Van Buren Area Little League: Player Equipment Guide

Providing your child with properly fitted, high-quality gear is an essential step to protect them from injuries and help them succeed on the field.

Use this structured guide to understand exactly what equipment your athlete needs for the upcoming baseball and softball season.

League-Provided Equipment

In addition to player uniforms, the league supplies each team with a set of essential equipment to ensure a safe and successful season.

Team Equipment (Provided in Team Equipment Bag)

• Catcher's gear, including a catcher's glove and mask with dangling throat guard
• Bats in suitable sizes based on age and division
• 6 or 7 batting helmets per team (league-provided helmets may be shared between teams during a game; see Rule 1.16)
• Baseballs and/or softballs for practices and games

We support your family by providing the core uniform essentials. Your Van Buren Area Little League registration includes the following items for your player:

• Team uniform jersey or T-shirt
• Team hat or visor
• Baseball or softball pants
• Matching belt and socks

Player Equipment (Family Responsibility)

Families are responsible for purchasing the personal gear required to keep players safe and ready to play.

Mandatory Equipment:

• Baseball or Softball Glove: A properly fitted glove is required for all players.
• Batting Helmet: A helmet with a face mask is required if you are not using a shared team helmet.
• Baseball or Softball Bat: Must meet Little League certification standards (see Bat Rules below).
• Athletic Supporter and Cup: Required for boys in all divisions.

Optional and Recommended Equipment:

• Batting Gloves: To protect hands and improve grip.
• Rubber-Soled Cleats: Highly recommended for the Major Division and below.
• Backpack or Equipment Bag: To keep your child's gear organized and secure.

Softball-Specific Safety Requirements

To further protect our softball athletes and nurture their confidence, softball players must have the following additional safety items:

• Batting Helmet: Must include a securely attached face mask.
• Defensive Face Mask: Required for fielders to prevent injuries and promote a safe playing environment.

Little League Bat Rules

Following equipment standards is vital to maintain fair play and protect our youth. Please review the bat requirements for your child's specific division:

• Major Baseball Division and Below: All bats must meet the new USA Baseball Bat Standard (USABat).
• Intermediate (50/70) and Junior League Baseball Divisions: Players may use either USABat Standard bats or BBCOR bats.
• Senior League Baseball Division: All bats must strictly meet the BBCOR standard.

For a complete list of approved bats and detailed information on the standard, please visit usabat.com.

Need More Information?

We want to help your family feel completely prepared for Opening Day. If you need further guidance on selecting the right gear to advance your child's skills safely, please review the official Little League guide:
What Parents Need to Know About Equipping Their Little Leaguer

Reach out to your coach if you have any specific questions about your team's equipment needs. Let's work together to unlock your child's full potential this season!