Since 1977, Collegiate Baseball Magazine has been crowning a national champion in high school baseball. The only school to win the title twice is Bishop Amat in La Puente CA, who won back to back in 2001 and 2002. Check out the full list of high school baseball national champions below.

1977: Redwood HS, Larkspur, CA (33-4)
1978: Southeast HS, Wichita, KS (23-0)
1979: White Oak HS, NC (22-0)
1980: Bullard HS, Fresno, CA (28-2)
1981: Bowie HS, MD (22-0)
1982: Madison Central, Richmond, KY (40-0)
1983: Northwest HS, Omaha, NE (21-1)
1984: Tate HS, Pensacola, FL (38-1)
1985: Miami Lakes HS, Hialeah, FL (32-1),Oak Forest HS, IL (36-1)
1986: Esperanza HS, Anaheim, CA (25-3-1)
1987: LaPorte HS, IN (34-2) , Cooper HS, Abilene, TX (33-3)
1988: Memorial HS, West New York, NJ (28-1)
1989: Sarasota HS, FL (32-1)
1990: Carlsbad HS, NM (32-1)
1991: Northeast HS, Pasadena, MD (24-0)
1992: Cherry Hill West HS, NJ (27-3)
1993: Arundel HS, MD (21-1)
1994: Start HS, Toledo, OH (31-0)
1995: Germantown HS, TN (38-0)
1996: Westminster Christian, Miami, FL (36-0-1)
1997: George Washington, New York, NY (44-2)
1998: Edwardsville HS, IL (40-4)
1999: Lassiter HS, Marietta, GA (35-2)
2000: Gloucester Catholic, Gloucester City, NJ (33-1)
2001: Bishop Amat, La Puente, CA (27-2)
2002: Bishop Amat, La Puente, CA (28-2)
2003: Chatsworth HS, CA (33-1)
2004: La Cueva HS, Albuquerque, NM (28-0)
2005: Russell County, Seale, AL (38-1)
2006: The Woodlands, TX (36-1)
2007: Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, NJ (32-1)
2008: Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, NJ (30-0)
2009: Menchville, Newport News, VA (26-2)
2010: Sumrall HS, MS (35-1)
2011: Broken Arrow HS, OK (36-2)
2012: Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, NV (39-3)
2013: Pensacola Catholic, Pensacola, FL (30-0)
Recently more organizations have gotten into the high school baseball ratings game. Here are the various 2013 National Champions by ranking authority:

USAToday Sports Super 25: Pensacola Catholic, Pensacola, FL. (30-0)
MaxPreps Xcellent 50: Pensacola Catholic, Pensacola, FL. (30-0)
Freeman Computer Rankings: Harvard-Westlake, Studio City, CA (28-4)

The recruiting process for college baseball can be intense and cut-throat. This is because Division 1 college baseball programs have only 11.7 scholarships to divide among their rosters of thirty to thirty-five student athletes. D2 programs have nine, NAIA teams have 12 and D3 programs don’t offer scholarships.

So there is really two things going on in the College Baseball recruiting process. First, you want to get asked to join the team. Second, you want to try to get the most scholarship money as possible from a fairly small pool.

The NCSA is an organization that helps high school baseball players with the college recruitment process. Any potential recruit should check out their website and use it as a resource. Here are some frequently asked questions about college baseball recruiting.

Should I play travel baseball?
College baseball programs want to see a potential recruit playing both high school baseball and travel baseball in the summer. Travel baseball is ultimately going to be more important in most program’s evaluations. That is because the competition level is going to be higher. It’s also because travel baseball takes place in the summer when the college baseball season is over, allowing the coaches to take in the games themselves. However don’t overlook high school baseball. College baseball programs will still pay attention to your scholastic performances and also use your high school baseball career to gauge your potential as a teammate.

Are academics important?
Yes. First good grades show that the recruit is responsible. Secondly, a college coach doesn’t want to have to deal with a player who might struggle with a university course load and may even become ruled academically ineligible. And, thirdly, remember that D1 schools have only 11.7 athletic scholarships to spread among thirty to thirty-five players. So baseball programs try to get their players money in other ways and having good grades and strong standardized tests in high school make it easier for them to find you alternative scholarship money.

What kind of baseball video should I make for coaches?
The most important thing a student athlete can do in a video he makes for recruitment purposes is to show off his skills. While some coaches will occasionally request game footage, what they really want to see is a player’s ability to repeat a skill — such as his swing or his pitching motion — over and over again. And that should be the centerpiece of any baseball video made for college coaches.

Should I go to college camps or showcases?
It is recommended that high school student athletes go to two to three college camps and one to two showcases a year. The student-athlete should pick what showcases to attend based on what college programs he wants to get the attention of, and should take advantage of showcases which will feature representatives from those college. Camps are a good way to impress college programs that already have you on their radar. The downside to this strategy is it can be quite expensive, with camps and showcases running between a couple hundred and a up to thousand dollars depending on their length and reputation.

One final point. Just because it is late in the recruiting game and you haven’t heard from any of the programs you are looking at don’t give up. Many top high school recruits will end up entering the Major League Baseball draft, thus opening up a spot and/or scholarship money at the college they would have attended if they didn’t go pro. This also creates a trickle down effect that could potentially open up late spots and/or money at baseball programs well down the collegiate food chain.

