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Baseball
Related Questions |
| Q. | How do I know which glove to buy ? | | A. | Determine the glove that best suits your fielding position
Gloves are made to better help you field your position. A key element in determining the size mitt you buy is the position you play in the field.
Catcher
-A fingerless mitt (it does not have individual fingers).
-Has heavy padding to reduce the sting from the pitcher's throw.
-Reinforced to withstand the heavy use throughout a game.
First base:
Also resembles a mitten, but has less padding than the catcher's mitt. It is longer to help the first baseman field throws from infielders. A shallow pocket allows the first baseman to quickly retrieve the ball from the mitt.
Infield:
-A five-fingered glove with a shallow pocket.
-A youth size is between 9 - 11 inches.
-Adults 10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inch is the typical baseball size.
-Softball infielder gloves have a deeper pocket to accept the bigger ball.
-Second basemen need a smaller glove to help make those quick throws while still having control.
-Shortstops use something in the middle for grounders and quick throws.
-Third basemen need a larger glove.
Outfield:
-Usually sized at 12 to12 1/2-inches for adults, about 11 inches for children.
-A deeper pocket to handle balls hit high in the air.
-Longer length to give as much reach as possible.
-If you plan to play several positions, find a glove that provides the most control for a variety of outfield
positions
Softball gloves:
-Generally larger both in the pocket and length to help players handle the larger ball
-If you play both baseball and softball, and you only want to buy one glove, select a softball glove
Construction:
Pocket:
-The size of the pocket depends on your position.
-Shallow pockets really help middle infielders quickly grab the ball and throw.
-Deeper pockets help outfielders shag down fly balls.
-Softer players also need a bigger pocket to catch the bigger ball.
Webbing:
-Different styles of webbing are available to either help you better field your position or to fit your preferences.
-A closed web is preferred for pitchers who want to hide the ball from the batter.
-Outfielders and third basemen like the extra support from a closed web.
-An open web helps middle infielders get the ball out of their gloves quicker to make throws.
Backs:
-There are two choices of backs, open or closed.
-The type of back is matter of personal preference, but some styles fit some positions better.
-The open back leaves a space open across the glove's back.
-Middle infielders prefer this for the flexibility.
-Outfielders prefer a closed back with a "finger hole" for extra support.
Wrist adjustment:
-Gloves come with an adjustment to keep it snug. Not all gloves have these "fit systems."
-A D-ring fastener allows you to pull on the lacing and make the glove tighter or looser
-A Velcro fastener although it may wear quicker, offers convenience of pulling and adjusting to fit your comfort level.
Padding:
-The amount of padding in the pocket depends on the position played.
-The catcher's mitt has more padding to handle hard throws from a pitcher.
-Glove makers have been adding more padding for other positions as well to help players handle the sting of hard-hit balls.
-There also may be padding in the wrist area to make the glove more comfortable.
Materials:
Gloves come in a variety of materials, with the difference being in the feel and durability.
Leather:
-Materials of choice for gloves
-Leather offers the best comfort, control and feel
-The better the leather, the better the glove
Treated leather:
-Leather is treated and softened with chemicals for faster break-in and increased durability.
-Treated leather also reduces the care needed for the glove and helps the glove keep its shape.
Plastic and synthetic materials:
-A lighter, less-durable material, plastic and synthetics
-Less expensive, good for youngsters
-Won't withstand the wear and tear of playing ball nearly as well as leather
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| Q. | I want to buy my grandson a baseball glove for Christmas. How do I know whether I should buy him a Left Hand glove or Right Hand glove ? | | A. | The glove is only used for catching and not used on the throwing hand. So if your grandson is a right-handed thrower, buy him a Left Hand glove; if he is a left-handed thrower, buy him a Right Hand glove. And remember there are different sizes of glove to suit different ages ranging from a 9 inch glove for 6-8 year-olds up to a 12 inch glove for teenagers.
