability, and support while running, hitting, and fielding. Players can choose between:

• Molded cleats (common for youth and recreational leagues)

• Metal cleats (often used at higher levels)

Related Expert Advice:

• How to Choose Baseball Cleats

• Best Baseball Cleats

4. Baseball Batting Gloves

Batting gloves improve grip, reduce vibration, and help protect hands at the plate. Many players trust brands like BRUCE BOLT and Marucci for comfort and durability.

5. Baseball Batting Helmet

A batting helmet protects the player’s head from fast pitches and batted balls. Some helmets include additional features such as jaw guards or face masks for extra protection.

Related Expert Advice:

• How to Clean a Baseball Helmet

• Baseball Helmet Size Guide

6. Batter's Protective Gear

While a helmet is required, many players choose extra protective gear for confidence and safety at the plate, including:

• Sliding mitts

• Elbow guards

• Leg guards

• Chest protectors

• Arm sleeves

Additional apparel includes:

• Baseball pants

• Sliding shorts (padded compression for hips and thighs)

• Protective cup

• Baseball socks

• Baseball belts

• Team jersey & hat

7. Baseballs

Having extra baseballs on hand is helpful for warmups, practices, and backyard training sessions.

8. Baseball Backpack & Equipment Bag

Baseball equipment bags and backpacks are designed with compartments for bats, cleats, gloves, helmets, and accessories—making it easier to stay organized on game day.

Related Expert Advice:

• How to Choose a Baseball Bag

9. Additional Baseball Gear & Accessories

These optional accessories and can help you improve your skills, maintain your gear, and feel confident when taking the field this season.

• Eye black

• Baseball training aids

• Baseball sunglasses

• Glove accessories (conditioner, mallet, lacing kits)

• Bat accessories (grip tape, weights)

10. Catcher's Gear

Catchers require specialized protective equipment when behind the plate. Most catcher’s sets include:

• Catcher’s helmet

• Chest protector

• Leg guards

Catchers also need a catcher’s mitt, which is different from a standard baseball glove and designed to handle repeated impact.

Related Expert Advice:

• How to Choose Catcher’s Gear

Whether you’re preparing for tryouts, starting your first season, or upgrading your equipment, use this baseball equipment list to make shopping easier. For personalized recommendations, stop into your local SCHEELS and talk with one of our Baseball Experts.