Beginner Guide to Softball Gear: What You Really Need

Getting started can feel like a lot, especially when you’re staring at a gear list for the first time. The good news is you really only need a few basics to begin. A helmet, batting gloves, a glove, cleats, and pants will get your player on the field and ready to go. Everything else can come later. The extras like sunglasses, eye black, and an arm sleeve are nice to have and can be fun, but they’re not required on day one. Start simple, see what they like, and add as you go.

Things you need... plus ones we think are awesome...

Batting Gloves

• Girl (12U, Pitcher) - Franklin Sports MLB Baseball Batting Gloves (Pink Highlight, very fitting)

• Girl (10U, Catcher) - Franklin Sports MLB Baseball Batting Gloves (Carolina Blue)

Bats

• Girl (12U, Pitcher) - DeMarini 2025 Prism+

• Girl (10U, Catcher) - Rawlings | 2026 | Mantra Fastpitch Softball Bat

Pants - Go ahead and buy multiple practice pants!

• Both girls like the thickness and fit of these - Champro Women's Traditional Tournament Softball Pants

Cleats

• Molded Cleats

Bags

• Boy is getting so old on us that his school provides the bag but both girls carry the Under Armour Unisex-Adult Utility Baseball Backpack

Helmet (I recommend spending the money on an Evoshield if you feel that your kid is going to keep playing)

• EvoShield XVT™ 2.0 Batting Helmets with Facemask

Socks

• I know as a player I hated bad socks and my kids are no different, we like:

• Socks TCK

Gloves...

I'm a firm believer that you need to go and check out in person gloves, take the kiddo and while you're shopping grab the ball that they will use and test them out, but if you're curious this is what we have:

• Mitt - All-Star Heiress 32.5 Inch CMW-H-Y Youth Fastpitch Softball Catcher's Mitt

• Caddo Fastpitch V2

• Rawlings | Sure Catch Series Youth Softball Glove

• Wilson A2000 Ice DP15 11.5" Baseball Glove