Essential Gear for T-Ball

Playing T-Ball requires specific gear designed to meet the needs of young athletes. Central to this gear are T-Ball bats which come in various sizes and weights. Other required items include balls, gloves, cleats, and protective gear. Certain positions also require specific gear that we will not mention in this blog, however these are usually only needed for older players.

Bats

Ideally, t-ball bats for players aged 4-8 years should be around 24 to 26 inches long. The length should be selected by your child’s height and arm strength. Entry-level t-ball bats typically cost between $30 to $70 and often come from popular manufacturers like Easton, Louisville Slugger, and Demarini.

When selecting a t-ball bat, look for models with a bat drop that allows for proper swing mechanics. A “Bat Drop” is denoted on the shaft or barrel of the bat. Bat drops vary but are usually “-10”, “-12” or “-14”. A lower bat drop will make the bat heavier, but may generate harder hits. A lighter bat will generally have a higher drop, which will increase a child’s bat swing speed which will also generate harder hits. In general, you want to pick a bat that fits your child’s needs best, no one bat is an end all be all.

The following information is not crucial that any one really understand, however bat weight is measured by the length of the bat, for example 24 inches, minus the bat drop. So if a 24 inch bat has a -10 drop printed on it…then its weight will be 14oz. Most t-ball bats should weigh between 13 to 20 ounces with a barrel width ranging from 2.25 to 2.5 inches.

It is critical to select bats that are USA Bat certified, as these are specifically designed for young players. Avoid using USSSA or BBCOR bats, which are intended for older leagues, as they do not meet the safety regulations for younger players. Many leagues will not allow the usage of USSSA or BBCOR and your team may be penalized if reported. When purchasing any bat, please be sure to check the barrel for the certification logo. USA bats will have a large USA logo on the shaft.

Gloves

In addition to bats, players need a glove sized appropriately for their hands—between 10 to 11 inches is ideal for t-ball players. Most T-Ball Gloves are pretty standard and generic, you really can’t go wrong so long as you don’t buy a position specific glove. Position specific gloves are made for older players that are specializing in a position. The top two name brands for gloves are Rawlings and Wilson, Mizuno is pretty good as well. There are some fancy custom gloves out there now such as 44, but these mainly appeal to older players as well. Also be sure to pick a glove that is suited to your child’s non dominant hand. What I mean by this is that kids who are right handed, wear the glove on their left hand. This frees their right hand up for throwing. Kids that are left handed, use gloves made for their right hand. Once again this is so that their dominant hand is free to throw a baseball.

T-Balls

When buying your player a few baseballs to practice with, be sure to buy T-Balls and not hard balls. T-Balls will say something like “Official T-Ball” or something denoting that its soft and not hard. T-Balls are softer and safer for small children. All balls are about $2 each, so try not to lose too many as it could get expensive.

Cleats

In terms of footwear, baseball cleats differ from those meant for football or soccer, offering better traction and support for the specific movements in baseball. The most distinguishable feature of baseball cleats are that the cleats have a tooth at the tip of the sole. Also be sure to buy your T-Baller molded cleats and not indoor turf or metal cleats. Hi tops can offer more support but are more cumbersome to run in. We tend to buy more low top style baseball cleats. Some of the more popular name brands include Nike, New Balance and Under Armor. Prices Range from $30-$85 or so..depending on the shoe size.

Protective Gear

Helmets are mandatory for batting and baserunning, however masks are usually optional. Masks can come already mounted on the helmet or purchased separately. If you buy one separately, be sure you get one that is compatible with your helmet. Other protective gear is available, but usually not necessary for T-Ballers. These include sliding mitts, thumb guards, ankle guards. Cups are also not mandatory in T-Ball, but they are always recommended.

Apparel and Clothing

Proper baseball apparel enhances comfort and performance. Players typically wear baseball pants or shorts pants. If you wear short pants be sure to also by long knee high socks. An athletic belt is recommended, there are many kits that contain a belt with matching socks for color themed uniforms. As for upper body, any T Shirt will do , but many kids will wear a dry fit shirt or a weather specific fabric. For example, in the winter if its cold our kids will wear a thicker, thermal shirt with a mock neck.

Miscellaneous Gear

Most or all baseball players also require a bat bag with which to transport all their gear. Backpack style bags are very popular as they can hook right onto a dugout fence. You can also get more formidable bags that roll for players that have a lot of gear. We usually opted for the smaller back pack bags when starting out.

Batting Gloves are not required, but you may purchase these if you wish. As per the name, batting gloves are worn only while batting. The are intended to protect your hands from blister and to help you get a better grip on the bat. In my experience the children forget they have them, struggle to put them on or flat out lose them within a week or two.