Baseball Gloves and Mitts

Gloves and mitts mean the same thing but can be defined as two different defensive pieces of baseball equipment.  The term mitt is short for mitten, which is what it means; no individual areas for the fingers like gloves have.  The first baseman and the catcher are the only two positions that wear mitts, while all the other positions use gloves.

Before purchasing a new glove or mitt, you need to take into consideration the size needed,  the position that is going to be played, budget amount and how long intended on using the glove or mitt for.

There is not any mitt or glove that will make you a superstar baseball player, but depending on what type of glove or mitt is chosen will certainly give you the edge and comfort needed to have a good game.  After practicing and using the glove over time, it will break-in and feel even more comfortable.

Youth gloves generally range from 8” – 12”, and anything above would be for older children and adults.  The idea is to try on various different sizes and styles to decide which one is the most comfortable.  The glove will soften up as it is broken in.

Depending on what position will determine which type of glove would be ideal.  If someone is playing first base or catcher, they will have a specialized mitt for their position.  The first baseman and catcher’s mitts are more padded to withstand the amount of work that is needed to endure while catching the ball.

For high school and above, it is recommended to have a better quality glove or mitt for more competitive play.  The better quality of the glove or mitt will be more durable in most circumstances.  The price will be more, but it will be worth for it to last longer.

Infielder positions require different kinds of gloves such as; middle infielders and the pitcher will need a little bit of a different glove than the third or first basemen.    Same with the corner infielders they require two totally different styles of gloves.

The outfielders generally use a larger and heavier type of glove that has a deeper and thicker pocket.  The larger -sized glove with the heavier padding will make it easier for the player to catch fly balls.

To make sure you choose a good glove or mitt, you can do some research in advance online and also consult with someone at a sports’ store to help you decide which glove or mitt may be perfect for you.

Easton Chest Protector

The catcher’s equipment is designed to protect the catcher from getting hurt; also with the proper gear, it should give the catcher the proper performance needed to do his job well in the game.  Making sure the gear fits properly will also keep the player safer while performing better.  The gear includes; the chest protector, mask, mitt and shin guards.

 When looking for a chest protector, you want to make sure you find the right type of cushioning best for the catcher.  There are several different types of cushion to choose from; a memory foam protector is a recommended choice.  The cushion is light weight and perfect for deadening the ball when it is being blocked. 

 Having a catcher’s mask with good interior cushioning is important for the player.  It is recommended to have leather covering instead of a fabric type cover.  Obviously, the leather covering will cost more than the fabric type covers, but the leather cover is easier to take care of.  Plus, leather is more comfortable and will conform much better than the fabric type cover.

 There are different levels of catcher’s mitts to choose from and the biggest different between each of them is the best mitts tend to offer more protection and last longer than the other ones.  The best mitts are more expensive than the other ones.  If intending to be a catcher long-term than purchasing the best mitt would be highly recommended.  The catcher has an important position that requires being involved in every pitch; the best mitt will give the catcher the performance needed.

 Shin guards are used to cover the knees and toes while squatting and are needed as part of the catcher’s equipment.  Depending on the amount of cushion and comfort will determine the price of the shin guards.  You want to be comfortable during games, and you may be willing to spend more for well-padded shin guards.  Also, make sure the proper size is worn to avoid being uncomfortable when used.

 Purchasing and wearing the proper catcher’s gear will not only make you more comfortable but be able to perform better.  If planning on being a catcher long-term, then take that into consideration when purchasing your gear as you want it to last.

At the time, players experimented with their bats to help improve their hitting ability by making different kinds of wood to see which would give the better results.  Players also figured using a rounded bat will produce better hitting results too.

In 1857 at the first baseball convention, it was decided the bats would be round and not more than two and one-half inches around the thickest part of the bat.  A few years later in 1860, it was decided the baseball bats to be between thirty and forty inches and to weigh about 48 ounces.  Also, it was recommended the bats not weight less than 46 ounces.

 In 1885, it was legal to have 18 inches of the handle wrapped in twine and one side flat.  The bat was limited to 42 inches long, limited to two and one-half inches at the thickest part of the bat, bat can only be round and had to be made of wood were the rules adopted by the National League in 1887.

