Recommended Bat & Sizing from Equipment Manufacturers

Bat Sizing - Determining Your Ideal Bat Size

These tables are a general guide for determining which bat size an athlete needs. Both and Louisville Slugger suggest the following guidelines. When in doubt, it’s probably best to use a lighter bat, which will help with their bat speed and their ability to swing through the zone. Many kids think it’s cool to use the heavier bat, but this can harm mechanics and their own performance.

Please note – each age group and league (Rec/Select) have different rules and may require bats that conform or display certain certifications (BBCOR or BPF 1.15)

Weight: As a general rule, bigger, stronger players usually prefer a heavier bat for maximum power. Smaller players usually benefit from a lighter bat that allows greater bat speed. To determine the weight that’s right for you, swing a variety of bats and see how much weight you’re comfortable with. Length: Length and weight combine for peak performance. A longer bat gives you greater reach, allowing you to balls on the other side of the plate. But remember that a longer bat may be heavier, and the extra weight could slow you down. Like checking the weight, you need to swing bats of different lengths to decide what length best suits you. Determine Your Bat Weight: Bats are weighted in ounces. • Many bats have a weight-to-length ratio (drop ratio), shown as -4, -8, etc. For example, a 30-inch bat with a -8 ratio weighs 22 ounces. • Selecting the proper weight depends on two critical factors--your strength and your hitting style

Glove Sizing Determining Your Glove Size

This table is a general guide for determining which glove size an athlete needs. Level Age Position Glove Size T- 3 to 6 years old All Positions 8.5"-10" Youth 7 to 12 years old 1st Base 11.5"-12" Youth 7 to 12 years old 10.25"-11.5" Youth 7 to 12 years old 11.5"-12.25" Adult 12+ years old 1st Base 12"-13" Adult 12+ years old Infield 11.25"-12" Adult 12+ years old Outfield 12"-12.75"

Little League/Youth (age) • Youth models are smaller to help children maintain control • Avoid the urge to buy a bigger glove that your child will grow into • Children under the age of 8 should stick with a glove between 9 inches and 11 inches • Children from 8 to early teens should consider an 11-inch glove • Beginners also benefit from the added control that they get from smaller gloves

Infield Baseball Glove (position) • A five-fingered glove with a shallow pocket • A youth size is between 9 inches and 11 inches • For adults 10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches is the typical glove size • Softball infielder gloves have a deeper pocket to accept the bigger ball • Second basemen need a smaller glove to help make quick throws while still having control • Shortstops use something in the middle for grounders and quick throws • Third basemen need a larger glove

Outfield Baseball Glove (position) • Usually sized at 12 to 12 1/2 inches for adults and 11 inches for children • Has a deeper pocket to handle balls hit high in the air • Has a longer length to give as much reach as possible

First Base Baseball Glove or Mitt – note these are typically not used until age 9/10. • Has less padding than the 's mitt • Is longer to help the reach, scoop and throws from infielders • Has a shallow pocket that allows the first baseman to quickly retrieve the ball from the mitt

Catcher's Glove or Mitt (position) – Note every team age 7 and up is provided one catcher’s mitt by the league. • Is a fingerless mitt (does not have individual fingers) • Has heavy padding to reduce the sting from the 's throw • Is reinforced to withstand heavy use throughout a game