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| Q. | My son, who is very keen on baseball, will be 9 this month. What size bat should I buy him and should I buy a top priced one which will last him for a few years ? | | A. | For an average 8 to 9 year-old a bat around 27 to 28 inches in length should be about right. As to price, we would still recommend buying an inexpensive bat because he will soon grow out of it and require a 29 to 31 inch bat within 2 years.
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| Q. | Why are baseball bats such different prices and is an inexpensive bat a 'bad' buy ? | | A. | The price of a bat is normally related to the material used. But as a player grows and becomes more skilled, they will need a larger bat, but one made of a lighter material. This is because better players face pitchers who throw faster and it is easier to hit a fast-moving ball with a lighter bat.
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| Q. | Which glove should I buy ? | | A. | Left or Right?
Baseball players only wear one glove which is used for catching. The other hand is left free to throw the ball back from the outfield. Consequently it is important to remember to purchase a Left-Hand Glove for a right-handed thrower and a Right-Hand Glove for a left-handed thrower.
Sizing:
Like bats, baseball gloves are manufactured and measured in inches, not centimetres or millimetres. They range from a 9 inch (9") glove (which would be used by a 6-8 year-old), to 12 inch (12") and larger gloves used by senior players.
The following table can be taken as a guide, but it is best to consult one of the sales assistants in your nearest Sportscene store to be sure you are purchasing the correct size of glove for your particular hand.
AGE 6-8
9" Glove These children are playing T-ball using a 9" ball which has a soft core.
AGE 8-9
10"-101/2" Glove These children are still playing T-ball but are normally bigger.
AGE 10-12
11"-111/2" Glove They have now progressed to 'live ball' using a solid ball which is now pitched at them at greater speed and hit into the field harder.
AGE 12+
12"-121/2" Glove sizes now start to be determined by the position and ability of the player.
As a general rule, if a player is of a high standard and is an infielder he or she may choose an 11" or 12", or even a 121/2" glove, depending on whether they are a baseman or a shortstop.
Outfielders and lower grade players will normally choose a 121/2" glove.
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| Q. | Buying a Bat ? | | A. | Whether you play Little League baseball or for a college team, buying a bat is a personal decision. New technology has delivered bats that not only enhance performance but also are tailored to an individual player's strengths. It is essential that you select a bat that fits your unique body configuration and skill level--height, weight, and hitting strength.
The world of bats now offers a large variety of choices in materials. These can be broken into three primary categories: aluminum, Graphite/Titanium lined, and wood. Each provides its own unique characteristics and advantages for today's players.
Aluminum:
This has been a player favorite for several years now. Aluminum is lighter in weight which increases control and bat speed. Aluminum and the other metals also offer durability. Ball travels farther with aluminum. Despite generally higher costs than other materials, aluminum is durable and not prone to crack or break.
Aluminum bats come in a variety of alloys each with a different weight. Generally, lighter aluminum alloys are thinner and more durable. The one thing these have in common is that they are all different combinations of Zinc, Copper, Magnesium and Aluminum. The following is a level of the different alloys and their benefits.
7046: This is the standard aluminum alloy used in most bats.
Cu31/7050: More durable than 7046, due to increased levels of zirconium, magnesium, and copper.
C405/7055: Increased Zirconium content than 7050, giving higher strength.
C555: 7% stronger than C405, has traces of scandium, which increases strength.
Lighter weight bats also increase the "sweet spot," the hitting zone on the bat's barrel that gives the maximum place to put metal to ball.
Aluminum bats, and those enhanced with other alloys, also come in single-layer or double-layer construction.
Double-layer bats offer more durability and power, since the ball rebounds off the bat with more authority
Cryogenically treated aluminum--Alloy is frozen and reheated to provide greater durability, less vibration and 2-4% greater distance.
Graphite/Titanium lined:
Technology has enabled bat makers to use lighter, stronger materials. Graphite and titanium are just two of these. Both are usually added to thinner-wall aluminum bats, enabling bats to be lighter and increasing a player's swing speed. These materials also increase durability and the batter's sweet spot.
