Get an edge on the field with our complete Pro Tips baseball checklist and equipment guide.
Prepping for baseball season? There are a few essentials you’ll need for practice or play. Consult this Pro Tips baseball checklist for a complete guide to the gear you’ll need this season.
Start off with your baseball bat — whether it be youth, big-barrel or BBCOR. Before selecting your bat, be sure to consult with league guidelines. Players at the NFHS or NCAA level require a BBCOR-certified bat, for example. Players in little league and younger age groups require a Bat Performance Factor of 1.15.
Next, use our guide to buying baseball gloves to find the right mitt for your position and playing style. For practice, you’ll need extra baseballs, a ball bucket and baseball swing trainers.
Suit up with athletic cups, face guards and mouthguards. Batting helmets should meet league and National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment guidelines.
Look the part with baseball pants, practice shirts and jerseys, ball caps and compression gear. And don’t forget about footwear — get a grip on the field with our video on purchasing the right pair of baseball cleats.
We consulted a variety of specialists, including an experienced coach, a former player and our in-house experts to craft this thorough list. Their advice? Don’t get overwhelmed by the amount of items! Choose what’s appropriate for your player, their age and their skill level. Start with the basics and then invest in additional gear as needed based on your league and needs. We even have some Pro Tips from travel baseball parents who work right here at DICK'S!
Start with the basics you'll need (and may be required by the league) for your upcoming season, whether you're a beginner or a varsity player!
Check the barrel stamp to ensure you are buying the right bat! USA bats are approved for Little League and Tee Ball. Players cannot use USSSA bats in USA certified leagues, whether it be youth, big-barrel or BBCOR. Before selecting your bat, be sure to consult with league guidelines. Players at the NFHS or NCAA level require a BBCOR-certified bat, for example. Players in little league and younger age groups require a Bat Performance Factor of 1.15.
Many youth gloves are designated as "utility" or "all-purpose," as players younger than the age of 10 likely don't yet have a primary position. No matter what level of skill, every player needs a glove that fits well.
Never purchase a bigger helmet to grow into. Your head does not grow much past age 10. An ill-fitting helmet can lead to injury!
Metal cleats are not allowed in youth leagues! Stick with rubber, turf or TPU cleats.
There are different styles to choose from based on your player's preference! Explore convenient "pull up" styles, full-length fits or old-school knicker styles.
This gear won't be necessary for every player, depending on their position, or if their league provides these items for shared use.
Double up! Some leagues require chest protection for both practice and games; having more than one option will cut back on laundry.
Some helmets come pre-attached with a facemask or jaw guard, while others do not and can be added separately. Batting helmets should meet league and National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment guidelines.
Shop Youth Helmets & Attachments
Some catchers prefer to buy their gear in separates, but a pre-packaged boxed set is a great value option for youth players.
Get young players used to wearing protective gear, such as mouthguards and cups, early.
These add-ons are not a requirement to hit the diamond, but may help improve confidence at the plate and in the field.
Bat packs are a versatile option for most youth players, while some postions, for example, catchers, may need a little more room and a wheeled option to accommodate their gear.
We offer a variety of color options to match your team!
Double up! Save on laundry and have a few pairs in your rotation.
PRO TIP: “Cannot stress this enough — multiple pairs of socks and an extra bat at all times. You never know what kids may need when they show up to the field. ” – Melissa P., Travel Baseball Mom and Category Merchant at DICK’S Sporting Goods
Have both a short sleeve and long sleeve option on hand! Look for tees with moisture-wicking benefits for added comfort while training.
Beginner baseball players may benefit from using raised-seam baseballs to add more grip. For practice you may also want a ball bucket.
Wearing batting gloves can help improve the grip on a bat and reduce the negative effects of perspiration on a player’s hands.
Sunglasses add style to your game, but more importantly, help to improve visibility on the field.
Extra padding under uniform pants can help provide confidence when sliding.
An elbow guard and leg guard may help protect against errant pitches that can keep you out of the game. Plus, you can look like your favorite MLB stars!
Great for practice and warm-ups to keep you warm while not restricting arm mobility.
Sliding mitts offer both top-hand protection from a defender's cleats as well as wrist padding to help players slide with confidence.
Designed to be lightweight, yet help offer an extra layer of facial and dental protection for fielders.
Explore a variety of colors to combine functionality and style to your game.
Bat grips let you personalize the look of a bat while also helping extend its life with improved grip.
Arm sleeves can help enhance blood flow and circulation during play. Consider one for their throwing arm!
Glove oils and conditioners help keep glovea in tip-top shape and get gloves in game-ready condition faster.
Hydration is key! Squeeze bottles may be best for a dirty dugout vs. a straw.
Explore training aids that your player can use at home to keep to keep your game in tip-top shape all season long. For more tips on training aids and how they can improve your game, visit our Buying Guide.
Most tees are adjustable in height to practice both low and high pitches.
Use the target to practice throwing and pitching. Rebounders also offer fielding practice to catch a ball at multiple angles.
Most batting nets and screens are foldable and portable to allow players to practice their skills anywhere, any time.
Training mitts or "pancake mitts" are a great tool for players of all ages to field grounders with confidence.
Some training balls are smaller than a regular ball to help improve contact on the ball, while others may be weighted to add power to their swing.
Hitting sticks and swing trainers aim to improve your batting technique to make better contact or add more power to your swing.
Wood bats aren't just for the pros! Training early with a wood bat is a great way for young players to develop their swing and build good habits from the start.
Look for a compatible ball feeder to assist solo training.
Some batting cages offer a lower profile size of 30' or less, designed for use in your own backyard.
A barrel weight, shaped like a donut or sleeve, adds extra mass to the bat to help players focus on hitting mechanics while working on swing speed and strength.
These can help athletes develop endurance and strengthen key muscle groups in their throwing arm and shoulder.
Inspire a love of the game with coaching accessories and tools to bring the best out in your young players, as well as essential sideline gear to cheer on your biggest fans.
DICK'S offers a variety of tools for coaches (and parents!), including scorebooks, lineup cards, L-screens and ball buckets.
Manage your team's schedule and roster, as well as live-stream games.
Stay hydrated with favorites from YETI, Stanley, Hydro Flask and more great brands!
Consider a "rocker" style chair to stay comfortable on the sidelines.
PRO TIP: “As a travel baseball mom, I realized that siblings spend so many hours sitting at the field that they deserve a nice chair. I bought my daughter the Kings River Swing Lounger chair and it was the best purchase ever! It is so comfy and has become a fun conversation piece at every tournament when people see her lounging in it. Everyone asks where we got it!” – Melissa P., Travel Baseball Mom and Category Merchant at DICK’S Sporting Goods
A convenient way to tote all your gear to and from the ballpark with ease.
Protect yourself from the elements with wearable rain gear and umbrellas. Ponchos are a great compact option to stash in your cooler bag.
Don't forget to reapply!
Keep this stashed in your car or your wagon.
Stay prepared when there is no shade shelter at the field or the rain won't stop!
Summer ball calls for cold beverages. Some coolers come equipped with built-in wheels for easy transportation.
Buy in bulk! And bring a grocery bag to stash all your empty wrappers to help keep our planet clean.
Show your love of the diamond life off the field with tees, hats and tops from baseball's best brands.
Check for touch-screen compatible gloves to ensure you can stay up to date on your GameChanger app during the game.
