Forget Santa Claus. What about Sandy Koufax in the winter? Real baseball fans want to watch and play their favorite sport year-round. Artificial turf makes that possible. But there are unique challenges that come with playing on artificial turf. Chief among them is the inability to wear cleats. Cleats destroy artificial turf faster than a helicopter parent interrupts a little league game. To make the most of your games on turf, you need turf shoes. We've rounded up a selection of the best baseball turf shoes out there. Forget rankings. Instead, we offer you below a deep dive into the benefits and drawbacks of each of these shoes. Read on to find out how you'll gain the competitive advantage for your next game on turf. The Best Baseball Turf Shoes Are the Ones That Fit You Just like there are many different styles of play at the plate and in the field, the turf shoe that's right for you will be different for everyone. Is the weight of your shoe your biggest priority? Are you … [Read more...]
5 Best Youth Baseball Cleats of 2018: Improve Your On-Field Game
The nostalgia connected with spending your youth on a baseball diamond is one of those cliches that's hard to escape, but for good reason. With thirteen million people picking up a ball and bat in America last year, it's clear to see that America's favorite pastime is still holding strong. The last thing you want to see is your kiddo get hurt while playing which is why it's important for them to have the right equipment from helmets to cleats. Read on to learn about what you need to keep in mind when choosing the best youth baseball cleats for your kids. Top 5 Best Youth Baseball Cleats of 2018 Here are our reviews of the best youth baseball cleats of 2018. 1. Under Armour Leadoff This option from Under Armour is made from synthetic leather with rubber cleats. One of the major benefits is the mesh tongue which helps to keep your feet cool. We also like that the EVA midsole gives an even weight distribution across the foot. The only con that we found is that they have a … [Read more...]
Baseball Swing Trainer Reviews: Everything You Need To Know
Hitting is a largely mental aspect of baseball. Players who don't have the right mindset can get into slumps, often lasting weeks until something "clicks" their swing comes back around. Another crucial aspect of batting, though, is the physical form of swinging. A player's swing develops only through dedicated practice and focus. There's nothing like practicing with a live pitcher, but players can't always have someone else to practice with. There are numerous devices out there called baseball swing trainers to help with this. It's the independent practice time that requires extra tools for players to hone their swing. Whatever aspect of your swing you are looking to develop, there are swing trainers available to practice on. Top 5 Baseball Swing Trainers 1. SKLZ Hurricane This device sets a plastic ball, slightly smaller than a baseball, on a swivel which returns after being hit. With adjustable height settings, the Hurricane can accommodate for players of all sizes and … [Read more...]
Best Pitching Machine Reviews: Guide to Perfecting Practice
A pitching machine is a valuable training tool for baseball and softball players of any age. By replicating the speed and trajectory of a real pitch, these machines can help ballplayers perfect their timing and hitting fundamentals. With so many on the market, choosing the best pitching machine to buy can be an overwhelming challenge. Read on to learn what you should look for in the best pitching machines and see our recommendations. 3 Best Pitching Machine Reviews: Our Favorites Here are some pitching machine reviews of our favorite models. 1. Heater Sports Deuce 95 Best Baseball Pitching Machine The Deuce 95 pitching machine from Heater is a mid-range model that combines value, versatility, and safety. As the name suggests, the Deuce 95 can reach pitch speeds of up to 95 mph. This two-wheel machine can also throw curveballs. With several points of swivel, the machine can replicate pitches from a variety of angles and is great for also practicing pop flies and … [Read more...]
4 Best Baseball Sunglasses: Protection and Style
If you have spent any time watching professional baseball, you know that sunglasses are a large part of the game. Baseball sunglasses allow for accuracy, eye protection, and of course, style. They are more important than you might think. Keep reading to learn why good quality baseball sunglasses are necessary, what to look for in your next pair, and the best baseball sunglasses to choose from today. What to Look for There are a few specifics to look for when choosing the best baseball sunglasses. They have to do with the fitting features, frames, and lenses. Fitting Fitting is the most important characteristic when searching for the best baseball sunglasses. You must make sure the glasses fit your face correctly and snugly so they don't slide or bounce. If your glasses don't stay on, then they won't do you any good. Look for frames that can be adjusted at the temples and stems that are gripped. The gripping will help them stay on securely. If needed, look for baseball sunglasses … [Read more...]
