When you play baseball you will need to have a few things with you. Things that is very important to the game, your team and to you. However all you really need is a bat, a ball and a glove. And energy!
But there are a few other things that a team will need. You should certainly have a baseball uniform. Now most players wear a full uniform which consist of a cap, a shirt and of course a number for the player. An undershirt, baseball pants and a pair of stirrups. And of course cleats are needed.
The undershirt may be worn under the team shirt. They are long sleeved and made of cotton, which will absorb perspiration. And of course the team shirt, should match and will have the team name on it. Also, the baseball cap, which is a tradition in baseball, should have the team name on it as well. And the entire uniform should be clean and look nice.
The stirrups are unique to baseball because they are pull over socks that are worn over the athletic sock and are colored to the match the team uniforms. The cleats are similar to soccer shoes, except they have cleats or bars on the sole instead of studs. This type of shoe will help the player to grip the ground better. The baseball pants should come about halfway down the calf of the leg.
Each player should have a glove that will suit their specific need of the game and should fit their hand well. You can get a left or right-handed glove. Gloves are also known as “Fielders” gloves. Pitchers and outfielders use larger gloves than the infielders do.
There is also a batting glove, which is worn in order for the batter to get a better grip on the bat. A player can wear one or both gloves, it depends on the player. A player must wear a helmet also. A batting helmet will have a plastic shell with foam on the inside. It will protect the head and face from a thrown ball or wild ball as well as a batted ball.
Bats will come in various styles, lengths and weight. They can be made of wood or of aluminum. A lighter bat is easier to swing. Some players like the heavier bats though because it will give them a better hit! The baseball is made of cork core wrapped with string and covered in leather. It should only weigh around 5 oz.
And any player who has just hit a ball, should never, ever, throw their bat. Bats at to be laid down gently as possible. And they can hurt should you throw it and hit someone.
The catcher however has different equipment than the other players because he is behind the home plate, where all the players come. All balls are thrown across the home plate for the batter and the catcher has to catch those balls. A catcher can receive over 100 fast pitches in one game. And he needs to be able to move around freely.
A catcher should have a facemask that will provide good protection of his face and still allow him to have good vision. The mask should be padded to soften the impact of a misplaced ball. I would imagine one of those types of balls would and could hurt. It hurts thinking about it!
The catcher should also have a chest protector that will shield the chest area. This vest like object should be padded very well. And the catcher should not remove it until his team is up to bat!
A catcher also needs a different kind of helmet than the other players. His helmet is mandatory in the game of baseball. And it will protect him from swinging bats and balls. This helmet has a longer back for the neck, no visor type because his view cannot be blocked by the helmet and is made of hard plastic with padding on the inside.
The catcher mitt is also different. It has extra padding to protect the hands from all of those fastballs coming from the pitcher. It is also wider than the fielder’s mitts. They also come for a left or right-hander player.
The catcher also has to wear leg guards. They are held in place by straps that are easily removed. They are also hinged to allow for a wider range of movement for the catcher. They also protect the catcher’s shins. And some of the guards will come down over the shoes to protect his feet.
That pretty much covers the player. Now let’s talk about the fan. The fan is very important as well. Whether you are at a pro game or a little league game you have to protect yourself from the sun. Be sure and take or put on before the game, sunscreen. And if you are at a game at night, don’t forget bug spray.
You may also want to take a damp washcloth in a zip lock bag to help keep your face and hands clean. You may also want to consider a vomit bag in case someone gets sick. You will want to take lip balm with you as well to protect the lips from the heat and wind. Also you may want to take a small garbage bag for your trash. And if you are taking little ones, don’t forget their snacks.
Of course with the events of 9-11-01, the rules for major stadiums have changed. You cannot take a cooler in most of them now or large bags. And if you do have a diaper bag or a bad for your children, you will be searched. At least here in the states you will be.
Take lots of money with you. The cost of a pro game is costly. I understand that hotdogs cost a lot of money. You cannot take your own drink or food with you. So you may want to eat before you go. This will save you some money.
You will want to wear cool clothing, unless you are at a game where the season has not changed, then you will want to wear warmer clothes to make you more comfy. And that is the key, be comfortable when you are at a game. Don’t yell at the umpire because he may throw you out of the game.
You should remain in the stands and not go on the field. The field is for the players, not the fans or the parents. Remember there are people around you, so respect that! Don’t start a fight or be part of a fight. It’s just a game after all and if you are a parent, a fight will embarrass your son and possibly get him thrown from the team for good. Try to control the anger.
Overall common sense is the best way to play or watch baseball. You should play or be a fan for the right reasons and enjoy your adventure. Keep your comments to yourself and overlook the other people who may be making you upset. Be the better person always.
Baseball can be boring to some and wonderful for others. So if you don’t like baseball then don’t go to a game and ruin it for the ones who do. Enjoy the Game!
I hope that this has helped in some kind of way.
God Bless!
©LKD 2002