Practical Advice for Sports Families

The Gear Guide

What your player needs, what coaches recommend, and where families can save money without holding an athlete back.

Baseball

Baseball Ready Checklist

Players do not need premium equipment on day one. Start with safe, properly sized gear that matches league rules and the player’s current stage.

Must Haves

  • Baseballs—ideally one dozen
  • Properly fitting baseball glove
  • Correctly sized, league-approved bat
  • Batting helmet
  • Bag that carries two bats
  • Sliding shorts
  • Team hat, if one is not provided
  • Sunscreen
  • Large water jug for summer tournaments

Coach Recommended

  • Hitting net
  • Adjustable tee
  • Rubber home plate
  • Sunglasses
  • Cold-weather bat when protecting a composite bat
  • Eye black
  • Glove conditioner
  • Batting gloves
  • Practice or ball bucket
Coach’s tip: Seasons one and two should be about affordable equipment that fits. Around season three, families can start considering a better glove based on the player’s primary position.
Softball

Softball Ready Checklist

Softball players need many of the same training basics as baseball players, with important safety additions such as a helmet facemask and fielder’s mask.

Must Haves

  • Softballs—ideally one dozen
  • Properly fitting softball glove
  • Correctly sized, league-approved bat
  • Batting helmet with facemask
  • Fielder’s mask
  • Sliding shorts
  • Bag that carries two bats
  • Sunscreen
  • Large water jug for summer tournaments

Coach Recommended

  • Hitting net
  • Adjustable tee
  • Rubber home plate
  • Visor for older outfielders, usually ages 11+
  • Sunglasses
  • Cold-weather bat when protecting a composite bat
  • Eye black and batting gloves
  • Glove conditioner
  • Extra hair ties
Coach’s tip: Catchers should use a catcher’s mitt. Once a player develops a primary position, the glove should begin matching that role.
Junior Golf

Junior Golf Ready Checklist

The most common equipment mistake in junior golf is using clubs that are too long, too heavy, or not designed for a young player.

Must Haves

  • Properly fitting junior golf clubs
  • Driver
  • 7 iron
  • 9 iron
  • Wedge
  • Putter
  • Carry or stand bag
  • Golf balls
  • Tees

Coach Recommended

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or visor
  • Metal water bottle
  • Tennis shoes or golf shoes
  • Golf glove
  • Golf towel
  • Ball marker
  • Divot repair tool for older players
Coach’s tip: Skip Crocs and sandals for golf. Kids need shoes that let them move, rotate, and stay balanced.
Spend Where It Matters

Don't Waste Your Money

The best equipment fits the player’s age, size, experience, commitment level, and league—not the largest price tag.

Baseball

Start Smart

A first-year player needs a properly sized, league-approved bat—not necessarily the newest premium model.

Softball

Fit First

A glove that fits the player and position matters more than the flashiest option on the shelf.

Junior Golf

No Cut-Down Adult Clubs

Cut-down adult clubs are usually still too heavy. Proper junior clubs make a meaningful difference.

Ready to See Our Picks?

Visit the Equipment Rack for current coach-recommended bats, gloves, junior clubs, and training aids.

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