Although a player could use the league provided bats, I suggest that each player has their own bat so that they are comfortable with the same bat and so they can practice their swing at any time without being dependent upon using others. 

Most important: Bats must have the “USA” Logo printed on the bat!!! In order for the bat to be allowed to be used during a game, it must be a USA certified bat. Do not confuse this with a “USSSA” Bat. USSSA and BBCOR bats are not allowed.

I suggest a bat with a length of 26-28 inches with a focus on 27”. Feel free to consider 28” if they can comfortably handle the extra weight but fully test them to ensure they can handle it with no struggles. I stay away from a 2 ¼” barrel and like to see a 2 ¾ -2 ⅝ barrel

Speaking of weight, the weight of a bat is referred to as drop. You will find this printed on the bat as “-10” or “-11”. This means you need to subtract that number from the length to get the number of ounces the bat weighs. So a 27” bat with a -11 weighs 16oz. A drop 11-9 is typical. 

Test if you have the correct combination for your player. Have them hold the bat straight out with one hand. They should be able to keep the bat pointed straight out for 30-45 seconds without the barrel dropping. 

This is an easy one, but also easy to forget. Your player will need something that holds at minimum of 32oz and somewhat insulated to keep the water cool or cold in the Texas heat. A bottle that has a built-in clip or a ring that you can add your own clip to clip the bottle to their bag will help keep their belongings together and not leave it behind after practice or a game. Please no plastic store bought water bottles as they do not hold enough and get hot quick.

The importance of batting gloves is usually to maintain grip and prevent blisters. So far, I have not yet experienced any cases of blisters from our 6-8 year old kids causing me to not yet worry about batting gloves. I have observed players that gain an obsession about their batting gloves and when they are unable to locate them during a game they severely delay and almost refuse to take their at bat until they find them.

A few batting helmets are provided by the league but I do observe that most people do purchase their own. Keep in mind that the league helmets do not have face protection and are shared equipment. It is sometimes nice when a player has their own helmet so at times swapping helmets around does not distract us from the current activity, but all in all this is minor and you do not need to purchase one if you do not wish to. 

If you do purchase a helmet please pick from Green, Gold, White or Black. 

We will have practice on a grass field and play games on a dirt infield and will need a pair of molded cleats. Metal cleats/spikes are not allowed.

At practices we still need to have on our Hat, baseball pants, and cups. We need these protective clothing during practice just like we need them during the games. Do not wear gym shorts to practice! Sweat pants or another form of athletic pants are OK. 

For most positions a cup will not be required but suggested. A cup is required for catchers. 

There are two primary styles. The Jock Strap and the cup built into sliding shorts. We recommend the jock strap style as the cup placed in the shorts will pop up when in a squated position. 

Sliding shorts will help protect the buttocks and thighs from the dangers of sliding. Sliding without sliding shorts may cause cuts and rug burns. Sliding shorts will provide some padding to the back and sides of the legs to protect against that. 

The shades will allow our players to compete in that early morning and later after noon low sun. Two of the FCLL fields face to the west and the sun can be right behind the pitcher making it difficult for the batters to follow the ball. A set of sun glasses will not only help them hit but also recognize a bat inside pitch that they need to get out of the way from. 

 I suggest each player have a towel in their bag for a few things. The obvious is to use to wipe sweat or rain, but we will also use them to practice throwing (I will teach these techniques later). The standard kitchen towel size will do. If rain is forecasted or past thru a day or two before, consider packing a full size towel and an extra pair of shoes to keep the mud out of the car.

 I suggest having a few baseballs for at home practice. For our team practices I have a bucket of baseball that I purchase in bulk to help keep the cost down. I typically will purchase a bucket a year for the players to use. Feel free to contribute to this cost if you would like to help further support the team.