• Essentials: gloves, bats, layers, water
• Fields: links to maps and parking notes
• Contact: registrar and division coordinators

Glove Types

Here are the most common glove styles. (You'll know when it's time for a 1st/catcher's mitt.)

• First Base: Larger mitts for scooping.
• Catcher: Padded mitts with deep pockets.
• Infield: Smaller gloves for quick transfers.
• Outfield: Larger gloves w/ deep pockets.

This largely narrows things down to an infield (IF) or outfield (OF) glove -- click through to see why!!

Understanding Parts of a BB/SB Glove

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• Webbing: Infield open webbing for quick transfers; outfield closed to hide the ball.
• Pockets: Infield shallow pocket for fast release; outfield deeper pocket for fly balls.
• Backs: Infield open back for flexibility; outfield closed back for support.
• Wrists: Adjustable for a snug, secure fit.

First things first -- A righty or a lefty?

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• LHT = Left hand throw
• RHT = Right hand throw
• Always verify and then verify again!

Glove Sizing

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Glove length is measured from the heel to the tip.

• Skip the brand hype. The right glove fits your child's hand and how they play.
• Look for a snug fit with room for a batting glove underneath.
• Choose quality materials--genuine leather lasts longer and breaks in better.
• A good fit feels snug but lets the fingers fully extend.
• Open and close the glove to ensure it flexes easily.
• Break-In Period: New gloves can feel stiff at first, so encourage your player to wear them and practice catching regularly to break them in.

Recommended Glove Size

Baseball Glove Sizes

Fast Pitch Softball Glove Sizes

Breaking a Glove In

• Wear it often and use a ball to form the pocket.
• Play catch regularly to loosen the leather.
• Use glove oil sparingly.
• Store with a ball in the pocket to keep shape.

What not to do

• Don't drive over it with your car.
• Don't put it in the oven or microwave.
• Don't leave it in a hot car on a sunny day.

Gloves We Like

Baseball

• Rawlings Prodigy Series: Great for beginners; lightweight and easy to close.
• Wilson A200 Series: Affordable and sized for smaller hands.
• Mizuno Prospect Series: Pre-oiled leather with minimal break-in.

Softball

• Easton Ghost Series: Trusted softball pick with a softball pocket.
• Wilson A500 Siren: Beginner-friendly, lightweight, and comfortable.
• Mizuno Prospect Finch Series: Youth-friendly, co-designed with Jennie Finch.

Links We Like

Retailers

• Dick's Sporting Goods (Local)
• JustGloves
• Baseball Monkey
• BallGloves
• Baseball Savings
• Academy Sports
• Big 5 Sporting Goods (Local)

Brands

• Rawlings Official Site
• Wilson Sporting Goods

Guides

• Dick's glove buying guide
• Nokona glove buyers guide
• JustBallGloves buying guide

Video

• Good glove sizing video

BBCOR/USA stamps, length/weight tables by division, and how to avoid returns.

Driving directions, turf/grass notes, parking tips, and nearest restrooms.

How club/select works alongside Little League, costs, travel, and fit for your player.

What is "Select", "Club", and "Travel Ball"?

Exploring the "ifs" and "whos" of committing to a club/select/travel team can be daunting.

NCLL aims to help by providing introductions to local club teams through various programs throughout the year, giving you a chance to get to know the coaches and for them to get to know your player. It is a great way to see if your child is ready or even desires to take that next step in the level of competition.

We will always make it clear in our communications who is running what. Below are the key distinctions and to the right, a brief description of the local programs.

Recreational Leagues (e.g., Little League, PONY, etc.)

• These leagues typically begin with Tee Ball, which can start for children as young as 4 years old.
• Progression through divisions (coach-pitch, player-pitch, etc.) occurs through the pre-teen years.
• The emphasis is on participation, learning fundamentals, and having fun.

Club Programs

• Increased travel and practice come with an increased cost, both financially and of your time.
• These programs are generally more competitive and require tryouts.
• They can begin at a wide range of ages, but it is increasingly common to see them start as early as 7 or 8 years old.
• However, the most common time that players begin participating in these programs is around ages 9 through 12.
• These programs often involve more travel, a greater time commitment, and a higher level of competition.
• The goal is often to develop players for higher levels of baseball/softball, such as high school and college.
• There are often multiple teams within one program for different skill levels.

Key Points

• The age at which a child enters a club program varies depending on the organization and the level of competition.
• It is important to maintain a healthy balance between sports and other activities.
• Every child develops at their own rate.
• Consider your child's physical, emotional, and social development when deciding whether to enter a club program.
• Costs, both financial and time, must be factored into your decision.

Links to the store, popular items, and current lead times.

Download and complete required documents before the season starts.

Share the title and link when ready.