Best Wood Bats of 2018: Set Yourself Up for a Home Run
There's no sound more exhilirating in sports than the CRACK! of a wood bat. It sounds like summertime and big games, all rolled into one. The best part is, wooden bats aren't just reserved for professionals. No matter what age or skill level you play at, you can choose to use the same bats as the pros. What would be greater than popping a home run with one of the best wood bats around? When you start to shop, it's important to recognize that not all bats are created equal. The best wood baseball bats are made with greater craftsmanship than run-of-the-mill bats. Sure, you may pay a little more, but when you feel the ball fly off the sweet spot, it'll be worth it. If you're wondering where you should go to find the best wood bats, look no further. This simple guide will help you out. We've done the dirty work for you and picked out some of the best wood bats on the market. Up first is a quick buyers guide with features and benefits to look for while you're making your … [Read more...]
Best Softball Cleats of 2018: How to Choose the Perfect Pair
One of the most important pieces of softball equipment you can have is a good pair of cleats. Having the comfort and traction that you need during a game can make all the difference when it comes to performance. So taking the time to find the best softball cleats for you is key. With the variety of shoes available, it can get confusing to know what to look for. How do you know which type is right for you? Are there certain features you should be searching for? There are several things to consider in when shopping for your next pair of cleats. Let's break down how to choose the perfect pair for you and which ones are hot sellers right now. Types of Cleats There are three main types of softball cleats to choose from, depending on what your particular needs are. Let's discuss what the differences between them are: Metal Cleats When it comes to providing traction, metal cleats are the best. Their thin cleat design penetrates both dirt and grass fields easily, optimizing speed … [Read more...]
10 Best Baseball Bags for This Season
Baseball is an excellent summer past time because it gives you an opportunity to get out in the fresh air and hang with your favorite pals. However, if you don't have a proper baseball bag to carry and hold all of your equipment, it can be a hassle to get on and off the field efficiently. You need one of the best baseball bags not only to hold all of your stuff but also to make a good impression on fellow and opposing players. Without one, you'll be a jumbled mess and it will be difficult to focus on the game. If you're wondering how to choose the best baseball bat bags and which bags will perform optimally, then you've come to the right place. In this article, we're discussing our Top 10 choices for the best baseball bags with quick reviews to make your shopping easier. After that, we've made an easy to browse shopping guide. Top 10 Best Baseball Bags When it comes to choosing the best baseball bags, you'll need a good starting point. Sometimes there are so many options out … [Read more...]
The 20 Best Softball Bats for the 2018 Season: Reviews of Slowpitch and Fastpitch Bats
If you’re serious about showing the softball who the real boss is, you need a worthy bomb dropping sidekick. We’ve found some bats for both male and female players that will help you knock juicy pitches into the stratosphere. The only thing you’re going to be worried about with these bats is where your car is parked in the parking lot. In this equipment guide, Dugout Debate covers all the bases: an overview of the best softball bats of 2018, both slowpitch and fastpitch options, and before these softball bat reviews sections, we touch on the top things to look for and how to find the right softball bat for you. If you're looking for baseball bats check out this guide. Overview of the Best Fastpitch Softball Bats Here are the 10 of the most popular fastpitch softball bats for this season. The bats are sorted by price ascending. Skip down to our next chart if you are looking for the best softpitch softball bats. 10 Best Softball Bats for Fastpitch Here is our fastpitch … [Read more...]
Best Softball Gloves for the 2018 Season: Reviews of Fastpitch, Slowpitch, and Youth Gloves
An essential part of any softball player’s arsenal is a broken-in glove that fits well. We take a look at some of the best gloves for softball players and for simplicity’s sake we divide them into youth, slowpitch, and fastpitch categories. Whether you're in on the ole company's softball league or battling it out in competitive fast pitch softball, there's a right mitt for everyone. Finding the best softball glove for you isn’t always an easy task. Break-in time, back, wrist adjustment, webbing, and material are some of the top factors worth considering before you make a final purchase decision. If you're looking for baseball gloves check out this guide (some of the larger baseball gloves work fine for slowpitch softball leagues too). In this equipment guide, Dugout Debate covers all the bases: the most important things to look for in a softball glove, why there are unique designs for different positions, the most popular glove brands, and lastly our softball glove reviews … [Read more...]