The Stanford Cardinal baseball program offers some of the best youth baseball camps in the country. They are organized into three programs: Kids Camps for age seven to twelve; Development camps for thirteen to eight year olds: and Summer Prospect Camps for incoming high school juniors and seniors.

The camps are held at Klein Field at Sunken Diamond which is where the Stanford Cardinal play their home baseball games.

Stanford’s big winter camp in 2013 will be its Elite Pitching Academy and Winter Catcher’s camp. Not only will this program feature Stanford coach Rusty Filter but Stephen Strasburg, who played with Filter when he was the pitching coach at San Diego State. Strasburg will offer instruction and do a Q&A session during the camp, which runs between December 28 and December 29.

Each day of the camp will feature three and a half hours of on field instruction. Besides Filter, the rest of the Stanford coaching staff, and Strasburg there will be other college coaches aiding with the camp during the sessions. Last year there were nine division one baseball coaches at the camp. The camps organizers make sure to have coaches from all over California to make sure the campers have exposure to other schools besides Stanford.

The cost of the camp is five hundred dollars for pitchers and four hundred for catchers. Per NCAA rules, any applicant will be part of a lottery which decides who can attend. (Otherwise the camp would be illegal “recruiting.”)This camp is only recommended for the serious baseball prospect who needs advanced and elite instruction.

Stanford hopes Houston Astros catcher and Stanford alum Jason Castro will be among those instructing the catchers in the winter camp. However he is rehabbing an injury this offseason and there is chance he won’t be able to make it. If that’s the case Stanford promises another high profile catcher will be brought in to take his place.

The Strasburg Q&A session will take place on Saturday night and is open to the parents of the campers as well as the campers. The camp has also blocked a room of hotels for $119 at the Sheraton Palo Alto, which is in walking distance of Klein Field at Sunken Diamond. However the camp warns not to make travel plans until your applicant has won the lottery, which will take place on November 8.

Don’t worry about bad weather, if you sign up for the Stanford Baseball’s Elite Pitching Academy and Winter Catcher’s camp. The camp feature a massive covered practice facility that is well-lit and turfed. There was a major rainstorm in 2010 and the camp went on exactly as planned. All cancellations are subject to a twenty dollar fee.

Just like a painter needs a brush, a hitter needs a bat. We’ve scoured the internet for the most highly rated bats in the youth, adult and softball categories. Below are descriptions of the bats as well as the price range you should expect the bat to go for. These bats can all be purchased from sporting good stores and online retailers.

Youth bats

Louisville Slugger MLB225YB Youth Wood Baseball Bat $10 to $60
When you think baseball bat — especially a wood baseball bat — you think Louisville Slugger, which is the company that’s been making bats for Major Leaguers for over 100 years.

Louisville Slugger also produces a line of wood bats for youth baseball that has long been very popular. The bats are made from maple, rather than ash, which makes them less prone to cracking or flaking, thus more cost effective. They are available between 26 and 31 inches and can either be cupped or not cupped. The Major League logo on the bat will make any youngster feel just like a Big Leaguer.

Easton LX73 Reflex -13 Youth Baseball Bat $36 to $60
If you want to go the alloy bat route for your youngster, the Easton LX73 Reflex is a popular choice. It’s made out of 7050 aircraft alloy and features an extremely light weight-to-length ratio. In fact, it can be purchased in sizes such as 29 inches 16 ounces or 31 inches 18 ounces, which are perfect for the under ten set. Some complain about the LX73 ability to generate bat speed, but for an eight year old learning how to hit that’s not really paramount. This bat is made to act as a stepping stone to bigger things.

Easton Youth Yb13S1 S1 Composite-12 Baseball Bat $200 to $250
As you can see from the price, the Easton Youth Yb13S1 S1 is a serious bat. What differentiates it from cheaper youth bats is the science behind it. The hitting stick features patented two-piece ConneXion technology for maximized energy transfer and a composite barrel with an extended sweet spot. The end result is laser quick bat speeds at 29 inches 17 ounces. Yes, this is a lot to pay for a Little League bat, but with greater bat speed those medium ground balls your ten year old was hitting could well turn into doubles in the gap.

Louisville Slugger 2010 TPX Tee Ball Omaha Baseball Bat $20 to $35
A tee ball bat should be short with a nice wide barrel to help the little ones make contact. And that’s what’s going on with the Louisville Slugger 2010 TPX Omaha bat, which comes in 24 inch 13 ounces and 25 inch 14 ounce size. The bat features extended barrel with a rolled end and a standard .875 inch handle with a high-tack synthetic grip. It also comes with a one-year warranty, which is just about enough time for your little one to graduate from tee ball to coach pitch.

Combat Youth Tee Ball Bat $35 to $45
With its wide barrel and explosive colors, the Combat Youth Tee Ball Bat certainly looks good. But beyond its bat rack appeal it packs a real punch, thanks to a hollow core which minimizes the bats weight while maximizing its trampoline effect. The bat is offered in sizes between 25 and 27 inches and 11 and 14 ounces and features a 14 ounces drop. It’s a virtual guarantee that if one kid on the tee ball team gets this bat everyone will want it, thanks to its cool look. And thanks to its cool performance, that would be a pretty strong team.

