One you have registered your child, it's time to get ready to play ball.  Whether they are playing Tee Ball, Softball, or Baseball, your player will need a bat, batting helmet, glove, and appropriate pants. Scroll through this page for helpful guidance on which items to purchase. 

Each Spring prior to the start of the season, we hold an annual Swap Day where parents can trade gently used items. Then our sponsor, Dick’s Sporting Goods in West Windsor, holds “Lawrence Little League Weekend" where all in-store items are discounted with a special coupon. Visit our homepage for timing and details. 

Additionally, the following online stores are good sources for player equipment:

• Dick's Sporting Goods (our sponsor)
• CloseoutBats.com
• BaseballSavings.com
  

🔴 League Provides: Jersey | Hat | Belt | Socks

🔴 Players Provide

• Pants:
  • Softball: Black
  • Baseball: Grey with black stripe
  • Tee Ball: Athletic pants allowed
  • NO SHORTS
• Cleats:
  • Plastic cleats only
  • No metal cleats or cleats from other sports
  • Tee Ball: Sneakers allowed
• Protective Cup: Required for baseball players (except Tee Ball)
• Water Bottle: Labeled with player's name
• Game Gear: Bat, Helmet, Glove, Protective Gear for catchers (see guides below)

🔴 Optional Cold-Weather Gear

• Dark long-sleeve shirt (black, navy, grey, charcoal, or red) can be worn under the jersey.
• No light-colored shirts allowed on the field.

A properly sized bat is crucial for young players. Using a bat that's too long or heavy can hinder their swing and lead to frustration.

🔴 Key Factors

• Bat Drop: The difference between the bat's length (inches) and weight (ounces). Higher drops (-11, -12) are recommended for young players as they offer better control and swing speed. Avoid buying a bat for your child to "grow into" - the extra weight or length will teach them bad swing habits. 
• League Regulations: Different leagues have specific bat regulations. Always check your league's rules before purchasing a bat.
  

🔴 Resources

• How to Choose a Bat
• Database of certified USSSA bats for Softball
• Database of certified USABats for Baseball
• Babe Ruth League Bat Rules

🔴 League-Specific Regulations

• Tee Ball: Must have the USA Baseball mark and be approved for tee ball use.
• Little League Softball: Must meet Little League specifications, not exceed 33" in length, and have a BPF of 1.20.
• Little League Baseball: Must meet USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat), not exceed 33" in length.
• Babe Ruth League Baseball: Must have a BBCOR .50 certified composite barrel and not exceed 34" in length.

🔴What to Avoid

• Non-labeled or Mis-labeled Bats: Bats must have USSSA labeling (softball) and USABaseball (baseball and tee ball). 
• Donuts: Batting donuts are not allowed for use with the bat.
• Adhesives: Pine tar or other similar adhesive substances on the bat are prohibited.
• Damaged Equipment: Any bat with cracks, sharp edges, or dents that prevent it from passing the appropriate bat ring test must be removed from play.
  
  

Required for all players. For softball players, we also recommend using a NOSCAE-certified protective face mask.  If your player wants to learn to be a catcher, they will also need a NOSCAE-certified catcher’s mask (with dangling throat guard) and chest protector. 

• How to Choose a NOSCAE-certified Batting Helmet
• Face Guards for Softball Players
• How to Choose Catchers Gear
• Information about NOSCAE label

🔴 Keep Your Helmet Safe: 5 Key Rules

• No Aftermarket Attachments: Do not use aftermarket attachments like "c-flaps." They void the NOCSAE certification. If a face guard is needed, buy a helmet with the guard already integrated.
• Avoid Modifications: Do not drill holes, add unauthorized stickers/tape, or make other unapproved modifications. This voids the helmet's NOCSAE certification and warranty.
• Check for Damage: Discard any helmet that is cracked, broken, or has loose/missing padding. Replace a helmet immediately after any hard impact, even if you see no visible damage.
• Ensure Proper Fit: The helmet must fit snugly all around with no gaps or wobbling. Do not buy a helmet that is too big.
• No Undergarments or Painting: Do not wear a baseball cap or anything else underneath a helmet. Avoid painting the helmet or adding stickers unless approved by the helmet manufacturer.

There are many different kinds of gloves. Players won't just play one fielding position all season long.  Its usually best to get a glove that can accommodate multiple playing positions.  Additionally, if your player wants to learn to be a catcher, they will also need a mitt specifically designed for the catching position. Also note that if your player wants to pitch,  per the rulebook they may not wear a glove that is "white, gray, or multi-colored." 

• How to Choose a Glove

🔴 What to Avoid When Caring for Your Glove

• Improper Oil: Don't use shaving cream, petroleum jelly, cooking oil, or linseed oil, as these can rot the laces, add weight, or oversaturate the glove. 
• Excessive Moisture: Avoid soaking a glove in water or storing it in damp bags, as this removes natural oils and can damage the leather. 
• Extreme Heat: Do not microwave, bake, or leave the glove in a hot car. Heat dries out the leather, making it brittle and reducing its lifespan. 
• Over-Conditioning: Use oils or conditioners sparingly. 
• Incorrect Squeezing: When breaking in a glove, avoid using the index and middle fingers to squeeze. Instead, use the area from the thumb to the ring finger to prevent the palm from stretching and creating a palm bubble.