Helpful Information For Equipment & Gear

UNIFORM
Franklin Little League will provide each player with (1) Team Shirt and (1) Team Hat
Pants - We recommend Grey
Socks - We recommend White. Grey, or Black
Belt - We recommend Black
Some coaches will ask to color coordinate with the team colors.  This is not a requirement and is up to each individual coach but asking before purchasing is recommended.  

CLEATS
Highly recommended that all players from Rookies to Seniors have cleats.  Tee-Ball it is ok to wear athletic sneakers.
NO METAL CLEATS allowed at Franklin Little League they must be Rubber or Plastic Molded.  

GLOVE
All players should have a glove that fits their hand.  It should feel comfortable for the player to have on their hand.  We do recommend breaking in or softening the leather of the glove to make it easier for the player to squeeze it.  In the Minors, Majors, & Seniors Pitchers are not permitted to wearing a White or similar color glove while pitching.
The information below is from Baseball Express and we recommend checking out their website for additional information.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A GLOVE

Here are three key factors to consider when looking for a new ball glove:

     - Age of the player

     - Level of play

     - Fielding position

The younger the player is, the less important it is to consider what position they are playing as they will most likely be playing all positions as they learn the game.  However, as players get older and progress to higher levels of play, positions become more specialized and that should be taken into consideration.

All players are different and have different needs, but here are charts that break down a players age, playing level, and position with suggested glove sizes.  Use these as a jumping off point to start your glove purchase.

BASEBALL SOFTBALL
    

HELMET
All players are required to wear an approved NOCSAE helmet while batting and being a base runner.  Having a face guard or cheek guard for the helmet is optional.  Any face guard or cheek guard that is added to a helmet MUST be of the same manufacturer as the helmet.  Only helmets that have the pre-drilled holes for attachments are able to have a guard added.  Drilling or altering a helmet will cause the helmet to not be allowed at Franklin Little League.    
While Franklin Little League provides each coach with at least 2-3 helmets per team it is highly recommended for players to have their own individual helmets to ensure a proper fit.   

BATS
While it is not a requirement most players prefer to have their own bat.  Franklin Little League does not provide bats to the coaches for team use.  Some coaches do have a bat players can use but that is not a guarantee.  It is common for players to share bats among themselves if someone does not have one.  Below is a general guideline on bat requirements.

TEE-BALL
26" or shorter, USA Baseball Logo, & must say ONLY FOR USE WITH APPROVED T-BALLS

ROOKIES / MINORS / MAJORS
33" max length, 2 5/8" max diameter, & USA Baseball Logo.  

SENIORS
36" max length, 2 5/8" max diameter, USA Baseball Logo, or BBCOR certification.

ATHLETIC SUPPORT
A form of athletic support or jockstrap with a protective cup is required for any boy that is going to be playing catcher in the Minor, Major, or Senior Division.  In Tee-Ball this will not be an issue but in the Rookie Division the role of Catcher is used.  Sizing may be an issue for some younger players but there are brands that carry smaller sizes.  We highly recommend all players wear one as incidents can happen anywhere and anytime during the game.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

GEAR BAGS
For players that are just getting into the sport of baseball this is not something that needs to be purchased immediately.  If the player is going to continue playing for years to come it may be a good idea to invest in one as it will help to keep the players individual gear more organized including: Glove(s), Helmet, and Bats.

BATTING GLOVES
These are a player preference.  Some players may feel they are more protected with them on.

SLIDING / COMPRESSION SHORTS
In the Tee-Ball & Rookie Divisions where sliding into bases is not as common these may not be as prevalent.  In the Minors, Majors, & Senior Divisions where sliding takes place more it will help with reducing possible injuries to the thighs while sliding.

SLIDING GLOVE
Player preference. Sliding head first while advancing to a base is only permitted in the Senior division. Minors & Majors can slide head
first when returning to a base.

EYE BLACK
Player preference. Must be a solid color and cannot contain advertisements, vulgar descriptions, or profanity.

HEART GUARD
The league provides each coach with a universal "Heart Gard" for each pitcher to wear. Players can choose to wear a compression shirt
with built in heart protection.  If a player is going to be regularly pitching we recommend them having one of their own.

CATCHER'S GEAR
The league provides each coach with a full set of catcher's equipment to use for the season.  If players have their own gear they are permitted to use it providing it meets safety standards including a throat guard.