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Little League Equipment Rules
If you are buying your own practice equipment, you
will usually want to get equipment that adheres to Little League
specifications. Even if your league is a non-affiliated youth league,
they will use probably use equipment that is certified for use in
Little League.
Bats
All bats must be 33" or shorter and not more than 2
1/4" in diameter for Little League. In some local leagues, wood
bats are not permitted due to liability concerns. In general,
look for the "Little League Approved" markings on any bat your
purchase.
Gloves
By the book, gloves for the first baseman can
not be more than 12" long from top to bottom (typically this is the
size of the glove) and no more than 8" across the palm (from base
of thumb to edge) and fielder's gloves can not be 7 3/4" across the
palm. Also, by the book, a pitcher may not use a glove gray in color.
As a practice, however, many local non-affiliated leagues are not
strict on these guidelines. I have observed kids using larger
gloves and also gray gloves have been allowed for pitchers. Check with
your local league and sports shop sales people on this.
Here is How Gloves Are Sized: Fielders gloves
and first base mitts are measured by starting at the top of the index
finger of the glove down the finger along the inside of the pocket and
then out to the heal of the glove using a flexible tape measure.
Here is an 11" glove - click on photo for larger view
Baseballs
Your local ball team will generally supply quality
game balls specifically designed to meet local league guidelines.
For practice at home, any ball of size 2.94" in diameter (standard
baseball) will work fine. One may purchase very inexpensive balls at a
department store
or at ebay for home practice - it is nice to have 10-20 balls on
hand for various games and drills.
For beginners, a tee ball is a good idea for minimizing injuries
during catching practice.
Athletic Supporters
All male players are required to wear athletic
supporters. Although this rule is not always enforced or checked in
local leagues, it only makes sense to follow this rule.
Batting Helmets
Batting helmets should bear the "Approved For All
Youth Baseball" stamp on them. Helmets are always provided by
the team, but it is a good idea to buy your own for batting practice
at home against a live pitcher.
Catcher's Gear
Other equipment such as catcher's gear and bases are
generally provided by the team. One should, however, obtain their own
catcher's gear if they plan on practicing catching at home with a live
pitcher and batter. A foul tip can easily result in severe
injury. You can get used gear at some used sporting goods store or at
ebay at this link. |
