Redondo Beach Little League

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Equipment Guide

Below is a list of baseball equipment, both what you need to play a game and some optional items that are either helpful or just fun!

Baseball can feel like an equipment heavy sport, but in it's purest form you really only need a glove, a ball, and a bat. We do need a little more to play on an organized team, like a helmet, a cup, and some cleats. We like to be safe while we're having fun.

Most players will have all of their own equipment so they can practice at home. And if you poke around a bit you can find most of the equipment at reasonable prices. There is no need to spend tons of money on the newest, fanciest equipment. You can find most stuff at Dicks or Big 5. There is also a great used equipment shop in Torrance called in Play It Again Sports. Some baseball equipment, like gloves, can be BETTER when they are good and broken in. You can also buy online at Amazon, baseballsavings.com, epicsports.com, and justgloves.com.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the equipment ([email protected])

Required Equipment

Glove:

A glove is the one piece of equipment truly required for any and all players. The most important aspect of the glove is being well broken in with a decent pocket. We recommend getting a bigger glove than you think, even for young players.

We recommend at a minimum a 10.5” glove, even for Tee Ball players (4-5 years old). Rookie players (5-6 years old) will start using larger gloves as they become more comfortable catching. Stronger players will quickly advance to 11.0"-11.5" gloves.

Double A players and above (8+ years old) will typically have gloves that are 11" and larger. Make sure the glove is well broken in or conditioned, so the player is able to squeeze it.

Cleats:

Cleats are recommended for all divisions.

Rubber-soled or rubber-cleated shoes are permitted. Metal cleats are prohibited for all divisions, with the exception of Juniors and Seniors.

Bat:

All bats must have the USABat licensing stamp on it to be used in Little League.

Tee Ball bats may be used in the Tee Ball and Rookie Divisions (typically 24”-26” bats). Regular baseball bats must be used starting in the Single A divisions and above (typically 27” to 32” bats).

Pay attention to:
1. the weight of the bat
2. the length of the bat
and 3. the barrel diameter of the bat.

2 5/8" is the maximum barrel size allowed on a USA Bat and most stronger players will want those big barrel bats.

For the youngest players, you may want to go as light as possible, but as the kids approach Single A age they should be ready to swing a 27" bat or bigger (typically 17oz or more). There are very few bats shorter than 27" that are legal in Single A baseball.

The key is to have a bat that a player can consistently swing level. If a bat is too heavy, the barrel with drop and it will be harder for the player to make consistent contact.

Regardless, the bat must have the USABat licensing stamp.

More details, including a list of some disqualified bats, are available on the detailed rules for each division and at usabat.com.

Batting Helmet:

Each player is required to have their own baseball batting helmet. The helmet needs to be a proper baseball helmet (not a helmet repurposed from another sport). The use of face masks and jaw guards on protective head gear is not required, but it is recommended for additional safety, especially in our older divisions with live pitching (Double A and above).

Face masks and jaw guards must be factory installed.

Cup:

A protective cup is required for all male players starting at Single A division and above. Female players are not required to wear a protective cup.

Uniform:

RBLL will provide each player with a team jersey and hat. Players are responsible for purchasing their own pants, belts, and socks. Please hold off on purchasing baseball pants, belt, and socks until team names and uniform colors have been determined. Your manager/head coach will be in touch a few weeks before the season starts with details about the uniform colors and recommended style/color for pants, belt, and socks.