Adult bats

DeMarini Voodoo -3 Adult Baseball Bat with a 2 5/8-Inch Barrel $150 to $300
The advantage of synthetic bats is that they can play around with the design and create larger sweet spots. The DeMarini Voodoo promises an expanded sweet spot, while still being BBCOR approved — meaning it can be used in high school and college games. DeMarini believes their alloy bat has a distinct advantage over aluminum bats, due to its weight distribution, and that they have created a synthetic bat that limits vibrations. It’s a costly piece of equipment, but most of those who have purchased it seem to have thought it was worth the price.

Easton BK6 Hammer Bbcor Adult Baseball Bat $25 to $40
You don’t have to break the bank to buy a BBCOR approved adult baseball bat. The Easton BK6 is a perfectly acceptable hitting stick that will leave you with some cash for batting gloves or batting lessons. Easton’s patent pending Brace Barrel technology results low moment of inertia rate, which can make a bat feel up to 2 ounces lighter than it really is. When you step into the batter’s box with this hitting hammer you will have the comfort and confidence of a bat three times the cost.

Louisville Slugger MLB180 Natural Wood Baseball Bat $20 to $45
While it’s true alloy and composite bats are all the rage with the adult baseball set, there is still a place for the traditionalist who don’t think “ping” should be a sound associated with baseball. For those diehards, a classic bat like the Louisville MLB180 Natural Wood bat should be a fit. Made from pro-grade ash, which is the strongest wood available, the barrel of the bat is forged in a way that allows it to bend rather than break, creating a larger sweet spot. And no annoying metallic clank.

Combat Portent Adult Baseball Bat $300 to $400
When picking a bat, you want to look for a lightweight swing and large sweet spot. According to the promotional material for the Combat Portent Adult Baseball Bat, it offers the lightest swing weight and largest sweet spot available. This is achieved by the bat’s handle flex and a barrel trampoline feature plus a -3 drop. The bat is available in 31 to 34 inches and 28 to 31 ounces. If you desire a high performing bat the Combat Portent might be just the perfect thing to take into your hardball warzone.

Cold Steel Brooklyn Crusher $25-$40
Cold Steel’s goal with their Brooklyn Crusher model bat is to create a hitting tool that is truly indestructible. Most who have purchased the bat agree that this durable polypropylene bat won’t in any way crack, rot or break.

While the 29 inch 33 ounce bat is effective in competition or batting practice, it is also weighted in a way that is beneficial for home security. So not only will the Brooklyn Crusher help you dominate your beer league games, but it just might be the perfect tool to protect your family’s home or car.

Softball bats

Worth SBRLDA-34 ASA Slowpitch Softball Bat $35 to $40
Do you want a relatively high performance slowpitch bat that will leave you with enough money to buy a case of post game beer? Well, the Worth SBRLDA-34 ASA aluminum slowpitch bat might be the choice for you. It’s not quite of tournament quality, but it’s extended sweet spot will allow you to be a consistent performer in the your casual to competitive weekend leagues. It is approved by all softball associations and is 34 inches long and 27.5 ounces. Many satisfied customers will say that Worth is worth it.

Wilson DeMarini 34″ Bruiser Slow Pitch Softball Bat $60 to $100
Although alloy rather than composite, many uses report the Wilson DeMarini 34 inch bruisers hits like a synthetic double walled bat. Maybe its the DX1 aluminum alloy, which promises the “perfect balance” of strength and toughness. Maybe it’s the M2N end cap, is designed to absorb vibration. Like most slow pitch bats, this ASA and ISA approved stick takes about 50 or so hits to break in, but once you are there you will have a mid-range priced bat that gets close to high end performance.

DeMarini The Stadium Slowpitch Softball Bat $250 to $300
Featuring DeMarini’s strongest ever alloy, The Stadium Slowpitch Softball Bat is meant to bring out the power hitter in you. Its concave design gives the bat the kind of stiffness that will generate speed off of a slowly pitched ball, and its hybrid two piece gripe system makes you one with your hitting tool. Upon purchases, many of this bats users report hitting their first home runs. The downside is the bat seems to take a while to break in. But that’s what practice is for. And practice is even more fun when you are driving it out of the park.

Easton SK60B Typhoon (-10) fastpitch Softball Bat $20 to $60
Economical and efficient, the Easton Typhoon is a balanced bottle bat with a forged end concave cap. It’s 31 inches long and ASA certified. While the size of the bat may be a little intimidating to pre-teen players, users report it works well for a ten year old girl and will deliver a surprising amount of power. It comes highly recommended for rec leagues, and the success your daughter will have with the Typhoon will likely propel her on a trajectory of softball excellence. (Which will probably include more expensive bats.)

Demarini WTDXCFS CF5-11 Fastpitch Softball Bat 2013 $200 — $300
The Demarini CF5-11 fastpitch bat is a serious piece of equipment for the serious softball player. It is made from a cutting edge composite and features a two piece hitting system that expands the sweet spot and turns balls a hitter didn’t quite square into line drives. It also has a clutch end cap, which double harnesses the power of contact. The bat is available in size 29-inch, 18-ounce to size 33-inch to 22-ounce, so this model will work for the competitive high school girls player, or the men’s league masher.

