Basic Baseball Equipment - What Are They?

Basic Baseball Equipment - What Are They?
By guest author: Suzie Sanchez

In team sports like baseball, it always involves the use of gears or equipment necessary to play the game. After all, you cannot expect to catch a ball flying at the dizzying speed of more that eighty miles an hour, can you? This is why baseball players are required to use leather mitts to catch the ball at that speed, aside from using other protective gears essential to the game. So what are the basic baseball gears or equipment that every enthusiast should know about before playing the game?

Bat

Usually made of metal or wood, baseball bats are elongated clubs around forty two inches in length. One end is narrow and is usually wrapped in anti-slip covering for easy gripping, while the other end is around two and three fourths inches in diameter. The single purpose of this equipment is to hit the ball with such a force that it will sail well over the end of the field.

Ball

The ball used in the game is not entirely made of rubber, nor is it filled with air. This important baseball equipment is made of a cork or solid rubber core which is then wrapped in yarn, which can be up to a mile in length, and then covered in leather. The size of its circumference is approximately between nine to nine and one fourths inches.

Batting Helmet

Worn by players who are currently at batting position, these helmets are designed to protect the batters from being seriously injured by errant throws made by the pitcher. Made of high impact materials for maximum protection, batting helmets covers the top, back, and the sides of the head. This equipment also includes at least one earflap to protect your ear in case a high speed throw goes wild.

Catchers Gear

Since catchers are always at the receiving end of high speed throws and players trying to score a home, they are usually accorded the best protection. Some of the catcher's gears include a catcher's mask, mitts, shin guards, chest protectors, knee savers, throat protectors, cup and inner protective gloves.

First Baseman's Mitt

This is a special glove worn by players who man the first base. Since they have the foremost responsibility of catching a batter before they slide onto first base, their gloves are rounded just like the catcher's mitt. It is also longer and wider than the mitts of a standard fielder. Since they are also at the receiving end of a high speed throw, the first baseman's gloves have more padding compared to that of a standard fielder's glove.

Baseball Gloves

These are large, leather mitts that have long fingers and have a webbed pocket which lies between the index finger and the thumb. This allows the fielders to catch a flying ball quite easily. There are other pieces of equipment that are used by baseball players. However, these are the most basic gear that you need to know about if you plan to indulge in the popular game of baseball.

Suzie has been writing articles on interesting topics including sports, relationships and family. Her new interests are in bedding such as king size duvet sets and king size fitted sheet .

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzie_Sanchez

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