Balance - most youth bats are "balanced" meaning the weight is balanced along the length.  Some are "end loaded" to varying degrees.  End loaded bats are for power hitters who are very strong and are not ideal for most players.  A bat's description will often state which it is, but if you are unsure then the detailed description on a website like justbats.com will usually inform you.

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Barrel Size - can be 2 1/4, 2 1/2, or 2 5/8 inch.  Generally, the larger the barrel the greater the hitting area and slightly increased chances to make solid contact.

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Materials - Bats can be constructed of metal alloy, composites, wood, and even bamboo.  Some bats have a composite handle and a metal barrel.  In general, metal bats are ready to provide maximum performance right out of the wrapper while composite bats often need a 100 or more hits in practice to break in and perform best.  Notably, composite bats can break when used below 60 degrees (cold weather makes the ball less elastic).

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Graphics - Players often choose bats based on how they look, which is fine as long as the bat is the proper length, weight, and balance for them.

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GLOVE

Every player must wear a glove when playing in the field.  Players wear a glove on their non-throwing hand.  The type of glove depends on a player's position, preferences, age, size, and ability.  A glove can cost as little as $20 to as much as $500 or more.  There is no need to buy an expensive glove for a youth player, especially since they often must be replaced each year as the player grows.  Plus, higher end gloves use thicker leather that is more difficult to close and requires extensive break-in, while inexpensive youth gloves are often "game ready" when you buy them.

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Type - Size is measured in inches, but advanced gloves are smaller for the infield and pitchers but larger for outfielders.  There are specialty gloves for first base (not really necessary for recreational baseball) and for catchers.  Leagues usually provide each team with a catcher's mitt.  For most recreational players, a general purpose, multi-position glove is best.  The webbing can be closed (solid), H or T post, or basket weave.  None is better than the others; it's personal preference.  Pitchers tend to prefer solid webbing to obscure the ball, while outfields tend to prefer post styles so they can use their glove to shade the sun but still see the ball.  Infielder preference varies.

 

Size - the player should be able to put their hand into the glove down to their wrist so you know it isn't too small, and the knuckles on their hand should be inside the glove so you know it isn't too big.  They should be able to close the glove easily to make catches.

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Break-in - Unless your player is advanced, avoid gloves that require a long break-in period.  Never steam a glove, instead apply a light coat of glove oil ($5 or so) then pound a ball into the pocket repeatedly.  Play catch and repeat this process until the glove is easy to close.  Keep the glove out of the rain when not playing and it's a good idea to keep a baseball in the pocket to help the glove retain its shape.
 

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CLEATS

We recommend rubber cleats (metal and hard plastic are not allowed), but sneakers are permitted.  Cleats generally provide better traction on dirt, grass, and mud and may have thicker, more rugged uppers for better protection if hit by a ball.  Players should be careful and not run when wearing cleats on hard surfaces (sidewalks, asphalt, concrete, etc.) because they can have significantly less traction.  Fit matters far more than looks, color, brand, or style.

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PANTS

Baseball pants come in two styles; full length and knicker (just below the knee).  Neither is better; it's personal preference.  Full length baseball pants extend to the ankles and may have elastic at the bottom or not.  Knickers extend just below the knee with elastic around the leg bottoms to hold them in place, and require knee length socks.  Players can wear any color pants and for games but gray is our league standard (generally easier to get out the infield dirt stains or not show them as much).

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OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT & PROTECTIVE GEAR

This list includes some optional equipment and protective gear, but it is not intended to be comprehensive or provide recommendations.  If a parent choses to have their child use any equipment or protective gear beyond that required by NPBB, then the league and coaches are not responsible for ensuring that any player uses that equipment at any time.

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EQUIPMENT BAG or BAT BAG

There are a wide variety of baseball bags, and in the high school and college levels some players even prefer using an ordinary gym bag.  Catchers generally use larger bags with wheels because they have more gear.  Although bags with wheels seem like a good option, they can be difficult to pull over grass or rough ground especially by younger players.  Backpack bags with a sleeve for a bat and pouch for a water bottle are a good option.

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SLIDING SHORTS

Compression shorts with pads on the sides, worn under baseball pants, and designed to protect against abrasion when sliding.  Some have a pouch for a protective cup.  They can be worn in place of other underwear or shorts.  They often retail for $20-$40 but can be found online for $10 or less.

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CHEEK GUARD OR FACE MASK

Cheek guards and face masks screw into screw holes on helmets to provide additional protection.  Some helmets come with a guard or mask preinstalled.  Cheek guards cover the side of the player's face that faces the pitcher while a face mask covers the entire face.

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MOUTH GUARD

A moldable rubber mouth guard (usually only a few dollars, although advance models can be much more expensive) worn when in the field and batting may protect against mouth/teeth damage if a player is by the ball or anything else.  Some studies suggest a properly fitted mouth guard can also reduce the risk or severity of concussions from an impact.  Players should have something, as simple as a ziplock bag, to keep the mouth guard clean in the bag between uses.  We recommend all players wear a mouthgard, especially when batting and playing infield.

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PROTECTIVE CUP

A hard plastic cup worn over the groin to protect against impacts.  It typically has foam around the edges for comfort.  It is often worn inside the specifically designed pouch in athletic compression shorts or baseball sliding shorts.  We recommend that all players wear a protective cup, but it is required when playing the catcher position.

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SHIN GUARDS

Some players gain confidence by wearing soccer style shin guards under their uniform pants or long socks.  Their fear of being hit by ground balls diminishes, and that can be a key to improved performance and fun.  Plus, no one even realizes the player is wearing them.  They can also add some extra protection when fielding, pitching, or batting.

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BATTING GLOVES

These are thin leather or man-made material (sort of like driving gloves) usually with velcro on the wrists to adjust fit.  Players often like to wear them because many professional players do.  Batting gloves can make it more difficult for young players to grip the bat firmly enough, but they do protect hands if the player is hit by a pitch (especially from being cut by the ball's seams).

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INSIDE THE HAT HEAD GUARD

A thin liner for a player's hat, typically worn by pitchers to protect against an unexpected line drive hit back at them.  Studies suggest this type of protection may reduce the severity of injury from impact.  We recommend that all players wear this protection when pitching.

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ELBOW GUARD

Elbow guards can protect a player's arm that faces the pitcher while batting, and give the player added confidence via lessened fear of being hit by a pitch.

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PADDED SHIRT

Padded shirts are made for football players, including youth players, but some baseball players use them to lessen the impact of being hit by a pitch.  However, on hot or humid days they can be uncomfortable.