Complete Softball Wear and Gear

The following is an outline of the complete wear and gear in softball. The kinds and number of softball equipment and clothing may vary according to the game but the items below comprise the full set.

Softball Gear

Softball

Contrary to its name, a softball is not soft. A new softball is usually hard and the player has to break it in to render it softer. A softball does get softer with time. The size and weight of the ball varies according to whether the game is slowpitch or fastpitch. Yellow is fast becoming the standard color for softball, especially in international competitive plays.

Bat

Not all bats used in softball are made of wood. Some are made of aluminum or a composite material such as carbon fiber. Bat sizes vary but many players prefer thinner barrels as these are lighter and thus allow higher swing speeds.

Gloves

Gloves or fielding gloves are worn by all defensive players. Gloves are usually made of leather or a similar material. A softball glove features a pocket which is a webbing found in between the thumb and forefinger.

Mitts

Mitts are different from gloves in that they have more padding but without fingers. They are usually worn by the catcher and the first baseman.

Softball Uniform

Cap

Head gear for softball players could be caps, visors or headbands which are optional for women and mandatory for men. The only exception is when a fielder opts to wear a helmet rather than a cap. A team usually has the same color of headgear.

Helmet

A softball helmet has two ear flaps on each side. Helmets are worn by batters and runners in fastpitch. In slowpitch softball, helmets are optional. Also in fastpitch, a catcher wears a helmet, face mask and throat protector. All helmets should be in good condition. Damaged or altered helmets are not allowed.

Shirt

 The usual softball top is a sleeveless shirt. At the back of the shirt the player's number is printed. The number is an Arabic numeral which could be anything from 1 to 99.

Undershorts

Softball players wear sliding undershorts which are just optional clothing. Undershorts protect the upper thighs when players slide into bases. Alternatively, players may also wear sliders which are a type of shin guards that extend from the ankle and go all the way up to the knee and around the legs. This padded shin guard protects the player when sliding into home plates.

Shorts or pants

Softball players wear either shorts or pants though male players usually wear baseball-style long pants.

Shoes

Shoes are mandatory in softball. Shoes may have cleats or spikes. The spikes should not be the rounded metal ones as these are illegal. The spikes should also not extend more than ¾ of an inch from the sole. Metal cleats and spikes are not allowed in order to prevent injuries caused by a player sliding feet-first into a fielder. Players also wear moisture-wicking, padded softball socks.