Ultimate Guide to Youth Baseball Equipment: What You Really Need

As a parent and a coach, I've seen the excitement in a kid's eyes when they step onto the baseball diamond for the first time. The smell of fresh-cut grass, the crack of the bat, and the cheers from the stands—it's a magical experience. But I've also seen the dread of the parents as they start to realize what an investment youth baseball equipment can be. You look around and see all the expensive bats, gear, and gizmos. It can be overwhelming.

If you hang around the ball fields long enough, you will see everything from people using hand-me-down equipment to spending thousands of dollars to ensure their child has every “advantage” possible. I tend to err on the cheap side but I won’t let my bias for cheap gear affect those of you who want to spend a little more.

In this article, I am going to break down what you really need and some of the things that you could also purchase to help your child's development. Whether you're a parent or a coach (or both, like me), this guide will help you make informed decisions about what you really need.

Youth Baseball Equipment Must-Haves

Youth Baseball Gloves

Gloves are an obvious must-have but how do you tell the difference between those really expensive gloves and the cheap ones at Walmart?

Material: Leather gloves are the go-to. They last longer and provide a better feel for the ball. Sure, synthetic gloves are cheaper, but they wear out faster and could end up costing you more in the long run. There are a variety of things that impact the cost of leather baseball gloves like the type of leather, craftsmanship, brand, customization, etc.

Size: When my son first started playing, we made the rookie mistake of buying a glove that he'd "grow into." Big mistake. A glove that's too big or too small will mess with a player's ability to catch, causing unnecessary frustration. Make sure the glove fits snugly, offering just enough room for a little growth. Here is a good size chart from Rawlings:

Position-Specific: Specialized gloves can be a game-changer as players start to focus on specific positions. Catcher's mitts, for example, are designed to handle fast pitches, while infield gloves are generally smaller for quick plays.

If your child is just getting started, don’t worry about a specialty glove. I even see some of the more experienced players buying gloves I don’t think they really need yet (does every kid that plays first base really need a first base mitt? I don’t think so.)

As your child improves and starts to commit to specific positions, you will want to look at the glove matching the position. For example; my son plays a lot of outfield and 3rd base, so we go with larger gloves.

Youth Baseball Glove Recommendations

While the glove is obviously a critical component of playing baseball, if your son is just getting started, you can go with a budget option from a large dept store or from a used sports store like Play it Again Sports. Just make sure it fits well and is not so cheap it will fall apart when he is catching a ball. You are going to need plenty of gloves along the way so no need to break the bank on the first one.

As your child ages and takes an interest, you should start to improve the quality of the glove. If he is on a team where he will be playing a variety of positions (like rec ball), then you can still find a “middle of the road” glove for less than $50 until he develops a specialty position. We used this glove for three years with no issues and he plays at a high level. I would roll my eyes when I see kids that can’t catch rocking a $150 glove that they will never use again.

Once your child has clearly “landed” at a position, buy him a quality glove that will last several years. I just recently retired one glove that was over 20 years old. With relacing and maintenance, quality gloves can last a long time.

Buying Youth Baseball Bats

Ah, the bat—a symbol of baseball itself. But not all bats are created equal, and the right one can make a significant difference in a young player's game.

Material: Metal bats are the obvious choice for younger players. They're lighter, easier to swing, and less expensive than their wooden counterparts. There are three types of metal bats - composite, alloy, and hybrid.

Alloy bats are constructed with a one-piece design out of aluminum or aluminum that is mixed with other metals to make a stronger product. The advantage of this strength is that it allows alloy bats can have thinner, more responsive barrel walls.

Composite bats, on the other hand, are made out of a mixture of carbon fiber, graphite, fiberglass, and sometimes Kevlar.

Hybrid bats feature a two-piece design in which an alloy barrel is bonded to a composite handle. This makes the handle lighter and allows the alloy barrel to be made longer than on a traditional alloy bat.