Graphite and titanium also help reduce vibration and the sting of ball shock, the tingling feeling sent to the hands usually when you miss hitting the ball in the bat's sweet spot
Wood:
Wood bats offer a classic feel and sound.
Look for a grain that is long and wide, which indicates a tree's age and density. Wood bats offer more choices in shape and taper that can be customized to a player's swing.
Wood has three big disadvantages:
-Bats crack and break, becoming firewood.
-Reduced sweet spots on the barrel.
-Far less hitting power than metal bats.
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| Q. | Determining the right bat weight ? | | A. | Most bats are also weighted in ounces. Manufacturers have done a great job in balancing the bat's weight to its length.
Many bats have a weight-to-length ratio, often shown as -4, -6, etc.
This basically means a 34-inch bat with a -6 ratio weighs 28 ounces.
Selecting weight really depends on two critical factors--your strength and your hitting style.
It also depends a lot on your personal preference in weight and length, so the following are simply guidelines to follow:
Bigger, stronger players generally prefer a heavier bat since they get the benefits of both the heft and swing power.
Smaller players with less strength should consider a lighter bat to generate a quicker swing. Younger players, too, should consider that a lighter bat increases control--great for singles hitters, while also reducing the risk of injury
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| Q. | Bat technology ? | | A. | Bat technology may seem a little confusing but it's not rocket-science. There are three essential elements to a bat: barrel size, bat taper and grip.
Barrel size:
This includes both the length of the barrel--top part of the bat--and its diameter
The longer the barrel, generally, the larger the sweet spot for hitting the ball
As for diameter, the standard is 2 1/2, inches but many players prefer a smaller barrel that lightens weight and provides more swing speed.
Taper:
This is the diameter of the bat's handle.
Standard bats are tapered 31/32 of an inch but can be slightly larger or smaller depending on whether you want a lighter or heavier bat.
You may prefer the feel of a bigger bat taper, which can also reduce the sting when a ball isn't struck on the sweet spot
Some players like a narrower taper for the lighter weight and to rotate their wrists faster when hitting.
Grip:
The grip is simply the covering that bat manufacturers use on the handle of aluminum bats.
Rubber grips absorb more of the shock.
Leather or synthetic leather gives a tackier feel for a surer grip.
Some bats come with a cushioned grip to decrease the shock even more.
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| Q. | How much money should I spend ? | | A. | Pricing:
The price of a bat relates to its "length-to-weight" ratio. The better the quality of the bat, the bigger the difference between the length and the weight.
Younger, less experienced players usually face pitchers who haven't yet mastered a really fast throw. So the bat they use can be made of a cheaper, heavier material, like wood.
But as the player gets older and begins to compete against better players , they will need a longer bat. But it will also need to be lighter and easier to swing against the faster-moving balls thrown by more experienced pitchers.
Therefore, when you need a larger bat which is also lighter, it will be made from more expensive materials, like aluminium.
The most expensive bats are those with maximum length, plus a barrel diameter of 23/4" which are very light, yet strong enough to take the jarring impact of a high-speed ball.
