Equipment Requirements by Age Division

T-Ball Division

Players in the T-Ball Division will need:

• a glove (typically labeled as T-Ball). Players will grow out of this so be cautious on what you spend for a glove at this age. The baseballs used in the T-Ball Division are softer for increased safety as well.
• a baseball helmet. Any color is fine.
• a baseball bat (USA Baseball certified). There are team bats. However, due to COVID-19, we are asking players not to share equipment.
• baseball pants. (Baseball pants are not required in the T-Ball Division.) If purchasing baseball pants, they should be gray in color.
• cleats. (Cleats are not required in the T-Ball Division).

Coach Pitch Division

Players in the Coach Pitch Division will need:

• a glove. Use online resources or sporting goods stores to find the right size glove. There are hundreds of options, but players will grow out of these gloves so be cautious on what you spend for a glove at this age.
• a baseball helmet. Any color or style is fine. Make sure it fits and is comfortable for the player.
• a baseball bat (USA Baseball certified). Use online resources or sporting goods stores to find the right size bat for the player's height and age. It is recommended to select a smaller size for new players. A bat that is too heavy will make it difficult for players to use.
• baseball pants. If purchasing baseball pants, they should be gray in color.
• cleats. Cleats need to be worn for safety. There are lots of options available. Select a pair that is comfortable. Use online resources to find used cleats if needed.
• batting gloves. (Batting gloves are always optional.) Batting gloves can be especially helpful in practice to prevent the player's hands from getting blisters.
• a bat bag. (A bat bag is optional, but can help keep all player equipment organized).
• catcher's gear. (Catcher's gear is optional). There will always be a team set to use so you do not need to buy your own.
• an athletic cup.

Minor Division

Players in the Minor Division will need:

• a glove. Use online resources or sporting goods stores to find the right size glove. There are hundreds of options, but players will grow out of these gloves so be cautious on what you spend for a glove at this age.
• a baseball helmet. Any color or style is fine. Make sure it fits and is comfortable for the player.
• a baseball bat (USA Baseball certified). Use online resources or sporting goods stores to find the right size bat for the player's height and age. It is recommended to select a smaller size for new players. A bat that is too heavy will make it difficult for players to use.
• baseball pants. If purchasing baseball pants, they should be gray in color.
• cleats. Cleats need to be worn for safety. There are lots of options available. Select a pair that is comfortable. Use online resources to find used cleats if needed.
• batting gloves. (Batting gloves are always optional.) Batting gloves can be especially helpful in practice to prevent the player's hands from getting blisters.
• a bat bag. (A bat bag is optional, but can help keep all player equipment organized).
• catcher's gear. (Catcher's gear is optional). There will always be a team set to use so you do not need to buy your own. However, the team set may not properly fit all sizes.
• an athletic cup.

Major Division

Players in the Major Division will need:

• a glove. Use online resources or sporting goods stores to find the right size glove. There are hundreds of options available. The Major Division is the time to look at purchasing a better quality glove (especially for experienced players). Players throw harder at this age division. This glove can likely be used until high school.
• a baseball helmet. Any color or style is fine. Make sure it fits and is comfortable for the player.
• a baseball bat (USA Baseball certified). Use online resources or sporting goods stores to find the right size bat for the player's height and age. It is recommended to select a smaller size for new players. A bat that is too heavy will make it difficult for players to use.
• baseball pants. If purchasing baseball pants, they should be gray in color.
• cleats. Cleats need to be worn for safety. There are lots of options available. Select a pair that is comfortable. Use online resources to find used cleats if needed.
• batting gloves. (Batting gloves are always optional.) Batting gloves can be especially helpful in practice to prevent the player's hands from getting blisters.
• a bat bag. (A bat bag is optional, but can help keep all player equipment organized).
• catcher's gear. (Catcher's gear is optional). There will always be a team set to use so you do not need to buy your own. However, the team set may not properly fit all sizes.
• an athletic cup.

Important BAT INFORMATION

Portage Youth Baseball follows the USA Baseball Bat Standard (enforced starting in 2018 season). All players are ONLY allowed to use a wood bat OR any 2 5/8" or smaller barrel bat that has the USA Baseball Certification Mark (shown below). Do not get confused by the USSSA certification mark (also shown below). You do not want to get a bat that has the USSSA Certification Mark. (It is okay if a bat has the USSSA mark or another certification mark, but it MUST have the USA Baseball certification mark). Bats without the USA Baseball certification mark will not be legal for use in Portage Youth Baseball events this season. Please contact us with any questions regarding the bat requirements.

USA Baseball Certification Mark: Approved for play.

USSSA Certification Mark: Not approved for play unless accompanied with the USA Baseball certification mark.

USA Bat Website