Fast Facts: Baseball Gear Buying Guide
Whether you're new to the sport or you just need some guidance on how to buy the best baseball gear for you, here are some quick tips to put you on the right track. The two most important pieces of equipment in baseball are your bat and your glove. Read on to learn more about bat and glove sizing, as well as to find answers to some frequently asked questions.
How to Size a Baseball Glove
If you're unsure what the correct size baseball glove is for you, here are a few tips for how to measure a glove.
For starters, it's important to note that glove sizes are listed in inches. You can usually find the size of a glove etched into the leather on the thumb or pinky finger of a glove. If the size isn't visible on the glove, you can always measure its length to manually determine the size. Using a flexible tape measure, measure the glove from the tip of the index finger to the bottom of the glove’s heel. The tape measure should be touching the glove at all times.
Baseball Glove Web Types
Glove webbing is unique to every baseball glove, and it’s important to figure out which style of webbing you prefer. Outside of personal preference, your position on the field will dictate which style of webbing might work best for you. Here is a brief overview of the main types of glove webs:
- I-web: This is a pretty open style of glove webbing, and it’s a preferred choice of many infielders (specifically, second basemen and shortstops).
- H-web: Also known as a dual post web, this style of webbing is usually best suited for outfielders and third basemen.
- Closed/basket web: This style tends to be popular among pitchers and catchers. Closed webs are completely closed (hence the name), making them great for concealing the ball.
- Trapeze web: MLB superstar Mike Trout is known for using a trapeze web. This style is ideal for outfielders because it allows for a deep pocket.
- Modified Trapeze Web: This style can be used by a variety of positions, including infielders, outfielders and pitchers. The main difference between a modified trapeze web and a standard trapeze web is the addition of a strip of leather across the top of the web.
How to Size a Baseball Bat
Stand with one arm by your side, and the other outstretched in front of you at a 90 degree angle. Then, measure the distance (in inches) between the center of your chest and your index finger using a tape measure. Compare the measurement you get to a bat sizing chart.
What is bat drop?
Bat weight is determined by what’s called a “drop,” which is the difference between a bat’s length and its weight. The equation to determine bat drop is:
(Bat length in inches) - (bat weight in ounces) = Drop weight
So, for example, a bat that measures 32 inches in length and weighs 22 ounces has a drop weight of -10. The bigger the drop weight, the lighter the bat. Depending on what league you're in, it’s important to know what the regulations are for how light or heavy your bat is allowed to be.
What is BBCOR?
BBCOR stands for “Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution.” It’s a classification of bat, mainly used at higher levels of the game (namely high school and collegiate). BBCOR certification was invented to enhance the safety of the game. Essentially, bats did not used to be regulated for how they performed once they were broken in. If a bat started to get too “hot,” to the point where it was creating dangerous situations for pitchers and fielders alike, there was no way to regulate whether or not a bat should be deemed “illegal” to use.
