| Baseball is America's pastime. To play the | | | | protection for any batter. Pitches can travel |
| game there are a few basic pieces of | | | | upwards of 90 miles per hour, so headgear is |
| equipment that everyone must have on hand. | | | | necessary. Catchers wear a helmet as well; |
| For most, this equipment is common knowledge, | | | | only their helmet also has a wire cage that |
| but some may be less familiar with the | | | | pulls down over the face to protect from |
| terminology and rules. | | | | additional injuries. |
| | | | |
| Every game revolves around a baseball bat and | | | | All players wear a cup. This protects them |
| a ball. The ball contains a cork center that | | | | from groin injury during a game. A jockstrap |
| is wrapped in string and then covered with a | | | | holds the genitals in place inside the cup. |
| layer of leather that is then stitched up. | | | | |
| The bat is made of metal or wood, usually | | | | Pitchers and players on the field wear a |
| maple or ash. Metal bats are not allowed in | | | | baseball cap. This helps shade their eyes |
| professional games, but many minor league and | | | | from the sun and also ties in to their team |
| Little League teams allow them. | | | | colors and uniform designs. |
| | | | |
| In the game of baseball, the pitcher throws a | | | | Uniforms also tie in to the team's color |
| ball to the man standing at home plate. That | | | | scheme. Teams have two uniforms, one for |
| person is called the batter, and his goal is | | | | home games and one for away games. Belts keep |
| to hit the ball. The bases or plates are set | | | | the pants from falling down during the game. |
| up in a diamond shape a certain distance from | | | | Usually, the team has a logo, such as their |
| one another. As the ball is hit, the batter | | | | mascot, that appears somewhere on the |
| runs to each base in order from home to | | | | uniform. Often the players were sliding |
| first, second, third, and back to home. | | | | shorts under their uniforms to protect the |
| | | | legs from injury when a player slides into a |
| Everyone on the team needs a baseball mitt. | | | | base. |
| This protects the players' hands from the | | | | |
| impact of the ball. Catchers have a special | | | | Also important to any uniform are the spiked |
| mitt with additional padding and a wider | | | | sneakers. These special additions to the sole |
| span. Some players choose to put on an | | | | of the sneakers grip the ground tightly. This |
| additional glove underneath the glove for | | | | can be a lifesaver when the ground is slick |
| added protection. | | | | from prior rain showers. |
| | | | |
| Batters wear batting gloves. This helps them | | | | There are other items that may be used in any |
| grip the bat more tightly and offers a little | | | | game, but they are optional. As long as a |
| insulation against the shock of the bat | | | | player is dressed in uniform and the coaches |
| hitting the ball. | | | | have the proper equipment, there is nothing |
| | | | to stop a number of players from enjoying |
| A batting helmet is required as head | | | | their sport. |