Equipment

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Bats

USA Baseball logo Each team is provided with bats. Bat specifications vary between baseball and softball (baseball players may not use a softball bat and vice versa) and by age group. These specifications are for the 2018 season:

Major (12 year olds) baseball on down: Maximum allowed 2 5/8 inches in diameter; maximum length: 33 inches. Non-wood bats must have have the "USA Baseball" logo printed on bat (see photo). Wood bats must conform to size requirements but do not require the "USA Baseball" logo.

Junior League (13-14): Maximum allowed 2 5/8 inches in diameter; maximum length: 34 inches. Non-wood bats must have the "USA Baseball" logo (see photo) or BBCOR certification printed on it. Wood bats must conform to size requirements but do not require either logo.

Senior (15-16) League baseball: Maximum allowed 2 5/8 inches in diameter, 36 inches in length. All non-wood bats must have the BBCOR certification printed on them.

Majors (12 year olds) softball on down: Maximum allowed 2 1/4 inches in diameter, 33 inches in length. Non-wood bats must have Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.20 or lower printed on bat (see photo).

Junior/Senior League (13-16 year olds) softball: Maximum allowed 2 1/4 inches in diameter, 34 inches in length. Non-wood bats must have Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.20 or lower printed on bat (see photo).

(Note: If you should purchase a non-wood bat at a second-hand sports shop, check to be sure it has the "USA Baseball" logo and that it has no minute cracks on the barrel. Older bats may say "Little League approved" but not be legal at this time.)

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Batting helmets

The league provides batting helmets to all teams. Batting helmets must carry the NOCSAE certification stamp (see photo), which will usually be found in the back. Don't paint your helmet or cover it in decals! Manufacturers warn this will void the warranty; they are illegal. Avoid mirror-like silver chrome helmets; they're illegal in Little League. (Note: If you should purchase a helmet at a second-hand sports shop, be certain it has all its padding and no cracks, especially to the sides of the brim; this is where they usually first form.)
C-flap: This attachment is illegal if the helmet must be modified (such as drilling holes in it) to attach it. Read this information from Little League about which C-flaps are legal for various helmets before buying one.

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Shoes

In both major baseball and softball divisions on down, shoes with metal spikes may not be worn. Metal spikes are allowed in Intermediate division and up.

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Gloves/mitts

catcher's helmet with dangling throat guard

Catchers in most baseball divisions are required to use a catcher's mitt (provided to the teams by the league). A first baseman may use a first baseman's mitt or a fielder's glove, but all other players are required to use a fielder's glove. So if your child is likely to play first base and some other position, it makes more sense to purchase a fielder's glove. If he/she may pitch, you'll want to avoid a glove that is partly or completely white, light gray or some other distracting color, such as yellow or orange. (In softball, the catcher may wear any type of mitt or glove.)

Catcher's gear

The league provides catcher's gear (except cups) to all teams. Little League requires the catcher to wear a chest protector, shin guards, a mask with an attached helmet that covers the ears and carries the NOCSAE stamp, and for boys, a protective cup (held in place by appropriate apparel, such as an athletic supporter). Attached to the mask must be a dangling throat guard (see photo), no matter what type of mask/helmet is worn (yes, even with the hockey-style helmet).