In 1893, it was decided that bats could no longer be flat on the one side; the bats had to be rounded.  Later in 1895, the thickness of the bat increased to two and three-quarters, which is the same as it is today.

Today, baseball players play with either aluminum or wooden bats.  There are many different weights and sizes available, as well as many different manufacturers who make the bats.  It can be challenging when choosing a bat; it is why it is always best to find out what the specific bat rules are before purchasing a bat.

• Adult Bats
• Adult Wood Bats
• Bat Accessories
• BBCOR Baseball Bats
• Fungo Bats
• Marucci Professional Bats
• Senior League – Big Barrel Bats
• T-Ball Bats
• Training Bats
• Youth Bats

The BBCOR measures the loss of energy at the time of impact – bat hitting a ball.  It is obvious in order for the ball speed to increase is there has to be less energy lost at the time of impact.  The ball gets its power from the bat and depending on what type of bat will determine how much power the ball will have.  Solid wood bats lose most of the ball’s energy at the time the ball compresses on impact.  Most commonly used composite bats or hollow-core aluminum bats; the ball will distort less and will retain its pitched energy while it adds the power of the bat speed.

The benefits of using certified BBCOR bats is homeruns have increased compared to years prior to BBCOR bats.  Plus, the bats minimize risk and improve play time while balancing the game among all of the players.

Leagues want all bats used to have the same performance factors as the best wooden bats that are used.  Just because aluminum or composite bates will last longer than wood bats, it won’t necessarily make better hitters.

Any teams playing under the NCAA or the NFHS rules will most likely need a new bat that is BBCOR certified.  Fortunately, bat manufacturers have been able to make the necessary adjustments to comply with the BBCOR.  It won’t be long before players of any age and of any league are required to have a BBCOR certified bat.

Louisville Slugger BB12Z Z-1000 BBCOR Model -3 adult baseball bat	RAWLINGS BB51V 5150 VELO 2012 BBCOR -3 MODEL ADULT BASEBALL BAT	Rawlings BBCA 5150 BBCOR -3 Model Adult Baseball Bat
SKU: BB12Z1	SKU: BB51V1	SKU: BBCA 1
see details	see details	see details
RAWLINGS BBCPLA PLASMA 2012 BBCOR ADULT BASEBALL BAT	RAWLINGS MACHINE BBMC 2012 BBCOR -3 MODEL ADULT BASEBALL BAT	Worth ABPBC Toxic Prodigy BBCOR -3 Model Adult Baseball Bat
SKU: BBCPLA1	SKU: BBMC1	SKU: ABPBC1
see details	see details	see details

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Ignite XS -3 BBCOR Adult Baseball Bat Single-Wall, Anderson All-Metal Alloy The new Anderson Ignite series all-metal bats are a complete redesign of our single-wall technology products. These bats are designed to maximize our Anderson all-metal alloy, with a shape that optimizes the MOI (Moment of Inertia) of the bat throughout your swing. Our new alloy has a greater yield value and added strength that allow a lighter, more responsive, and larger Effective Hitting Area (EHA). Reducing the weight in the EHA, while maintaining the strength necessary to withstand impact, allows for greater design versatility including a significantly reduced MOI. Optimizing the MOI makes it possible to swing the bat faster with less effort. Like an ice skater spinning, the distribution of weight determines the speed of the spin. Arms outstretched, the skater spins slowly. As the skater brings the weight of their arms inward toward their body - or toward the axis of the spin - their MOI is reduced, and they spin faster with no added effort or weight reduction. Our TrueFlex End Cap, our TaperFlex Contour, the Ultra-Thin Whip Handle, our SG-1 Sport Grip and the solid Ergonomic Weldless Knob are all integral parts of this MOI optimization. Every curve and every component on an Anderson Ignite series bat adds to the efficiency of the product. That energy transfer efficiency equals better performance and provides the edge every player needs to compete effectively at the highest levels. Faster bat speed plus heavier overall weight equals surefire higher performance, every time.

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