What Do You Need for Baseball?
Having the right gear as a baseball player is important for your performance at the plate and on the field. Whether you're a new player or a parent, our Experts compiled a complete list of all the baseball equipment players need for a successful season.
1. Baseball Glove
“The first piece of gear any player needs to have is a fielding glove. A glove is one of the few items unique to every player and it’s not something that can be easily shared. When just starting out, finding the right baseball glove can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the sport.”
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2. Baseball Bat
Choosing the right bat will make a difference in your hitting performance, so it's important to know how to find one that matches your hitting style and skill level. Factors to consider include the certification: BBCOR, USA, or USSSA, material: alloy, composite, hybrid, or wood, construction: one or two piece, weight and drop, and length.
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3. Baseball Cleats
For traction and stability on the field, be sure to buy well-fitting baseball cleats. Depending on your playing surface and level, you can choose between molded and metal cleats.
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4. Baseball Batting Gloves
For extra grip and protection when at the plate, players choose to wear batting gloves. Choosing from trusted brands like BRUCE BOLT and Marucci will make sure you stay confident when at the plate.
5. Baseball Batting Helmet
A batting helmet is designed to protect the player's head and face from fast pitches. Some helmets feature a face mask or jaw guard.
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6. Batter's Protective Gear
A batting helmet is necessary when stepping up to the plate, but there are other batter's protective gear that are optional for players to wear—sliding mitts, leg guards, elbow guards, chest protectors, arm sleeves, and more.
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Baseball Pants: Made from durable yet breathable materials, baseball pants keep your player comfortable and protected when fielding and running bases.
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Sliding Shorts: Sliding shorts, also known as compression shorts, are worn under a player's pants. They provide extra padding and protection for the hips and thighs.
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Protective Cup: This essential piece of equipment protects the player's groin area from impact.
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Team Jersey & Hat
8. Baseballs
For warming up before a game or at practice, it’s always a good idea to have a few baseballs in your bag.
9. Baseball Backpack & Equipment Bag
Designed to carry all your baseball gear—bats, cleats, glove, helmet, and more—baseball backpacks and bags feature specifically designed compartments to keep you organized when hauling your equipment to and from practices and games.
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10. Additional Baseball Gear
These accessories are optional and can help you improve your skills, maintain your gear, and feel confident when taking the field this season.
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Eye Black
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Training Aids: Whether you need to improve your pitching, fielding, or batting, find the right training aid for your needs.
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Baseball Sunglasses: Sunglasses help players see the ball more clearly, especially in bright sunlight, and reduce glare from the sun.
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Glove Accessories: From glove balm and conditioner to mallets and lacing kits, it's important to break in and maintain your glove throughout the season.
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Bat Accessories: Many players like to add grip tape to their bat for a better feel to generate contact and power.
11. Catcher's Gear
If you or your athlete is the catcher, they'll need a catcher's set that's designed to provide coverage and protection when behind home plate. Most sets include a helmet, chest protector, and leg guards. This position also requires a catcher's mitt versus a baseball glove.
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Baseball Equipment List
✔ 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)
Whether you’re preparing for tryouts or gearing up for the season, use our baseball equipment list to make shopping even easier. For additional questions, head into your local SCHEELS to speak to a Baseball Expert.
About our Experts
Kaden started playing baseball at 4 years old and went on to become a college baseball athlete for Texas Wesleyan University. Now after college, Kaden is passionate about teaching the next generation about the game and coaches 13U travel ball.