Equipment
Equipment Requirements for the 2009 / 2010 Season
I would like to welcome all parents and players new to baseball. The VDBA purchases all of the major equipment needed to provide a safe environment for players. There are a few items that parents need to purchase.
Helmet - Double ear protection is mandatory at all levels. Some helmets are sized (eg.SM ,M, L) most are one size fits all. Color of choice is the navy blue. However if you choose to be more creative and add a little color that’s ok too.
Athletic Protector - Jock’s for boys and Jill’s for girls. This seems to be the toughest one for kids to get used to. It is mandatory at all levels. The Jock for boys is a cup that fits around the genitals. Sizing is usually based on waist size. The biggest complaint is the cup is to big and cuts into the inner leg. The girls get a pelvic protector usually made of dense foam and protects the pelvic bone.
Pants - Grey pants are mandatory from Tadpole to Midget. They are usually double kneed and provide protection with sliding. They for an integral part of the uniform. For Rally Cap it is recommended but not mandatory.
Belts and socks - From Mosquito to Midget each team is supplied a team Jersey base on teams from Major League Baseball. Color choice will be determined at the start of the year. Coaches may choose a color to match their teams jersey . This is not mandatory but does improve the look of the team. From Rally Cap to Tadpole it is not required.
Foot wear - Appropriate foot wear is required. Cleats used for baseball are to have a plastic or rubber base. No steel cleats allowed. As the players get older and more competitive,( e.g.. Tadpole and up) cleats are a must. Slippery field surfaces will lead to injury. The best way to help prevent injury is with cleats. All kids need to come to the game with laces done up and double knotted. Delays in play often result from loose laces.
Gloves - Small hands need small gloves. The glove should be soft and easy to open and close. Parents need to start early and help break in those gloves. A larger glove will only make it harder for the kids to make plays. The following is only a guideline for size.
Rally Cap and Tadpole players 9 to 10 inch
Mosquito 10 to 11 inch
Peewee to Midget should be based on position. ( e.g. infielders smaller glove /outfielders larger glove.
The following equipment is supplied by VDBA
Bats - VDBA supplies bats at all levels. Please do not bring bats from home unless given permission from the coaches. The bat size is important for development in the younger levels. Bats that are to heavy slow down the swing and wear out you players early in the at bat. Bat speed is very important from Mosquito to Midget. Pitchers are throwing faster at every level. A lighter the bat will allow the batter to have more control.
The following is only a guideline for size:
Rally Cap 24 to 25 inch at -10 to -12 which is 24" at -10 is 14 oz / 24" at -12 is 12oz
Tadpole 25 to 26 inch at -10 to -12
Mosquito 26 to 30 inch at -10 to -13
Peewee to Midget will be base on the recommendations of the coaches.
Catchers gear - Must be worn by all catchers. It is mandatory that all catchers from Mosquito to Midget use a catchers Glove. Helmet, chest protector and shin pads must fit properly. If it does not fit your child please let the coach know and we will make arrangements for gear.
Balls - Rally cap will use a fabric covered modified baseball. It has a softer foam core and lessons the chance of injury. Tadpole uses a synthetic cover baseball with a modified (softer) core. Mosquito to Midget use a leather (hard) regulation baseball.
If at any time you see equipment that need to be fixed or replaced or have a special request please send me an email Equipment@VernonBaseball.com
Carl Vardon,
Equipment Manager
Equipment@VernonBaseball.com