It is recommended players wear the proper footwear for baseball/softball which are cleats. Only Baseball Seniors 13-16 year old boys can wear metal cleats. All other levels must use molded plastic cleats.
Glove Break In
A often over looked piece in teaching a young player the game is proper glove break in. Too often we see a child show up at the first practice with a brand new mitt,stiff as a board. It is impossible for the player to be successfull in fielding with a glove that is not broken in. Check this link at the Justgloves web site for some great insight on proper break in. Do yourself and your player a favor and take the time to break in that new glove!! http://www.justballgloves.com/glove-resource-guide/breaking-in-a-glove/
Gloves
When properly adjusted, a glove should fit fairly snugly. Allow room for a batting glove. It is a good idea for most players to wear a batting glove inside their fielders glove to absorb moisture thus extending the life of the interior lining.
Age
Position
Glove Size
5-6
General
10 to 10 1/2 (youth model)
7-8
General
10 1/2 to 11 (youth model)
9-12
General
11 to 11 1/2 (youth model)
Junior/Senior
Infield
11 to 11 1/2
Junior/Senior
Outfield
12 to 12 1/2
Bats
Below is a rough guide for bat selection. It is simply a place to start and depends not only on the size of the player but the level of competition (better pitching may require a lighter bat). It is better to err on the light side rather than the heavy side. Today's power hitters in the major leagues use lighter bats than power hitters of yesterday.
