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Hello Gang
With the new season starting everyone is trying to choose equipment that will work best for their softball player. Below are a couple of ideas:
Fastpitch Softball Bats
How to Pick the Perfect Bat
One question that is asked of any coach is, "What are the right fastpitch softball bats for my daughter?" The first thing I will tell you is that the choice of a bat is somewhat personal. Any player will look to her bat, along with her glove, as one of her defining tools. As we all know that the mental part of the game is very important, finding a bat that provides confidence is a good first step.
The best softball bat for a player is determined by three factors: length, weight, and personal taste (feel, color, and sometimes even brand). Length is determined by the age and height of the player, while weight is determined by height for the younger players and weight for the older players. Once you know exactly what length and weight bat you need, do not underestimate the personal taste factor. For instance, my older daughter was an avowed Worth bat disciple because she loved the feel of the handle and how it felt in her grip. My youngest daughter swung nothing but Easton because she felt it added distance to her swing. In addition, the color of the bat factored in. Why? No idea, but again it was a psychological lift. With hitting, the more confident a player, the better she will hit.
© Helmut Steinwender
When selecting a fastpitch softball bat, make sure it is for fastpitch and not baseball or slowpitch softball. Also, look for the ASA stamp of approval. In past years, this was a stamp on the end of the barrel of the bat (opposite end of the handle). More recently, you may find it just above the handle. This is very important. If you do not see this stamp, the bat is illegal and the umpire is instructed to prohibit its use in a game. As bat technology became more sophisticated, particularly with the introduction of composite bats, the hits coming off of the bat (referred to as trampoline effect) were increasing in velocity and causing a hazard to fielders, particularly the pitchers. Every year ASA determines what are "legal", based on hit velocity and other factors, and publishes that list to its website. This website will also show you what the stamps look like.
There are eight different companies that supply fastpitch softball bats. Click on the link for each company to find out more about their fastpitch bats. You will find a listing and picture of each of the bats currently distributed by the various manufacturers. This includes several online stores like Amazon, Baseball Express, Online Sports, amongst others. We have also included a link to Shopzilla, which will show you available product across their network. A link to the current eBay auction is also provided. The bat companies are:
· Louisville Slugger/TPS softball bats
© Kim Jew Photography Studio
Fastpitch softball bats are expensive, with the top end bats easily exceeding $300. As a result, you may come across discount softball bats advertised. These are usually either previous year models (close outs) or what they refer to as "blems" or blemished softball bats. With blems, there is usually nothing wrong with the bat itself, but the color of the bat may be slightly off or marked. These bats will usually be considerably cheaper than their brand new or perfect brethren bats. All manufacturers will have these bats. So you may want to check stock to see if you can get one.
And don't forget the batting gloves. They come in all shapes and sizes, but a brand I was particularly partial to are the Easton Turbo Slots. Find out how they strengthened the weakest part of any grip on the batting gloves page.
How To Choose a Glove
Many parents will agonize over the perfect bat, but choosing the right softball glove? A good glove will outlast a bat every time if the correct one is chosen initially.
The two key elements in ensuring a long life glove are: Choosing the right size and breaking the glove in properly. Follow the link to find out how to break it in properly. On this page, we will focus on getting the size right.
One of the things that I frequently saw with younger players is that they came to practice with what amounted to a peach basket. The glove was WAY too big for her. The thinking was she would grow into it eventually. What was far more likely is that she would get frustrated and give up on this "stupid" sport. The size, besides age, is dictated by position she will play. Generally speaking, the infielder will want a glove that is 12.5" and smaller, while the outfielder's is 12.75" and larger. A youth size is generally between 9" to 11". An infielder's glove needs to be smaller for quick transfer of the ball from the glove hand to the throwing hand. A larger one could foul that transition.
The size is generally emblazoned on the glove. To be sure, you can measure from the tip or the middle finger of the glove through the inside to the heel.
A mitt is different from a glove because it does not have the fingers like gloves do. The mitt allows for better control of the ball, hence the reason you have a first base mitt and catcher's mitt, two positions that handle the ball regularly. Catcher's mitts are measured by circumference and range from 31 to 34 inches, with youth mitts ranging from 31 to 32 inches. For your first baseman, the mitts range in size from 11" to 13", with youth sizes being 11" to 11.5". Note that first base mitts and catcher's mitts can only be used at those particular positions. If a first base mitt or catcher's mitt is used at another position (say second base) and the ball is fielded with the mitt, the umpire will immediately call the play dead and award the batter first base and all runners will advance one base. So, if your daughter plays more than first base or catcher, she will need a regular fielding glove as well.
© Kim Jew Photography Studio
The better gloves are made from leather. Some gloves are also made from treated leather which aids the break-in period. You will also find gloves made from synthetics. If your young player is just learning and not really committed, this may be okay as it is lighter and cheaper, but be aware that it is not likely to withstand a lot of playing.
Below you will find fastpitch softball gloves and mitts either grouped by function (fielding gloves, catcher, first base) or by manufacturer. If you are looking for a glove/mitt but with no preference to manufacturer, click on one of the first three links. If, on the other hand, you do have a preference to manufacturer, click on the name of the manufacturer. You will find a number of different e-stores on these pages, including Amazon, Baseball Express, Online Sports and Shopzilla to name a few. You will also find a coupon section that will help you find the current deals. Each page has directions on how to find exactly what you are looking for.
· Wilson gloves
So here you go just a little info.
Coach Pete
Play catch and hit them long!
Well tonight I'm a happy man! All the tryouts are completed. We have 10U, 12U, 14U, 18u and a big ball team. We had a great turn out. I would like to say Thanks to all the coaches and staff of the Delaware Explosion that helped the try-outs run smoothly. I think we are going to have a great program at all levels of play. I hope to see everyone's smiling face on Sunday.To the new players and their families: there are alot of things to do on a travel team each year so please help out the team moms on and off the field so they can enjoy the year as well.
Thanks Again
Pete
Mgr Delaware Explosion Fastpitch
"play catch and hit them long"
"It's that easy"
Hello, To All!
Well after the much needed break, (July 25 to August 2nd LOL) try-outs started the first week in August and ran for two weeks. We have seen old girls re-try out and a lot of new ones, and sad to say some depart. I would like to wish everyone the best and hope that you have as much fun and enjoyment that I have in coaching.
We will have our first 2014/15 meeting at our field on Sunday the 17th. The Organization Mom will send out an email to all the returning and new players.
This year we are going to have a Big Ball team for the parents and coaches to play on. Please think about it - this is JUST FOR FUN!
There is a lot of stuff to do over a season of softball so please sign up for something to make the season easier for others.
This is all for now-
Pete Thursby
Play catch and hit them long!
7/26/204 - Congrats to the 14U team for placing third in the World Series tournament in Salisbury, MD!
DE Explosion Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraising
