Choosing The Best Equipment Bag
If you are like most BBCOR players, baseball is life and you want to be able to bring your equipment with you everywhere. Whether it’s a home game or away, having the best equipment bag will ensure that you are ready to compete wherever you go.
Often, choosing the best bag comes down to the size of the bag, the position of the player and personal preference or color. If you are in a traveling high school division or a collegiate athlete, you should not only consider something sturdy and durable but also portable. There is a great selection of wheeled bags for specialty positions that require a lot of equipment, as well as more compact batpacks for fielders.
Quality Baseball Cleats Are Essential
If you have made it to this level of play, you know well that speed is everything in baseball. High-level players can’t afford to be held back by inferior cleats. Even a second wasted on the baseline can take you and your team out of the game, so the best baseball cleats are crucial.
The optimal baseball cleat should not only provide maximum comfort, but should also give support and stability when running and especially when breaking. Many unnecessary injuries can be avoided by investing in a quality cleat with ample ankle support. Good cleats should provide traction and keep you grounded, even at high speeds and in inclement conditions. You should also look for a shoe with decent midsole support and heel cushioning to see you through extra innings.
Choosing The Perfect Bat
No matter what level of the sport you are at, the importance of choosing the best bat for your style and swing is of the utmost importance. If you have confidence at the plate, you are ready to crush whatever pitch comes your way. No matter the budget, no athlete wants to go to bat with anything other than the best bat available, but choosing the best one for you is no easy task.
BBCOR bats must meet the standards set forth by the NFHS and NCAA but with all the different sizing options it can be difficult to choose which size is right for you. When searching for a bat, the majority of your options will be between 31 and 34 inches in length, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find smaller options at 29 or 30 inches. The proper bat length for any hitter can be determined by the weight and the height of the hitter themselves.
The material of the bat is also an important element to be taken into consideration. BBCOR bats are available in either aluminum or composite. Each has its own unique characteristics. Aluminum bats offer that classic “pop” that batters love, but they are usually heavier and have less trampoline effect. Composite models generally offer a wider sweet spot which many players find gives the ball more carry. Whatever bat you choose, it is most important to go with what gives you the most natural swing.
Choosing The Best Glove
Much like choosing a proper bat, choosing the perfect glove is a decision that is not made lightly. Not only are there position gloves for infielders, outfielders, pitchers, catchers, first base, and batters but there are a variety of different materials and designs to choose from. By now you are most likely used to your position but choosing the right size and style glove can have an impact on your performance as well.
One important thing to consider when shopping for a new glove is its durability. You do not want a glove that is going to fall apart at the seams when fielding a line drive. In that case, it is important to make sure that your glove is branded 100% genuine leather. Quality gloves should not be made of any “veneer”, synthetic materials or made of “specially treated” leather. Always test the webbing and make sure the glove has an appropriate pocket for your position. If you are a fielder, make sure the glove has adequate wrist support and a snug fit with or without your batting glove.
Now Hit The Field!
There is so much equipment to consider in this sport but when you have high-quality gear, you can focus on what’s important and keep your head in the game. Having the best and most comfortable gear for your style of play and position will enable you to take to the field and focus on getting that win.
