New Player "Must Haves!"
As a new player or parent of a new player, there is some basic equipment you should consider for your kids for both their safety and success as a player:
 | Bats Dont Buy a new composite bat before checking the official little league approved bats listing! |
 | Sliders Baseball "Slider" undergarments are a must for all players (Especially those divisions where the base stealing rule is in effect.) Recommended for boys and girls, they help to protect the hip and side of the thigh from abrasions during aggressive sliding to the bases. Some come equipped with a pocket for a protective cup for boys. You can find these at athletic suppliy stores like Dick's, Sports Authority, and online baseball/sports supply stores. |
 | Cleats Baseball cleats are a must for your new player. Although Nike is shown here, any brand is acceptable as long as the spikes are plastic (Exceptions: Junior level and up can have metal cleats). Sometimes kids expierince arch/heal sorness (Usually ages 10 years and up) . A tip here is to buy cleats 1/2 to a full size larger, and install arch support. (Like Dr. Scholls') Cleats have rigid soles (that are a must for baseball play) but can cause heel/arch pain for kids that spend allot of time in cleats. If this occurs with you child, have them wear their cleats only at practice and during games, and remove them immediately following to wear normal running shoes at all other times. |
 | Insulated Water Jug Often parents bring their kids with a small water bottle that is insufficient to make it through the day. You will need to have your kid bring AT LEAST 1 GALLON of water like this one. (Seen left) The insulated ( Not Thermos) ones like this a good as you can place the half filled container in the freezer the night before, then fill and bring to practice/game and have hours of cold water to stay hydrated on hot days. |
 | Fels-Naptha Showing "Luv" for you parents that have to wash the clothes! Fels-Naptha is one of the best pre-treaters you can use to effectively get out stubborn clay out of your kids baseball clothes. Just wet and use a small stiff brush on the stains, then wash as normal, and you should see great results! |
 | Padded Shirts Padded shirts area great tool for young players as they build confidence in attacking hard hit gound balls and act as additional protection from taking pitches |
 | Helmets Helmets are required at all levels of little league play. Facemasks are required for levels below Majors. |