A baseball player has a close personal relationship with his mitt. In this article we discuss the best gloves for youth baseball players, adult baseball players and softball players as culled from online reviews of the product. We’ve also included the price range for the mitts, which should be available online or at your local sport goods store.

Youth

Rawlings Players Series 9-inch Youth Baseball Glove $10 to $20
It doesn’t take much of an investment to set your youngster down the path to baseball stardom. For what practically amounts to pocket change you can get a basket web patterned Rawlings Series 9-inch glove which is made for tee-ball players, but will also work for beginning hardball participants. The glove comes with a soft-core training ball and can be purchased right or left handed. Children as young as three can enjoy the baseball diamond with this product, and it still has enough room to fit the hand of a typical six or seven year old.

Mizuno Prospect Series GPP1002 Youth Baseball Mitt $25 to $30
At ten inches, the Mizuno Prospect Series GPP1002 is the perfect sized mitt for when a young slugger has graduated from tee-ball to hardball. It’s V-flex notch system guides the mitt’s closure and helps players who haven’t yet fully mastered baseball coordination, as does the sidebar tapered design which secures the hand in place. The glove is available right or left handed. Like most leather gloves, it does take some time to break in. But once that’s done with this mitt will have your little fellow fielding like his heroes on TV.

Rawlings Playmaker Series 12-inch Youth Baseball Glove $25 to $35
At 12 inches, the Rawlings Playmaker is on the large size for a youth glove, and would work for any budding outfielders or any infielders who still need a bit of extra space to pick ‘em cleanly. You always now it’s quality when it’s Rawlings and at this price you can outfit a whole Little League team, right handers and left handers, with fresh leather. The glove comes already 80 percent broken in, meaning that even the most impatient youngster will be fully ready for action soon enough.

Akadema AGC98 Prodigy Series Glove $65 to $80
The “Prodigy” label Akadema slaps on this youth catcher’s mitt is no joke. This is a glove for a series youth backstop. Designed by Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter, the Prodigy features stress wedge technology and doubled sided slim padding which each make catching and ball retention easy. And if that wasn’t enough, it has Double Flexhinge, which forces the glove to close on contact. The Prodigy is a handcrafted 32 inch mitt with a Praying Mantis pattern and, the glove comes right and left handed.

Adult

Easton BX1250B Baseball Glove $25 to $35
An economical starter glove that will work for anyone between a little leaguer and an adult who wants to play catch in the backyard with their Little Leaguer. The glove has leather laces and a lockdown velcro strap to insure a tight fit. It comes right handed and left handed and features a contoured index finger pad. Users report the Easton BX1250B will break in fairly quickly and without oils. A tad smaller and more thin than a typical adult glove, this isn’t recommended for an older, competitive player. But it will certainly do the job for casual baseball (and softball) at any age.

Rawlings Gold Glove 12.75-inch Outfield Baseball Glove $80 to $160
If you want a solid, near professional quality outfield glove but you don’t want to completely break the bank, the Rawlings Gold Glove 12.75 Outfield Baseball Glove is a good bet. It features a trap-Eze web pattern which both extends the pocket and makes the glove close faster, giving you extra confidence on fly balls. Additionally, the full grain leather lining of the glove will make your hand feel as good as your outfield play. Slightly longer than an average outfield glove, this item will also work for softball.

Mizuno Franchise GFN1176 Baseball Fielder’s Mitt $60 to $80
At 11.75 inches and featuring a tartan shock webbing, the Mizuno Franchise is the perfect size and shape for an infielder’s glove. Thanks to hi-low lacing this baseball-specific glove gives the fielder the flexibility to grab a hard ground ball painlessly and then quickly remove it from the webbing and fire it to the appropriate base.The glove, which is available in left handed and right handed, has an adjust a size wrist closer which allows it to be the mitt of choice for infielders in LIttle League on up.

Rawlings Pro Preferred 11.5-inch Infield Baseball Glove $300 to $460
You don’t have to be a Major Leaguer to enjoy the highest quality of baseball gloves. But you are going to have pay a pretty penny. Yes, the Rawlings Pro Preferred 11.5 infield glove is expensive. But it’s also the exact model All-Star second baseman Chase Utley wears. It features the highest quality leather, which not only gives the glove a tight structure and ultra-comfortable feel but actually wicks the sweat away from your hand. It’s going to be a bit harder to break in than the typical glove, but the end result should be well worth it.

Louisville Slugger Omaha Pro First Base Mitt $55 to $90
This 13-incher is the classic first baseman’s mitt. Made from professional grade oil-treated steerhide leather, the bruise guard padding will make sure your hand will survive even the most cannon-armed of shortstops. While its pocket might not be quite big enough for softball, it gives the baseball player the ideal mix of protection and maneuverability. It comes right handed or left handed. While it might take a little oiling out of the package, the Louisville Slugger Omaha Pro First Base Mitt should provide years of use.

