Starting youth baseball means navigating gloves, bats, helmets, cleats, and protective gear — all sized differently by age and league rules. This complete checklist tells you exactly what to buy, what to skip, and how much to spend at each level.
Youth baseball has one of the most extensive equipment lists of any youth sport — and the sizing, materials, and specifications change significantly as children develop. Getting equipped correctly from the start makes the game safer, more enjoyable, and better for your child's skill development. Getting it wrong means spending money on gear your child cannot use or that puts them at a disadvantage.
This guide is organized by age group and covers every piece of equipment your child needs, from their first T-ball season through competitive travel baseball.
T-Ball (Ages 4–6)
T-ball is about introduction, not performance. The equipment needs are minimal.
Glove
Look for a 9–10 inch youth glove in a vinyl or soft synthetic leather. Genuine leather gloves are unnecessary at this stage and are stiffer — harder for small hands to close. Franklin Sports makes several excellent pre-oiled vinyl T-ball gloves in the $15–$25 range. The pre-oiling is important: it gives kids a softer, more responsive feel immediately, which encourages proper catching mechanics rather than awkward two-hand grabs.
Bat
T-ball bats are typically 24–26 inches long and weigh 13–15 oz. Most leagues specify rubber or plastic bats for the earliest age groups. If your league allows aluminum: look for lightweight options with a -13 or -14 drop weight. US$20–$35 is entirely sufficient.
Helmet
A batting helmet with a faceguard is mandatory at this level. Rawlings and Easton both make youth batting helmets that start around $25–$35. The helmet must have a NOCSAE certification — this is the safety standard that matters. Check the inside of the helmet for the NOCSAE stamp before purchasing any used helmet.
Cleats
Rubber moulded cleats (not metal) for all youth baseball players. At T-ball age, sport-specific baseball cleats are optional — athletic sneakers or multi-sport shoes work fine. If you do buy cleats, Under Armour Leadoff Low and New Balance 4020v4 are well-suited to small feet and available at under $40.
What You Can Skip
Batting gloves, sliding shorts, batting tees for personal use, and protective cups are all optional at T-ball age. Save that budget for the next stage.
Coach Pitch / Machine Pitch (Ages 6–8)
At this stage, kids are starting to develop actual batting mechanics and fielding instincts. The equipment upgrade is modest but meaningful.
Glove Upgrade
Move to a 10–10.5 inch youth glove in genuine leather. At this age, the investment in real leather pays off: it shapes to the child's hand more effectively, providing better feel and teaching proper pocket formation. Rawlings Player Series and Wilson A200 are excellent options at $30–$45. Have the glove broken in before the season starts using the conditioning oil method described in our separate guide.
Bat Standards
Most coach pitch leagues in the US have adopted the USA Baseball bat standard (look for the USA Baseball stamp on the barrel). This is different from the older USSSA standard. Confirm your league's bat certification before purchasing. Length: 26–28 inches. Drop: -10 or -11.
Protective Gear
Batting helmet with double ear protection (covers both ears). Shin guards for catchers. If your child catches: a full catcher's set including helmet/mask, chest protector, and shin guards is necessary — most leagues provide these for shared use at younger ages.
Minor / Junior League (Ages 9–12)
This is where the equipment investment becomes more significant. Players at this level are developing serious technique, and properly fitted equipment genuinely affects skill development.
Glove
Position-specific gloves become relevant here:
- Infield (2B, SS, 3B): 10.75–11.25 inch, shallow pocket, open web for quick ball transfer
- Outfield: 11.5–12 inch, deeper pocket, closed web
- First base: First base mitts (not regular gloves) in the 11.5–12 inch range
- Catcher: Catcher's mitt, not a regular glove
- Pitcher: 11.5–11.75 inch, closed web to conceal grip
At this level, a Rawlings Heart of the Hide or Wilson A2000 is a long-term investment that will last through high school. Budget: $60–$120 for quality mid-tier; $180+ for premium options worth considering for serious players.
Bat
USA Baseball standard for most recreational leagues. USSSA for competitive travel baseball (confirm with your league). Length: 28–32 inches depending on height. Axe Handle bats are gaining popularity with coaches who prioritize hitting mechanics development — the ergonomic handle promotes a more natural swing path.
Cleats
Metal cleats are typically permitted for players 13 and up. At 9–12, stay with moulded rubber cleats. Under Armour, New Balance, and Nike all make excellent options in this age range at $40–$70.
Batting Gloves
Batting gloves at this level are no longer optional for most players. They improve grip, reduce vibration on miss-hits, and protect the hands during cold-weather games. Franklin Sports Neo Classic and Rawlings 5150 are well-regarded and priced under $25 per pair.
A Note on Used Equipment
Used gloves, bags, and helmets can represent excellent value — with one important exception. Never buy a used batting helmet. Helmets are single-impact protection devices: once a helmet absorbs a significant impact, the structural integrity may be compromised even if no visible damage is present. Always purchase a new helmet and verify the NOCSAE certification date (helmets should be recertified every two years).
Budget Summary by Level
- T-Ball: $60–$100 total for all equipment
- Coach Pitch: $100–$160 total
- Minor/Junior League: $200–$400 depending on position and quality tier