10 Best Catchers Gear Sets of 2018: Youth and Adult Sets
One of the toughest jobs in baseball is being the catcher. Scratch that, one of the toughest positions in all of sports is the catcher position. Locking down home base isn't easy, this is true even in youth baseball. In this position, you have to worry about foul tips, errant baseball bats, players aggressively sliding to home plate, and staying even keeled through it all while wearing a ton of equipment. That's a lot of physical abuse to take, and any chance you get to make a catcher's job easier is going to improve performance. The concept of backstop players not wearing the best catchers gear is foreign these days in competitive play. In the past, catchers sometimes only wore a simple baseball mitt, rather than the padded gloves you see them wearing today. No team or league today would have their catchers standing behind the plate without protective gear. The first person to wear protective padding was Roger Bresnahan, who also happens to be a baseball Hall of Famer. He was … [Read more...]
15 Best Baseball Gloves of 2018: Infield, Outfield, First Base, & Catcher’s Gloves
The expression "fits like a glove" takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to finding the best baseball glove. You want to find the right match because a new glove could end up being your trusty companion for several years. A glove is like a fine wine, it gets better with age. You know what we’re talking about. Nothing beats a battle-tested, full-grain leather, rugged glove that’s weathered a few seasons of sweat and dirt. It acquires a charm of its own. If you're looking for youth baseball gloves check out our guide here. In this equipment guide, Dugout Debate covers all the bases: the best gloves types for each position, reviews of the best baseball gloves of 2018, and we go over a handful of things you should keep an eye on before making a final purchase decision. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a teenager with a heart set on going pro, there’s something for everyone. There is no one size fits all for baseball players, so you may want to try out a few of your buddies and … [Read more...]
Best Batting Gloves of 2018: Baseball, Softball, and Youth Gloves
Batting gloves are the key to creating a loving, glue-like bond between your hands and the handle of the bat. They are important equipment. Batting gloves are an extension of your hands and provide the right feel and grip to aid a solid swing. A well-fitted, fresh pair of hitting gloves is a welcome feel when stepping up to the plate for some serious ball slamming business. In this best batting gloves equipment guide, Dugout Debate covers all the bases: we provide an overview of some of the best youth batting gloves, best softball batting gloves, and best baseball batting gloves. We also provide a few tips on what makes a great pair of batting gloves and what to look for. Comparison Table: 20 Best Batting Gloves of 2018 Here is a selection of the most popular batting gloves for softball and baseball this season. If you're looking for youth batting gloves or gloves for very small hands skip to our last section 'The Best Youth Batting Gloves'. Batting Gloves Guide Part I: Why … [Read more...]
15 Best Youth Baseball Gloves of 2018: Comparison Table, Buying Guide, and Reviews
It’s not easy finding the best youth baseball glove for a young player. There are many brands, models, sizes, and a handful of other factors to consider. Other than a bat, the glove is arguably the most important piece of equipment in a player’s arsenal. Whether you are picking out a glove for your son or daughter's first teeball team, or you’re searching for an upgrade or replacement glove for a Little League player, we’ve selected the best youth baseball gloves of this year. If you’re looking for a softball youth glove, we have a couple great options in our softball glove guide. For highschool and adult baseball gloves check out this page. While certainly not a replacement for skill, a quality glove that fits well will help a player perform better on the field. Quality doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg either, there are plenty of durable youth gloves for a decent price that we checkout on this page. Purchasing a well-constructed leather glove will last multiple seasons, … [Read more...]
Baseball Glove Oil: How to Break in a Glove
Good equipment is essential for sports. It's why it's estimated that Americans spend over 45 billion a year at sporting goods stores. Every kind of sport has its own specific kind of equipment that makes playing the game easier. Football aficionados know how helpful a good pair of cleats can be when they're on a slick field. Hockey players know exactly what kind of mask they need that can protect their face and help them see. Baseball requires equipment just like any sport. Bats, cleats, cups, and other equipment are well known, but glove oil seem to get the short end of the stick when it comes to popularity. Some people see breaking in a new glove as an afterthought. They've never used baseball glove oil, and they wouldn't know how to break in a glove other than through use. Despite what you may think, you don't have to wait for a few games to pass before you start to feel comfortable using your glove. There are ways you can make it supple enough to properly use, but hard … [Read more...]