Wilson A1000 Superskin Series 32.5 Inch BB1791SS Baseball Catcher’s Mitt $60 to $130
Because of its mix of premium ECCO leather with a material called superskin the Superskin series cheaper from Wilson is not only cheaper than other premium gloves but lighter. It also feature dual welting and pro stock patterns which are designed by the pros. There is some discrepancies on how long the glove takes to break in. Some say it’s just about ready upon delivery, while others say it needs a bit of time with the glove oil. Of course another good way to break in a catcher’s mitt is just to find your favorite pitcher and tell him to throw heat.

Rawlings Heart of the Hide Pro Mesh Yadier Molina 34-inch Catcher’s Mitt $200 to $300
Yadier Molina is arguably the finest catcher playing Major League Baseball today. And his signature Rawling’s catcher’s mitt, which is made to the specifications of Molina’s game day glove, is arguably the finest catcher’s mitt on the market. It isn’t cheap, but Major League quality shouldn’t be. The 34-inch glove features a one piece closed web, the latest in strength and durability. It’s unique mix of mesh and premium heart of the hide leather makes the Molina 15 percent lighter than other gloves its size without sacrificing any durability.

Softball glove

Wilson A360 Series 14-Inch Slow Pitch Glove $30 to $35
Slow pitch softball can be the most casual of games. You don’t need a great deal of skill to play in some rec leagues, which are as much about that cooler of beer as they are about winning and losing. The Wilson A360 14 inch is for the slow pitch player that wants to have a good time. Still, its split hinge webbing and over sized pocket will make sure you will catch what you supposed to catch. Because of its large size it will work for somebody with big hands or even as a first baseman’s mitt. If you graduate to more competitive softball you might want a more expensive glove, but why not just take it easy and enjoy yourself?

Mizuno GMVP1300S1 MVP Softball Fielder’s Mitt $80 to $110
This is good glove for a competitive softball player, fastpitch or slowpitch . It features the comfort of throwback soft pebbled leather and at 13 inches it will work for the infield or the outfield. The see through webbing design makes it easier for outfielders to field fly balls and infielders pop ups on a sunny day. The Mizuno MVP softball mitt comes in right handed and left handed. Although it will require some breaking in, you don’t need glove oil to get it into game shape.

Miken Super Soft 13.5-inch First Baseman’s Softball Mitt $70 to $100
First base can be a bit challenging in softball with that big old ball baring down on you. As such, a competitive softball first baseman probably wants a speciality first base mitt. The Miken Super Soft First Baseman’s Softball MIttl is a very popular option on this front. Miken’s Poron XRD padding system will reduce impact on your hand and the full grain shell allows you to form your own pocket. The glove comes right handed and left handed and pre-oiled.

Mizuno GXS57 MVP Fastpitch Catcher’s Mitt $80 to $100
When you play fastpitch softball, you’re going to need a specialty catcher’s mitt for the guy or gal behind the plate. The Mizuno GXS57 MVP is a high quality piece of equipment for the competitive player. The 34 inch mitt features an ultra soft lining and throwback leather. While made for behind the plate, the GXS57 can also be utilized in the field. It’s actually something to think about as an all-around softball glove, particularly if you are playing on a high school on junior high girls team.

Wilson is Chicago-based sporting goods company that has been around for exactly 100 years. The make a full-range of sporting goods, and perhaps are best known for making the official balls for the National Football League and for many of the top tennis tournament. A volleyball featuring the Wilson logo (and named Wilson) had a co-starring role in the Tom Hanks’ movie “Castaway.”

Wilson is also a very prominent baseball glove manufacturer. Among the Major League All-Stars who use Wilson mitts are Ivan Rodriguez, Josh Hamilton, Jose Bautista, David Wright, Brandon Phillips, Evan Longoria, Dustin Pedroia and Hanley Ramirez.

Wilson gloves are also very popular among amateur baseball players. Below we’ve listed ten models of Wilson Baseball gloves that have been highly rated by consumers. These mitts should be available at your local sporting goods store or at online marketplaces such as Amazon.

Wilson A360 Series 13-Inch Slow Pitch Glove $25 to $50
The Wilson A360 Series 13-inch Slow Pitch Glove is an economical and sturdy piece of equipment. Unlike other lower priced gloves it is made from real leather, not plastic that can’t be broken in. The glove features a closed back with hook & loop strap. It is specific designed for beginning or rec league softball players, and features a deep pocket for catching a softball. However those who have bought the glove report that it also works very well for less-competitive baseball, or for just playing catch with any type of ball. The glove comes in both left-handed and right handed models.

Wilson A800 1786 Game Ready Soft Fit Infielder’s Throw Baseball Glove, 11.5-Inch $100
Because it is made from ECCO leather, the Wilson A800 comes game ready and is designed to provide broken-in softness for years to come. Those who have bought the mitt do report that there was no need to break it in. It features a low heel profile, which makes the glove more flexible and more forgiving when fielding bad hop grounders. It’s 2x palm construction also provides maximum stability and the leather lining is designed to confirm right to the fielder’s hand. At 11.5 inches, this Wilson glove is the perfect size for a serious Babe Ruth or Junior High school player.