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| Q. | How do I know what size of baseball shoes to get. ? | | A. | Men's Shoe Size Chart| Shoe Size | Shoe Widths | | Inches | Centimeters | US size | Euro size | Shoe size | C | D (Standard) | E | | 9 1/3 | 23.7 | 6 | 37 1/2 | 6 | 3.3" | 3.5" | 3.7" | | 9 1/2 | 24.1 | 6 1/2 | 38 | 6 1/2 | 3.3" | 3.6" | 3.8" | | 9 2/3 | 24.6 | 7 | 38 1/2 | 7 | 3.4" | 3.6" | 3.8" | | 9 5/16 | 25 | 7 1/2 | 39 | 7 1/2 | 3.4" | 3.7" | 3.9" | | 10 | 25.4 | 8 | 39 1/2 | 8 | 3.5" | 3.8" | 3.9" | | 10 1/6 | 25.8 | 8 1/2 | 40 | 8 1/2 | 3.6" | 3.8" | 4.0" | | 10 1/3 | 26.2 | 9 | 40 1/2 | 9 | 3.6" | 3.9" | 4.1" | | 10 1/2 | 26.7 | 9 1/2 | 41 | 9 1/2 | 3.7" | 3.9" | 4.1" | | 10 2/3 | 27.1 | 10 | 41 1/2 | 10 | 3.8" | 4.0" | 4.2" | | 10 5/6 | 27.5 | 10 1/2 | 42 | 10 1/2 | 3.8" | 4.1" | 4.3" | | 11 | 27.9 | 11 | 42 1/2 | 11 | 3.9" | 4.1" | 4.3" | | 11 1/6 | 28.4 | 11 1/2 | 43 | 11 1/2 | 3.9" | 4.2" | 4.4" | | 11 1/3 | 28.8 | 12 | 43 1/2 | 12 | 4.0" | 4.3" | 4.4" | | 111/2 | 29.2 | 12 1/2 | 44 | 12 1/2 | 4.1" | 4.3" | 4.5" | | 11 2/3 | 29.6 | 13 | 44 1/2 | 13 | 4.1" | 4.4" | 4.6" |
Men's to Women's Conversion Chart| Men's | Women's | | 3.5 | 5 | | 4 | 5.5 | | 4.5 | 6 | | 5 | 6.5 | | 5.5 | 7 | | 6 | 7.5 | | 6.5 | 8 | | 7 | 8.5 | | 7.5 | 9 | | 8 | 9.5 | | 8.5 | 10 | | 9 | 10.5 | | 9.5 | 11 | | 10 | 11.5 |
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| Q. | How to I determine my bat length by AGE ? | | A. | Determine Your Bat Length by Age| Age | Bat length | | 5-7 years old | 24"-26" | | 8-9 years old | 26"-28" | | 10 years old | 28"-29" | | 11-12 years old | 30"-31" | | 13-14 years old | 31"-32" | | 15-16 years old | 32"-33" | | 17+ years old | 34" |
AGE 6-7
T-ball bat normally, 25" - 26" in length. Normally a cheaper bat is recommended to allow for the child to "grow out of it."
AGE 8-9
Still a T-ball bat, but a longer, heavier bat (around 27" - 28") is recommended as they are stronger. Once again a less expensive bat is recommended.
AGE 10-12
At this age they will now be playing 'live ball' and require a larger bat (around 29" to 31" in length). Players also start to break into groups that mirror their ability so a lighter, higher-priced bat will be required for the better players.
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| Q. | How to I determine my bat length by HEIGHT & WEIGHT ? | | A. | Determine Your Bat Length by Weight and Height| Â | Your height (inches) | | Your weight (pounds) | 36-40 | 41-44 | 45-48 | 49-52 | 53-56 | 57-60 | 61-64 | 65-68 | 69-72 | 73+ | | Bat length | | less than 60 | 26" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 29" | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â | | 61-70 | 27" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | Â | Â | Â | Â | | 71-80 | Â | 28" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | Â | Â | Â | | 81-90 | Â | 28" | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 32" | Â | Â | | 91-100 | Â | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | Â | Â | | 101-110 | Â | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | Â | Â | | 111-120 | Â | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | Â | Â | | 121-130 | Â | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | Â | | 131-140 | Â | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | Â | | 141-150 | Â | Â | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | Â | | 151-160 | Â | Â | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | | 161-170 | Â | Â | Â | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 34" | | 171-180 | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â | 32" | 33" | 33" | 34" | 34" | | 180+ | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â | 33" | 33" | 34" | 34" |
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| Q. | How do I determine my Glove Size ? | | A. | Sizing Chart| Age | Position | Glove size | | Under 8 | Infield | 9 inches | | Under 8 | Outfield | 11 inches | | 9-13 | Infield | 9-10 inches | | 9-13 | Outfield | 11-12 inches | | High School/Adult | Infield | 10 1/2-11 1/2 inches | | High School/Adult | Outfield | 12-12 1/2 inches |
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