Equipment Used for Softball

Softball is a team sport that has become very popular in the United States and is a related closely to baseball. It is a game that requires a number of different pieces of equipment. Whether it is for hitting, fielding, running or safety, softball is a demanding sport when speaking of equipment. The equipment varies in price, depending on the type of accessory being purchased.

  1. Bat

    • To be an effective hitter, use a bat that is best for your swing. Not every bat will be beneficial for everyone because many athletes have different swinging mechanics. A normal bat will cost between $200 to $400. Some brand names that are more popular are Louisville Slugger, Mizuno, Easton and Mattingly, according to Batreviews.com. In softball, a wooden bat is not allowed.

    Cleats

    • Not only required for softball, cleats are very beneficial when trying to start, stop or turn quickly on the dirt in the infield. Cleats are shoes that include plastic or metal grips or spikes on the soles. Be sure to check with your league or coach to see if metal cleats are permissible. These are sold at most shoe stores and generally cost between $50 and $200.

    Glove

    • When catching a ball at first base, running for a pop fly, or taking an infield grounder, a softball glove is a necessity for success in the game. Costing anywhere between $50 and $200 for a good glove, Louisville TPS, Wilson or Easton may be the brands to select, according to Softballequipment.com. If you are a catcher, though, you need to purchase a different type of glove that has more padding and is usually a little more expensive.

    Batting Helmet

    • When participating in an athletic event, the safety of the athlete is something that could be easily overlooked. According to Training-Conditioning.com, there are more than 60,000 injuries a year from softball, with the most common injury resulting from being hit by the ball. An effective and safe batting helmet can significantly reduce the severity of a head injury if hit with the ball on a pitch. Batting helmets generally start at around $12 to $15.

    Ball

    • The most obvious piece of equipment required for softball is the ball itself. The size of the ball is different, depending on the classification of the play; however, they are mainly sized at a circumference of 12 inches. Most balls are white, with a red seam that is raised to assist in throwing.