Wilson A2000 Pro Stock 11.5 Inch BB 1786-ST Baseball Glove $200 to $250
Wilson has been making their A2000 Pro Stock model for 55 years. Time has proven that the world famous pro stock leather the mitt has always been constructed from offers just about the best durability you can buy. It features pro-stock patterns, which is the design many big leaguers use. And it’s not like Wilson has updated the A2000 throughout its over 50 years of existence. These days it comes with a dri-lex ultra breathable lining which transfers moisture off of your skin, keeping your hand cool and dry. Not that’s a luxury the ball players of yore did not’ have. It may be expensive, but this is a serious mitt for a serious baseball player of any age.

Wilson Pro Stock A2000 JH32 12.5 inch $175 to $225
Yes, Josh Hamilton didn’t have the world’s greatest year in 2013, but lets not blame his glove. The Wilson Pro Stock A2000 JH32 12.5 inch mitt not only comes with all of the goodies associated with Wilson’s Pro stock line — such as dual welting, which pre-curves the fingers, and dri-lex for moisture control — but it is modified to the 2010 MVP’s exact specifications. These include a larger hand opening, deeper pocket, lower profile heel, a thumb stall and a custom set of internal lacing for greater glove strenght. What the glove doesn’t come with is Hamilton’s 25 million a year salary or a biological propensity for drug addiction.

Wilson A440 FP115 Fielder’s Throw Fastpitch Glove $20 to $40
Who says a softball glove can’t be stylish? Those who have bought the Wilson 440 FP115 Fielder’s glove have gone as far as describing it as “super cute.” And with its attractive black and purple color scheme who are we to disagree. The mitt, which features an oversized webbing — even at only 11.5 inches — and an ez snap velcro back enclosure system, is perfect for the youth softball player, and even allows for the new three-finger catching technique many girl’s softball coaches are teaching. Also, did we mention this glove was stylish. Your daughter will never want to take it off!

Wilson A1000 Superskin Series 32.5 Inch BB1791SS Baseball Catcher’s Mitt $80 to $120
The call the special equipment a catcher uses “The Tools Of Ignorance.” But purchasing a Wilson A1000 Superskin Series 32.5 Inch BB1791SS Baseball Catcher’s Mitt would be highly intelligent, which is just about the opposite of ignorance. The glove is made of super skin leather, which is twice as strong as regular cowhide and any catcher will appreciate the extra support when a 95 MPH fastball is zipping to the plate. Those who have bought the glove report that it is not very difficult to break in, although the do recommend applying some oil to it.

Wilson A2403 PUDGE Pro Stock Pudge 32.5 Inch Baseball Catcher’s Mitt $200 to $250
Much more than any other player on a baseball diamond, the catcher relies heavily on his equipment. Even if you are not in the Major Leagues, catching 100 MPH heat, you want the kind of glove that will protect you from the 80 MPH fastballs that can still cause quite a sting. The Wilson A2403 PUDGE Pro Stock 32.5 Inch Baseball Catcher’s mitt cost a pretty penny but should give you peace of mind. If it’s good enough Pudge — who would be feature Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez — this glove featuring premium steer-hide and an extended web palm should be good enough for you.

Wilson A800 2800 Game Ready Soft Fit First Baseman’s Throw Baseball Mitt (12-Inch) $50 to $100
Like the catcher, the first baseman needs a little extra padding to handle some pretty fast moving baseball. Thanks 2X palm construction with exclusive Ecco level, the Wilson A800 2800 Game Ready Soft Fit First baseman’s glove offers up this protection. The low profile heel also makes it more flexible so you can open the palm as much as possible and give your field a larger target. The mitt gets gets strong reviews from most who have purchased it, but owners do warn that there will be a breaking in period. While the mitt is certainly good enough for game use, it is also recommended for anybody who is training a youngster with a strong arm.

Wilson A800 1799 Game Ready Soft Fit Outfielder’s Throw Baseball Glove (12.5-Inch) $50 to $100
The key to a good outfielders glove is the size. While infielders need smaller gloves because there is a premium on how fast they can reach into the pocket of the glove, grip the ball, and rip it to first base, that transfer isn’t as a big of a deal for those who play in right field, center field or left field. Instead they need a larger glove to give the ball a bigger landing area and protect them from the dreaded drop fly ball. A little extra length also helps an outfielder when he is diving in for a line drive. A 12.5 inches the Wilson A800 1799 fits the bill as an outfielder’s glove.

Wilson Dura-Pro Batting Gloves Junior $12
Gloves aren’t just for fielding. Most players also use gloves when they came to the plate. These batting gloves help the player grip the bat and protect the the hands for any vibrations or splinting caused upon contact. The Wilson Dura-Pro Batting glove is designed for junior players. But it’s never too early for a good grip and hand protection. The gloves feature a nylon stretch back, for comfort, and leather in the front.

Here are five popular hitting drills that require no more than a bat and a tee and can improve any hitter’s technique at the plate:

Stride Drill
This drill requires a tee and will help a hitter work on striking balls in all locations of the plate

First set up the ball in the middle of the plate, thigh high. Take a few swings. Move the ball to the outside of the plate. Repeat. Then do the same with tee and ball moved the inside of the plate. The key is that the hitter always stays in exactly the same part of the batter’s box. He should also be visualizing a pitcher and his wind up and watching an imaginary bar through the air before swinging. The exercise should be repeated with with balls placed at different heights. This drill allows a hitter to hone his stride while working on hit pitches in all locations.

