Baseball Equipment 101
Being prepared makes a big difference in youth baseball—both for player safety and for confidence on the field. This equipment checklist is designed as a general reference for players ages 6U through 14U at the AA level, covering the most common gear needed for practices and games throughout the season.
Not every player will need every item listed. Equipment requirements can vary by age group, position, league rules, and team preferences, so families should always confirm specific requirements with their coach or league. This list is meant to help players arrive ready to play, reduce last-minute scrambling, and ensure each athlete has the proper gear to develop skills safely and comfortably.
From first-year players learning the basics to older athletes playing at a more competitive level, having the right equipment supports learning, confidence, and fun—exactly what youth baseball should be about.
⚾ Youth Baseball Equipment Checklist
🧢 Player Gear (Must-Haves)
- ⬜ Baseball glove (proper size for age/position)
- ⬜ Bat (approved size/league-legal - please see AYL Rule below)
- ⬜ Batting helmet (with face guard if required)
- ⬜ Cleats (rubber or molded - no metal until 13U)
- ⬜ Athletic supporter / cup (recommended for all players)
🧤 Protective & Optional Gear
- ⬜ Batting gloves
- ⬜ Sliding shorts
- ⬜ Mouthguard (optional but smart)
- ⬜ Sunglasses (non-breakable)
- ⬜ Sweatbands / hat
🎒 Bag Essentials
- ⬜ Equipment bag or backpack
- ⬜ Water bottle (labeled!)
- ⬜ Healthy snack
- ⬜ Sunscreen
- ⬜ Towel
- ⬜ Extra socks
- ⬜ Band-Aids / small first-aid items
⚾ Practice Extras
- ⬜ Resistance bands / warm-up gear
🧢 For Catchers (Raptors provides a team set through 9U)
- ⬜ Catcher’s helmet - Must be NOCSAE approved hockey style helmet
- ⬜ Chest protector - Must be NOCSAE approved
- ⬜ Leg guards
- ⬜ Catcher’s mitt
- ⬜ Protective cup
Here is the AYL Rules for bats:
10.2 BATS -
All AA and AAA (Not HS Prep) AYL baseball games and tournament events will allow both USA Baseball and USSSA approved bats, and only if,
1) The 1.15 BPF USSSA mark on its taper (see below)
2) The BBCOR CERTIFIED mark on its taper (see below)
3) The USA BASEBALL mark on its taper (see below)
4) A wood bat
10.2.1 AA players must use the following for bat size requirements:
- 6U and 7U - Bats from drop 12 (-12) to drop 3 (-3)
- 8U through 12U - Bats from drop 10 (-10) to drop 3 (-3)
- 13/14U - Bats from drop 8 (-8) to drop 3 (-3)
10.2.2 AAA players must use the following for bat size requirements:
- 8U through 12U Bats from drop 10 (-10) to drop 3 (-3)
- 13U Bats from drop 8 (-8) to drop 3 (-3)
10.2.3 All HS-Prep 14U players, may only use BBCOR drop 3 (-3) or Wood bats as per High School rules.
10.2.4 Wood Bat Rule: To be considered a wood bat, a bat must be made of a single piece of wood. All other bats such as bamboo, composite or two-piece must meet the BBCOR standards and have the BBCOR stamp. Bat rules apply to the age division you are playing in (not the age of the player or team).
10.2.5 Any player using an Illegal bat that steps into the batter box will be declared out. Any second violation of any use of an Illegal bat by any player will result in an out and the team’s Head Coach and the player being ejected.