Length & Weight: There's a science to picking the right bat size, and it's not to be overlooked. A bat that's too long or heavy can hinder swing speed and control. Consult sizing charts and, if possible, let your child test out a few different bats. Your child’s strength, size, and physical ability

League Requirements: I've seen kids show up with bats that aren't allowed in certain leagues. Always check the rules to avoid any game-day disappointments. USA and USSSA bats are the normal for youth baseball (after tee ball) but you may be required to use a BBCOR bat as your child ages. Always know before you buy.

Youth Baseball Cleats

Your child will need cleats to help them run without slipping and sliding all around. This is another area where I try to keep it on the cheaper end. Kids outgrow them quickly and there is very little difference in performance between the pairs until you are performing at a high level.

I have never paid more than $35 dollars for a pair of brand-new, youth cleats. We simply hunt for a deal and then buy whatever is on sale. Dicks Sporting Goods almost always has at least one pair of Nike, Adidas, or Under Armour cleats on sale at any given time. If you have brand loyalty, you could end up paying for that. My mindset is if they are a good quality brand and on sale, I will buy them. I see kids walking around in $125 cleats that they will outgrow in one season. That math doesn’t work for me.

That is the equipment you absolutely need. Let’s take a look at some of the other things you could buy.

Buying a Youth Baseball Helmet

First things first, let's talk about fit. You want a helmet that's snug but not too tight. Most helmets come with sizing charts, so measure your child's head circumference and compare it to the chart. Some helmets even have adjustable padding or straps, which can be a game-changer for growing kids. A good test is to have your child shake their head; the helmet should stay in place without sliding around.

Next up, let's chat about protection and durability. Look for a helmet that meets NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) standards. This ensures that the helmet has undergone rigorous testing for safety. Materials matter too; go for a helmet made from impact-resistant polycarbonate or a similar material. Some helmets also offer additional features like face guards or jaw protection, so consider those based on the position your child plays.

Last but not least, style and comfort. Kids are more likely to wear something they think looks cool, so let them have a say in the color or design. Ventilation is key as well; you don't want them sweating buckets under there. Look for helmets with air vents or moisture-wicking liners.

Optional Equipment:

Buying a baseball bat bag

This is probably the closest thing to mandatory of all the optional items. Toting around baseball gear can be a pain without a bag. Luckily you can easily get used ones for free or cheap on Facebook Marketplace or you can spring for a good one. These can be both utilitarian and fashion pieces. As you can probably guess by now, I opt for utilitarian.

Do you need batting gloves?

Many would argue that these are mandatory. I never wore them and my son doesn’t either. We are in the minority. Many people like them for both the comfort and helping with the bar vibration. Here is a good breakdown of which gloves to choose.

Youth baseball catchers' gear

I didn’t need catchers’ gear for the first few years because I coached and the league always gave us a set. Once my son started playing travel ball and wanted to get better, I got a set. I was able to find a hand-me-down from someone else in the league whose son outgrew his. Shout out to Dave B :).

Youth first base glove

If your son is showing interest, has the skill, and the build for first base then this may be a good investment. We have always had someone on the team with one and will sometimes pass it around.

There are a million different doodads and pieces of training gear you can buy these days. I have wasted hundreds of dollars on them. My only advice here would be to buy something if you think it solves a problem or substantially improves skill. There is no worse feeling than throwing away or giving away a bunch of equipment that you barely used.

Do you need a batting tee for youth baseball?

You could also make an argument that a tee is mandatory. Tee work is where great hitters are made.

Practice net for hitting/ throwing

Having a net to hit off the tee into is a great way to be able to put work in no matter the size of the space. You can use these in a garage. They are so efficient. A great investment. I still have the same one I bought on Amazon for $40 four years ago.

Bonus Tip: Many people are willing to give away that old gear to get it out of their garage. Don’t be scared to ask friends, family, or even post on social media your need for equipment. I have been given and given away, thousands of dollars of baseball gear.

Well, there you have it. That is a breakdown of all the baseball gear you will need for your youth baseball season. Put anything you would add in the comments below.