The “Shine a Light” Drill
This is easy drill that will help a player develop a short stride.

Youth players in particular tend to over swing. Joe Brockhoff, a the former head coach at Tulane University, has developed a simple, word-association technique to fix that. When players practice their swing, he encourage them to “shine a light” toward the pitch, with the “light” emulating from the knob of their bat.

By positioning their bat that way it is almost impossible to have a looping or sweeping swing. If a hitter gets comfortable swinging with his “light” trained on the pitch he will always have a short and compact swing.

Coil Drill
This drill requires a bat and help a hitter develop a consistent routine for getting into the batter’s box, setting his stance, and coiling his bat.

The execution of this drill is simple enough. The hitter gets into the batter’s box (real or imaginary) goes into his regular stand. The coach will throw him an imaginary ball and the player will coil in preparation, freezing at the apex of his coil. This will give the coach the chance to analyze the coil technique.

Things the coach should be looking for is a proper grip, a correct weight shift, eyes on the ball, and hands up, not dropped. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, the hitter should just look comfortable and ready to strike.

Hip Rotation Drill
This drill requires a bat and will help a hitter work on his proper hip rotation.

To start the drill the player puts the bat behind his back and then balances it between his biceps and forearms with the barrel of the bat pointing wear the catcher would be. The coach will throw the batter imaginary pitchers, yelling inside or outside when he does. The player while then respond to the pitch like he would if it was really coming, taking his normal stride coil and hip rotation.

Because of the way the bat is positioned against the body, this will give the coach a good look at the players hip rotation and he can determine whether the players hip rotation is on point. Things for a coach to look for is more hip rotation on inside pitches, a strong back foot pivot, a stiff front leg, the front shoulder opening first and a head that remains steady through the swing.

Sacrifice Form Drill
This drill will help hitters develop a good form for bunting. It is best performed in a group.

In the drill players with a bat in hand line up facing a coach, who is standing about 20 feet away from them. The coach will through an imaginary pitcher and the players will go into the bunting position. Since there is a natural freeze point to the pose the coach can then observe each player’s technique and offer criticisms and recommendations. Among the things the coach should be checking for is if the player looks balanced, if they have stepped too close to the plate in their setup and if the bat is at the proper angle and the top of the strike zone.

Baseball fields just don’t magically appear. They need to be built. And then they need to be maintained or nature will reclaim them. Baseball field equipment is used for this construction and maintenance. Learn more about types of baseball field equipment and their functions below.

The bases
It wouldn’t be baseball without the bases, right? Sets of bases run between about $300 and $600. Breakaway bases, which will release from their anchor on hard impact , are used in all of youth baseball, most high school baseball and increasingly in college and the minor leagues. The breakaway bases in youth baseball release with less impact than would be required to dislodge the equipment used with the older age groups. Little League (and softball of just about all ages) uses something called a double first base, which has white half in fair territory and a orange half in foul territory. The defense (first baseman) puts his foot on the white half to try to record an out whereas the offense (baserunner) uses the orange half to try to beat the throw. This set up is to avoid injuries. While not technically a base, a baseball field also needs a pitching rubber, which should run between fifteen and seventy dollars.

Drag mats
Drag mats are giant rakes used by the grounds crew to rake the infield dirt. They can be quite expensive — up to a $800 — and some are designed to be pulled by carts or tractors. There is probably not going to be drag mat at a Little League Game, but you might see them in high school, college and certainly the minor leagues.

Rakes and brooms
Specially designed rakes and brooms for for grooming the infield dirt. They should cost less than $100, making them economical alternatives (as well as compliments)to drag mats.

Dry line markers
Sometimes called chalkers, these push-cart like devices are used draw in the foul lines and other demarcations on a baseball field. While most use chalk, there are also spray marker systems which use white paint to form the lines.

Water removal equipment
There are all sorts of different types of equipment to remove water from a baseball field. They include rollers, non-absorbent squeegees and rain out, a chemical which makes dirt dryer. Water pumps and water pillows, which are placed in a puddle and act to absorb all of its water, can also be used to dry a baseball field prior to a game or during a rain delay.

Field covers

Field covers, or tarps, are used to protect a baseball field when there is no game action or when it has begun to rain. They range greatly in price, from $50 to $1500 depending on their size. Some field covers just go over the base areas and the pitcher’s mound. Others, called full-field covers or winter covers, go over the entire infield area. Some of the more expensive field covers come with a roller which distributes the tarp evenly over the field. Sandbag are typically used to weigh the tarp down.

Foul poles
Foul poles are needed in any baseball field with a wall to determine if home runs are fair or foul. They tend to have a net like area that sits on the fair side and “catches” fair homeruns. The cheapest foul poles cost a few hundred bucks and can be attached to a chain-link fencing. These are fine for Little League, but for a higher level you probably need need proper foul poles, which are going to run somewhere between $3000 and $800 for a set.

Major League baseballs weigh between five and five and a quarter ounces. Weighted baseball weigh between six and twelve ounces and are generally sold in sets of between three and six (of differing weights.)

