So what gear is actually needed and what gear is a bonus? In this baseball world today, there’s always something new that every player sees as totally necessary, but is it really or is it just a new fad? What do catchers need that other positions may not? Let’s talk.
First off, MUST HAVES for every position:
Bat Bag
Most travel teams will have a team specific bag but if not I’m listing the most popular options:
Easton Walk-Off Ethos Bat Pack $89.99
Rawlings Youth Baseball Backpack $24.99
Boombah Superpack Bat Pack · $79.99
A cup
8u+ this is a non negotiable. Catchers, especially, are required to wear them. They’re uncomfortable but they are absolutely needed and the sooner you get them used to it, the better!
Pro tip – Get the underwear with a cup pocket to keep them in place.
Batting helmet
Many teams will have a team specific helmet but the most important thing is a good snug fit, and make sure you check the helmet guidelines for your division as some require chinstraps, and there are different rules involving C-Flap helmets. They make pad inserts to go inside helmets that may be a little to big to ensure a good fit.
Easton Z5 2.0 Helmet $34.95
Rawlings R16 Series Helmet $64.99
Helmet Padding Set
Bat
A no brainer – every kid needs a bat but how do you know what size to get? I’ll tell you!
Have the child stand the bat straight up next to them.
- The knob should touch the ground
- The barrel should reach about their armpit
Why it works:
This lines up bat length with the child’s height naturally. If it’s way above the armpit → too long. Below → too short.
If the bat reaches your child’s armpit and they can hold it straight out for 10 seconds, you’ve got the right size
Most popular bats currently:
Easton Hype Fire $349.99
Louisville Slugger Meta $249.95
Rawlings ICON $399.99
| Bat | Best For | Why It’s Popular |
|---|---|---|
| Easton Hype Fire | Maximum performance feel | Huge sweet spot + lightweight |
| Louisville Slugger Meta | All-around players | Balanced + consistent |
| Rawlings ICON | Travel ball hitters | Big barrel + “hot” feel |
Gloves
The type of glove your child needs will depend on their primary playing positions, because incase you didn’t know… there’s a different glove for different parts of the field, who knew?!
Infield Glove (Quick & Small) Rawlings R9 Series 11.5” Infield Glove
Outfield Glove (Long & Deep) Marucci Sports Caddo
First baseman Mitt (Scoop Machine) Mizuno Prospect PowerClose
Catchers Mitt (Tank Mode) Rawlings | Exclusive Youth Select Series Catcher’s Mitt
Utility Glove (Beginner Favorite) Rawlings Players Series
| Type | Size | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infield | Small | Shallow | Quick transfers |
| Outfield | Large | Deep | Catching fly balls |
| First Base | Long/wide | Deep | Scooping throws |
| Catcher | Round/heavy | Deep | Protecting hand |
| Utility | Medium | Medium | All-around play |
That’s all the equipment that your average player will need (we’ll get to catchers). Everything we’ll cover next are nice to have, and though some players may think they need them – they’re extras
Bonus Equipment (Drip)
Batting Gloves
Debatable on need level, some kids won’t bat without them, some kids – like mine – won’t bat with them.
Bruce Bolt Batting Gloves
Franklin Sports MLB Baseball Batting Gloves
Chest Protectors
Not needed but needed in my opinion. Chest protectors are just that – a plate or padding that protects players against line drives that are coming straight for their vital organs. You can get shirts with built in chest protectors or you can get strap on chest protectors. The shirts work better in my experience and they are more comfortable but they do get hot.
Sliding Mitt
These are all the rage right now, just ask your first base coach – some players actually use them, most want them for drip purposes. To me, they are glorified oven mitts and I’ve even seen some players wear oven mitts. These mitts come in handy especially on turf fields when the turf gets really hot – but overall they will help protect players hands when making headfirst slides. There are all kinds, but they all do the same thing!
Shin/ Elbow/ Wrist Guards
These come in handy for players that are nervous to get hit in the box. They can add a layer of protection, confidence and of course swag. As the name suggests they protect the sensitive shin, elbow and wrist areas of the batter.
EvoShield SRZ-2™ Youth Batter’s Elbow Guard
EvoShield SRZ-2™ Youth Batter’s Leg Guard
EvoShield Pro-SRZ™ 2.0 Protective Wrist Guards
Catchers Gear
Catchers a built different. Plain and simple. These are the DAWGS of the team. The ones that aren’t afraid of contact, the ones that want to be in on all the action and they’re willing to put their body on the line for the love of the game – but that means they need a little extra protection. So how do you know what to buy and where you can save a buck? Here’s what I’ve learned.
Helmet / Mask (MUST HAVE)
- Protects head + face from foul tips and pitches
- Comes as:
- Hockey-style helmet (most common for youth)
- Traditional mask + helmet combo
This is non-negotiable for safety
Chest Protector (MUST HAVE)
- Covers chest, ribs, and collarbone
- Helps block balls in the dirt
Required for safety (and often league rules)
Leg Guards (MUST HAVE)
- Protect knees, shins, and ankles
- Helps with blocking balls
Also essential—no way around it
Catcher’s Mitt (MUST HAVE)
- Different from a regular glove
- Extra padding for catching pitches
Regular gloves will NOT work here
Easiest Way to Buy All This
Most parents just buy a full set like this:
Wilson EZ Gear 2.0 Youth Catcher’s Gear Kit
Nice-to-Have (But NOT Required)
This is where things get trendy—and where parents overspend.
Knee Savers
- Attach to leg guards
- Reduce strain when squatting
EvoShield Catcher’s Knee Blocks
Popular with older kids, but not required
Catcher’s Bag
- Oversized bag for all the gear
Bownet Commander Catcher’s Gear Bag with Wheels
Helpful… but you can make a regular bag work
Throat Guard (if not built-in)
- Extra protection hanging from mask
Easton | Catcher’s Throat Guard 3.0
Some helmets already include this
Protective Gloves
- These give a little extra padding to the catchers hands
Champro Padded Catcher’s Glove
Not needed, but they do help when catching for a faster/harder pitcher
Arm Guards / Elbow Guards
- Extra protection from foul tips or throws
EvoShield SRZ-2™ Youth Batter’s Elbow Guard
More “drip” than necessity at youth level
Sunglasses
- Helps with sun behind the plate
BEACOOL Polarized Sports Sunglasses
Nice, not required
Cooling Gear (Undershirts, sleeves)
- Helps with heat (catchers get HOT)
UV Sun Protection Arm Sleeves
Sleeveless Compression Shirt, Quick Dry
Comfort upgrade
High-End Gear Upgrades
Example: Mizuno Samurai Youth Catcher’s Set · $375.00
Premium catcher’s gear set with upgraded comfort, durability, and performance features.
Lighter, more breathable—but beginners don’t need it
⚾ Quick Breakdown
| Category | Item | Need or Want |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Helmet/Mask | ✅ MUST |
| Protection | Chest Protector | ✅ MUST |
| Protection | Leg Guards | ✅ MUST |
| Glove | Catcher’s Mitt | ✅ MUST |
| Comfort | Knee Savers | ⭐ Bonus |
| Storage | Catcher’s Bag | ⭐ Bonus |
| Extra Safety | Throat Guard | ⭐ Bonus |
| Style | Sliding Mitts | ⭐ Bonus |
| Comfort | Compression gear | ⭐ Bonus |
I hope this helps you figure out what you NEED and what you can go without so that maybe your WHOLE paycheck doesn’t go to gear!
For a full list of Baseball Essentials for Mom’s CLICK HERE
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