NEW FAMILIES

 

The documents below provide some guidelines on appropriate equipment for different age groups. Softball can be an equipment-intensive sport, but costs can be managed and there is no need to overspend on the hottest new thing, especially early in a player’s career.

You can often find acceptable used gear on Craigslist and the league may host an equipment swap on Skills Day at the beginning of the season. Borrowed gear is fine to get through Skills Day.

Every player will need at a minimum a fielding/defensive face mask, glove, cleats, and batting helmet with a facemask.

Bats can be shared, especially at the younger ages and many coaches will have an extra one so this purchase can typically be postponed for younger players.

If you have any questions on equipment, reach out to a board member and we can help point you in the right direction.

Bat Selection

Ideally, every player will have their own bat but it isn’t necessary at the younger ages (6U and 8U – new 10U players). Bats can be shared. You can spend as little as $20 or as much as $400. In general, those expensive high-end bats are of no value in 8U and really aren’t much more help at 10U. The players simply don’t swing hard enough and the balls are softer to take advantage of the “pop” built into premium bats.

As kids grow and compete at higher levels, more expensive equipment can help but never more than practice and higher skills. The best hitter will outperform with lower-quality equipment. It’s the carpenter, not the tools.

No matter what age or skill level you’re shopping for, don’t buy a baseball bat. Fastpitch and baseball bats are not the same.

In order to be legal for use, a fastpitch bat must display one of the following certification stamps.

  

 

 

 

This is a requirement from 10U up for BGS rec play and for ALL AGES in interleague or All-Star play. Non-certified bats will likely be removed from play by the umpire. If buying used, there is a rare possibility of obtaining a bat with these stamps that is still non-approved. You can check the USA Softball Equipment webpage if you have any concerns.

BGS typically makes an exception to the certification requirement in the 8U division as it can sometimes be difficult to get a light enough bat for younger, smaller players and non-approved tee-ball bats can be found in lighter weights that are better for their development. Understand that exception may not be honored if playing in other leagues, such as during fall ball, and is definitely not approved for All-Stars. There are no requirements enforced for 6U.  

Bat length and weight is a very personal choice. In general, it is better to have a bat that is too light than too heavy which can negatively impact the swing, develop bad habits, and lead to poor success at the plate.

Some additional info on bat selection can be found at the following link.

https://www.slugger.com/en-us/how-to-choose-a-bat/fastpitch