Quote:
Originally posted by Texas Aggie
Crossover from football/basketball considering baseball. I liked the idea of being outdoors and I love baseball.
With that, I don't want to drop a small fortune into gear I'm not going to like. Understanding there are no guarantees, I'm wondering the following:
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1. What's the minimum amount of equipment I need to get started (first 3-4 weeks)?
There are some pretty decent starter packages available from different equipment supliers. They cover the basic equipment needed to get you started, along with a uniform to help you look the part. You're going to want to get a pair of plate shoes, or at least a steel toed black athletic tennis shoe. You're going to need a good pair of black leather training type shoes for the bases as well. The rest is pretty much self explanatory. Ball bag, plate brush, indiclikikator, cup, and the three big protective items, chest protector, shin guards, and mask or helmet mask.
2. Are the combo pants really big enough to fit the shin guards for the plate? Do they look like bell bottoms on the bases?
In my opinion, no, their not. You should wear plate pants on the plate and base pants on the bases.
3. From what I understand, the chest protector and mask are pretty much your key pieces of equipment. What do I need to look for here?
Comfort and fit, combined with adequate protection for the level you're going to work. If you're only planning on working on the small field, there are numerous chest protectors at a decent cost for the beginner. If you plan on moving up to, or starting out working games where the players shave, you're going to want to look into a hard shell. As far as the mask goes, that a big personal preference. Some of us like the helmet mask, and others like the traditional style mask. Whichever one you choose, you should get one with leather or cloth covered pads. The simulated leather doesn't cut it in my opinion.
4. I don't like the look of pure plate hats. Does the combo hat come off when you pull off the mask or do you have to work on that to keep it from coming off?
As long as you purchase properly fitted hats, the combo hat's are not a problem for traditional style mask users. Most of us that use the helmet, don't wear a hat while on the plate.
5. Indicator on the bases to start out or no?
This has become a bane of contention amongst baseball officials. You should do what's accepted in your area.
6. I've worn under-armour stuff all season in football and basketball and expect to do the same baseball. Is UA stuff sufficient for the base layer under the equipment?
Absolutely, it's cool in the Summer, and helps keep you warm in the early Spring.
Here are some links for you to look at along with a basic protective equipment picture from Gerry Davis Sports.
http://www.honigs.com/detail.asp?Cat=1&Sub=97&Item=686
http://www.gerrydavis.com/Merchant2/...egory_Code=100
Good luck to you!
Tim.
[Edited by BigUmp56 on Dec 19th, 2005 at 10:41 PM]