For New Softball Parents
Equipment requirements are fairly straightforward. DSBP supplies balls, shirts, socks and catcher’s equipment. The league also provides a limited number of bats and helmets, and many kids have their own.
Glove: You should be looking for a youth-sized leather mitt with a deep pocket for softball (they are often referred to as fastpitch softball gloves). Make sure you know which arm your child uses to throw. Don't spend too much at the younger ages - soft leather will aid their ability to catch. Please see this link regarding glove size by age. Do not worry too much about position - at the younger ages all kids are infielders and outfielders.
Spikes/Cleats: All-around cleats work here (even soccer cleats). Make sure they're not metal.
Shorts vs Softball Pants: Some girls prefer to wear shorts when playing softball. In the older age groups (minors and above), sliding is common, so if your player is wearing shorts, they should get a pad for their leg called a “slider” or wear softball pants. Softball pants work best, and you do not necessarily need a slider when wearing softball pants as they are usually built in. They're inexpensive and widely available at most sporting goods stores.
Helmet with Face Guard: DSBP provides a limited number per team, and we recommend that players have their own - it's sanitary and ensures quality head protection. For tee-ball and coach pitch divisions, Play It Again Sports, Target, and Dick's Sporting Goods (see coupon below) have very good buys. For older girls (minors and above), we recommend batting helmets with attached face guards, though these are not required by Little League International.
Face Guard/Mask: DSBP requires all players in the infield to wear a face guard- DSBP will provide one in each equipment bag. It is recommended that players have their own- it's sanitary and ensures face protection.
Bats: The league provides a limited number of team bats, and many kids have their own The bat must be a softball bat which meets Little League specifications and standards as noted in this rule. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick and made of wood or a material tested and proved acceptable to Little League standards. The bat shall be no more than 33 inches (34 inches for Junior/Senior League) in length, not more than two and one-quarter (2¼) inches in diameter, and if wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenth (15/16) inches in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30 inches) at its smallest part. Non-wood bats shall be printed with a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.20. Bats may be taped or fitted with a sleeve for a distance not exceeding 16 inches from the small end. Colored bats are acceptable. A non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape or composition material, and must extend a minimum of 10 inches from the small end. Slippery tape or similar material is prohibited. Please refer to this link for advice regarding how to choose the proper bat size. For tee-ball and coach pitch divisions, Play It Again Sports, Target, and Dick's Sporting Goods (see coupon below) have very good buys.
Please note that Little League has not yet imposed a moratorium on composite bats in softball.
Any questions regarding equipment can be directed to softball@dsll.org.
