Printable: Baseball Equipment Checklist
Use this to plan what you need and track what you’ve bought. Print it, write in the brand and type you want, and check items off as you go.
Must-Have Equipment
| Item | ✓ | Brand / Type / Size | Notes |
|---|
| Glove (fielding) | ☐ | _________________________ | Must fit — not too big |
| Bat (USABat or BBCOR stamp) | ☐ | _________________________ | Check league requirements |
| Batting helmet | ☐ | _________________________ | Must fit snug, no wobble |
| Cleats | ☐ | _________________________ | Molded for youth, metal for HS |
| Baseball hat | ☐ | _________________________ | Team may provide |
| Athletic cup | ☐ | _________________________ | Required for catchers, recommended for all |
| Mouthguard | ☐ | _________________________ | Optional but smart |
| Belt | ☐ | _________________________ | Team color usually |
| Baseball pants | ☐ | _________________________ | Team may provide |
| Socks / stirrups | ☐ | _________________________ | Team color usually |
Catcher’s Gear (if applicable)
| Item | ✓ | Brand / Type / Size | Notes |
|---|
| Catcher’s helmet / mask | ☐ | _________________________ | Hockey-style or traditional |
| Chest protector | ☐ | _________________________ | Size by age/height |
| Shin guards | ☐ | _________________________ | Should cover knee to ankle |
| Catcher’s mitt | ☐ | _________________________ | Separate from fielding glove |
| Throat guard | ☐ | _________________________ | Attaches to mask |
| Knee savers | ☐ | _________________________ | Optional, reduces knee strain |
Nice to Have
| Item | ✓ | Brand / Type / Size | Notes |
|---|
| Practice balls (6-pack) | ☐ | _________________________ | For home drills |
| Batting tee | ☐ | _________________________ | Essential for home practice |
| Equipment bag | ☐ | _________________________ | Big enough for bat + helmet + glove |
| Water bottle | ☐ | _________________________ | Bring to every practice and game |
| Batting gloves | ☐ | _________________________ | Helpful, not required |
| Sunglasses | ☐ | _________________________ | For outfielders especially |
| Sliding shorts | ☐ | _________________________ | Padding for base running |
| Pine tar / grip stick | ☐ | _________________________ | For bat grip (older players) |
| Extra balls for home | ☐ | _________________________ | Safety balls for indoor use |
Dad Pro Tips
- Glove fit is everything. A glove that’s too big makes catching harder, not easier. When in doubt, go smaller.
- Buy used everything except the helmet. Gloves break in better used anyway. Bats, cleats, and pants are all great secondhand buys.
- USABat vs. BBCOR: Little League and most youth leagues require USABat-stamped bats. High school requires BBCOR. Check before you buy.
- Tape a gear list inside the bag. Kids forget things. A checklist taped inside the bag solves this.
- Label everything. Sharpie on the inside of the glove, helmet, bat, bag — all of it.