Weighted baseballs are used to build arm strength and work on pitching mechanics. They are also somewhat controversial, with concerns that they can hurt a pitcher’s arm.

However most experts seem to agree that weighted baseball are safe for adults or older teenagers to use, as long as you follow certain precautions.

It is not recommended that Little Leaguers or younger teens use weighted baseball. Maybe a thirteen or fourteen year old who has already had their arm built up substantially, but even that could be risky.

For older players, however, they should be OK. A football weighs three times as much as a regular baseball (and more than most weighted baseballs) and the shoulders of quarterbacks tend to survive throwing the ball over and over again.

Nevertheless, a weighted baseball should never be thrown off of a mound or used for long toss. It’s also not a good idea to use them to play catch because that’s how people get hurt. But drills in which baseball are tossed into nets six to eight feet in front of the pitcher can do wonders to improve a pitcher’s fastball. Some pitchers have reported gaining five to six miles per hour on their speedball after a year of training with weighted balls. And that could very well be the difference between a minor leaguer and a Major Leaguer and the tens millions of dollars a player can accumulate over a career if they make that jump.

There have been two major studies on weighted baseball. The first, published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: Vol. 8, No. 4, divided 225 high school and college pitchers into three groups. Two of which trained with six ounces weighted balls (but used different training methods) and a control group that used regular balls. The researchers found, after ten weeks of training, the pitchers in the weighted ball groups had an average increase in velocity that was statistically significantly higher than the hurlers in the control group.

The second study, also published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, used thirty high school pitchers and divided them into three groups: one that trained with weighed six ounce balls, one that trained with under weighted four ounce balls and a control group. It found that the groups training with overweight and underweight balls had velocity gains beyond the control group. This suggests it may be variation in weight, rather than overall weight, which yields results.

It is also important to note that both of these studies used six ounces balls, whereas most commercially available weighted ball sets feature much heavier balls. Remember a six ounce ball weighs twenty percent more than a five ounce official ball — which is quite significant even though one ounce doesn’t sound like a lot.

Sets of weighted baseballs generally run between twenty and thirty dollars. You can buy them at your local sporting good store and most online baseball retailers.

Victory Custom Athletics is a Chatsworth, California sporting goods company founded in 1988 with the intention of creating baseball uniforms with extra attention to pattern and design. Operating under the policy that a uniform should perform as well as the athlete, Victory has always emphasized durability, comfort and functional fit in their products. Knowing that the sports uniform business has always been a crowded, Victory has tried to distinguish themselves by focusing on laser-sharp customer service from day one. They also use only the best natural and synthetic materials in their uniform, operating under the mantra a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Victory baseball uniform feature elastic, snaps, buttons, and zippers which far exceed the industry norm. Bar tacked reinforced belt loops, cover stitch and double standard come standard on Victory products.

Victory baseball pants are made in the USA, just like America’s pastime, and because they are factory direct so there is no dealing with a middleman and you will always know where your order stands.

Victory baseball pants come with pro tunnel belt loops, heavy duty brass zippers, reinforced twill tape in the crotch area, cover stitched seams, non roll elastic waistband, nickel plated, reinforced double knees and a lifetime guarantee. Yup, that’s Big League quality.

Victory baseball offers six styles of pants. Clemson cut, old school, low rise, Manny, traditional tapered and vintage.

Clemson cut is more or less their standard pant. It features a leg that runs down to right above the shoe and a hidden stirrup. A pair of Clemson cuts will run 79.99 dollars for white or grey and $81.99 for pinstripe. Old School features the classic knicker style, with the pant baggy and ending right below the knees. It runs $67.99 and Victory will also sell you the stirrup and sanitary required to pull of the look for about twenty bucks. Low rise is basically just the Clemson cut with a low rise waist and it costs $79.99.

Manny cut, which seems to make reference to the haphazard uniform of former slugger Manny Ramirez, is looser and more flexible above the knees and also runs $79.99. Traditional tapered gives you a sleek tapered look and elastic ankle openings for $73.99. Vintage is similar to old school, but with a tighter fit on the things. It goes for $67.99.

With Victory baseball pants you always have the option of adding trim for an additional ten dollars. Trim colors include white, black, grey, kelly, dark green, teal, victory, royal, blue, navy, purple, scarlet, cardinal, maroon, brown, Texas orange, orange, vegas gold, victory blue and white (which is for the grey pants.)

Additionally, Victory has youth baseball pants in all of these styles and colors. Youth pants cost between fifteen and twenty dollars less than their adult counterparts.

Victory also offers player packs which are by for the most economical way to buy Victory uniforms. All the packs, which are meant to be bought in bulk for a baseball team, are a bit different.  They generally include four or five tops — a mix of jersey, t-shirts, sweatshirts and fleeces — one pair of pants, a pair of practice shorts and sometimes also a bag or belt.

You need to buy a minimum of twelve packs, and if you just buy twelve the cost of each pack will be between two hundred dollars and $275, depending on what is included. If you buy ninety-six packs the price can get as low as $175 each.

Because Victory is factory direct you need to log on their website to make a purchase. Besides pants, you can also buy individual jerseys (which are fully customizable) batting gloves, socks, stirrups, jackets and other baseball apparel.