BATS
RECOMMENDED BATS
Demarini CF, 32", -10
Easton Ghost Double Barrel, 32", -10
BAT REGULATIONS
Bats are required to meet Amatuer Softball Association (ASA) regulations. Look for "ASA" stamp on the bat. ASA bats are manufactured to limit the ball coming off the bat at no faster than 98 MPH.
BAT WEIGHT
Bat weight is based on the bat length. A "drop 10" or "-10", for example, on a 32" bat would mean the bat weighs 22 ounces. Whereas a -10 on a 34" bat would mean that the bat weighs 24 ounces. -10 can be considered the average weight-to-length used in the league and one you can't go wrong with. -9 would be for power hitters with noticeable bat speed. -11 is too light and kids tend to grow out of it quickly. In general, increasing bat weight leads to more power but less control, decreasing the bat weight leads to less power but more control.
A bat's weight does not fix a hitter's timing. For example, giving a hitter a heavier bat in order to slow their swing down because they're swinging out in front of a pitch may work from time to time, however, it only masks the fact they're not timing the pitch correctly. Worse, they may get the idea that a heavier bat = more hits. The hitter may continue to use said heavier bat only to find they are now swinging late on a faster pitcher or hitting more fly balls because the bat is too heavy and they're dipping on their swing. The same can be said of moving a hitter up or back in the batter's box. It may work as a temporary solution, but it only masks that the hitter's timing is off.
BAT LENGTH
32" is optimal for plate coverage, bat control, and power.
Longer bat = less control and less bat speed, but more plate coverage and more power.
Shorter bat = less power and plate coverage, but more control and more bat speed.
You can always decrease the length and weight of a bat by choking up on it, i.e. gripping the bat farther up the handle. This gives you more bat control and bat speed but reduces power and plate coverage.
BALANCED BATS VS. END-LOADED BATS
There are two types of bats, balanced and end-loaded. This describes how the weight is distributed throughout the bat. A balanced bat has an even weight distribution whereas an end-loaded bat has its weight distributed more towards the end of the barrel. When comparing the two, a balanced bat gives you more control and more bat speed. An end-loaded bat generates a whipping effect which leads to more power. I've used both in the past and will always advocate a balanced bat. What I've found is that an end-loaded bat leads to the barrel dipping which ultimately leads to more pop-ups and fly balls. It also makes hitting inside pitches more difficult.
COMPOSITE VS. ALLOY BATS
Bats come in three main compositions: composite, alloy, and a hybrid of the two. Each material has its own pros and cons, but In general, composites and hybrids are the way to go.
GLOVES
RECOMMENDED GLOVES
Mizuno, 12", Steerhide, Infield/Outfield
Wilson, 12", Cowhide, Infield/Outfield
WHAT MAKES A GOOD GLOVE?
A quality glove is dependent on a number of factors:
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Leather
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A quality leather will promise a long-lasting glove that can endure heat, sweat, and dirt. Leather is not just limited to the glove, but the stitching as well. Stitches are usually the first thing to fail and aren't the easiest thing to replace without the proper tools.
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Form-fitting
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Ensure the glove fits right and the player feels like the glove is an extension of their hand.​ Do not go on feel alone as most quality gloves need to be broken in and given time to mold to a player's hand before they feel right.
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Index finger preference
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Gloves are manufactured with and without a hole for a player's index finger to slide through. This is mostly preference, however, through my experience, I feel I have more control over the glove, for both squeezing and scooping, when there is a hole. The player can also always opt to not use the hole.​
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Application
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Quality gloves are designed for their application. There are gloves specifically designed for infielders, outfielders, first baseman, catchers, and pitchers. For the city youth league, I recommend getting a mid-range glove that's suited for the infield so it can be used interchangeably at any position.​
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Looks
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Everyone loves a good-looking glove!​
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GLOVE LEATHER
Gloves come in different types of leather. Each leather comes with its own characteristics in terms of durability, flexibility, feel, and affordability. On a scale of 1-5, where 5 is best/most:
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Cowhide (Recommended)
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Durability: 4​
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Flexibility: 3
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Feel: 3
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Affordability: 4
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Steerhide (Recommended)
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Durability: 5
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Flexibility: 3
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Feel: 4
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Affordability: 2
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Kip (Recommended)
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Durability: 3
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Flexibility: 5
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Feel: 5
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Affordability: 2
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Buffalo (Okay)
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Durability: 5​
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Flexibility: 2
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Feel: 3
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Affordability: 3
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Synthetic (Not recommended)
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Durability: 3​
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Flexibility: 3
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Feel: 2
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Affordability: 5
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GLOVE TYPES
Gloves come in all shapes and sizes. The cheaper brands are made to be as a "one-size fits all". Higher-quality brands tailor glove design to a specific position:
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Infielders glove: This glove will be short in length and have less webbing. An infielder's focus is to first field the ball and then transition the ball from the glove to their hand as quickly as possible so they can make a throw. The small amount of webbing of the glove means that there is less area the ball can be in. This makes it much easier for a fielder to locate and grab the ball out of their glove when they go to make a throw.
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This glove is typically 11-11.75" long.​
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Outfielders glove: This glove is long in length with lots of webbing. An outfielder's focus is to cover a large amount of ground and catch the ball in the air. The additional length and webbing of the glove add an extra few inches to a player's reach. While it may not sound like much, you'd be surprised at how many balls are just inches away from being caught.
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This glove is typically 12-12.75" long.​
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Catchers glove: This glove is more circular in shape with extra padding and very little closed-webbing. A catcher's focus is to catch, block, and quickly throw the ball. The circular shape makes it easier for a catcher to block the ball as it covers a wider area. The minimal webbing allows a catcher to quickly locate the ball in their glove to make a quick throw.
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First Baseman glove: This glove is a long glove shaped like a fan with a moderate amount of webbing. A first baseman's focus is to catch the ball and be able to scoop the ball if it hits the ground before reaching the first baseman. The fan-like design is ideal for scooping and the added length gives the first baseman some added reach.
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Pitchers glove: This glove is relatively small and has closed webbing. A pitcher's focus is balance and throwing the ball from point A to point B. A large glove is a nuisance to pitching as it can impede a pitcher from getting the ball out of the glove cleanly. A large glove also means added weight and can affect a pitcher's balance and pull a pitcher off target when going to throw. The closed webbing is there to hide the ball and grip from the batter to prevent tipping them off as to what pitch is coming.