FAIRFIELD LITTLE LEAGUE GIRLS SOFTBALL - EQUIPMENT

Please e-mail Andrew Gedacht (gedacht.andrew@gmail.com) with any softball equipment questions!

Playing Equipment

At the very least, your daughter will need:

• Cleats. Must have rubber or hard plastic spikes (metal spikes are prohibited). Soccer cleats that meet these guidelines are permitted. Cleats range in price from $20 to over $100.
• Glove. Avoid baseball gloves -- the pockets are too small to catch a softball. For girls aged 10-12, we recommend an 11-12" youth softball glove, and for girls aged 7-9 we recommend a 10-11" youth softball glove (with adjustable strap). Don't worry about buying a glove based on your daughter's favorite position, as she'll play both infield and outfield for her Little League team.
  For girls over 12, an adjustable adult glove is recommended. If she specializes in a position, here's a link to a sizing chart and more information.
  Gloves range in price from $15 to over $100. Make sure you break in new gloves!

As your daughter develops a love for the sport (not to mention grows out of her cleats and glove), you're going to be spending more time at Dicks Sporting Goods.  Here are some thoughts on other softball gear and equipment.


Batting Helmets

FLLGS supplies batting helmets for each team. Many parents prefer that their daughter have her own helmet, even at an early age. Here's a link with information on choosing the right helmet for your daughter. Her helmet should have a face guard and adjustable chinstrap (if you have a helmet without a guard, they cost $10-$15). Helmets range in price from $20 to $80.


Bats

FLLGS supplies bats for each team. As your daughter gets older and more advanced, you may want to buy her a bat. Here's a guide to choosing the right bat, including sizing information. Bats range in price from $35 to over $300.  IMPORTANT: As you read the bat buying guide in the attachment, and look for bats for your daughter, please note that for smaller girls, the weight of the bat does play an important role in her ability to swing effectively.  As such, please note the appropriate length of bat for your daughter (based on her weight) in the attachment.  Then, as it relates to the bat's weight, you may want to consider a drop -11 or drop -12 for the bat weight.  As the girls get older, they may move to a drop -10 or -9 (Drop = length of bat minus the weight, so a 27" length, and a 16 ounce bat equals an -11 drop).  Again, please ask Andrew Gedacht ( ) if you have any further questions.

Bats must conform to Rule 1.10 of the Little League Softball Rule Book:
 

FLLGS requires corner infielders (first, third) and pitchers to wear fielding masks, which we supply for each team. Masks are optional for other positions, and players, usually at the older levels (AA+), often acquire their own. RIP-IT, Schutt, Worth and Mizuno are popular brands of masks, which are usually made of lightweight plastic or composite material. Masks range in price from $30 to $40.


Catcher's Gear

FLLGS supplies catcher's gear for each team. It's a big investment, particularly for a growing child.  Don't consider buying this equipment unless you're convinced your daughter wants to spend most of her playing time behind the plate. Also consult your daughter's manager/coach.


Other

We recommend, although do not require, mouthguards at all positions. They cost from $5 to over $40 and are available at sporting goods stores.

Batting gloves are becoming more and more popular. While not necessary, they can minimize the impact of the bat hitting the ball. Gloves range from $15 to more than $50.

Some players, particularly pitchers, also wear chest protectors. These hard plastic shells are either strapped to the chest or built into undershirts and cost between $20 and $50.

Of course, you're now going to need a bag for all that equipment. You can spend as little as $20 to more than $150.