Whatever you do in your life, choosing the right tools that will help you in getting the best results is a matter of winning. Now, you must be thinking what the heck is he talking about?

Let’s put it this way- if you are a baseball player and you happen to be very talented, that is great, but that still isn’t enough to make you famous.

So, you have two options: the first one is to hope that somehow you’ll become famous one day and the second one is to buy a perfect bat that will be your companion on that very long road to success and keep working on your game. Now, I truly hope that you have chosen the second option, so you’ll need some help in determining how to find that fantastic bat and that’s why I’m here.

From a buying guide to a list of best Baseball Bats, this article covers all the info you need to know so you can get to the store and finally buy the bat that will work great for you.

Top 3 Best Drop 5 Baseball Bats for 2017

Since there is a wide variety of bats in the world of Baseball and most of them have great features, choosing the top three wasn’t an easy task for us. However, we had to make a decision so we came up with these very popular bats that professional players choose with optimism. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you can’t be mistaken whichever the bat you choose. Moreover, they are constructed in a way to challenge you and to spice up that game every single time. One is for sure- you’ll certainly have fun on that field.

1. DeMarini CF Zen Balanced – Beautiful Swing Weight

It’s not a surprise why DeMarini is once again on top of the best bats’ list. With constant innovation and improvement, DeMarini keeps exceeding the limits, showing that respecting players’ needs is the essential part of any successful brand. So, this time, DeMarini brings us absolutely fantastic CF Zen Balanced bat that really has it all for hitting those home runs.

This 2-piece bat comes with amazing Paraflex Composite Barrel designed for maximum performance and durability. Thanks to 22% stronger carbon fibers you get a wonderful pop and a large sweet spot so you’d better be prepared to give your best and make that swing count. DeMarini stays loyal to its D-Fusion 2.0 Handle Technology which has been giving amazing results over and over again.

Because of D-Fusion, there is no more that awful negative vibration upon contact while more energy is being transferred into the barrel so you can enjoy both the feel and the power. Like you already know, this bat is beautifully balanced which makes it a perfect choice for any player who wants to enjoy the control and take his game to the next level. In case you thought this can’t get any better, you’re so wrong because this bat has two more features that will have a great influence on your game-  Low Pro End Cap and RCK Knob. Both of them make sure that the performance is maximized thus you get a perfect swing weight and an amazing feel.

It’s time to take the advantage of DeMarini Zen and to enjoy the game with a smile on your face.

PROS:

• 22% stronger Paraflex Composite barrel for great pop
• The bat is Balanced which means more control
• Low Pro End Cap for a lovely swing weight
• D-Fusion 2.0 Handle Technology for eliminating vibration and transferring energy into the ball
• RCK Knob fits bottom hand perfectly
• Approved for USSSA

CONS:

• Some players find a grip tape uncomfortable but when you have in mind what this bat brings you, you don’t even notice that part.

2. DeMarini Voodoo Balanced

Meet your new favorite bat for 2017! That’s right, you heard well. This beauty will make your head spin with its amazing features such as X14 Alloy Barrel, Balanced Swing Weight, D-Fusion 2.0 Handle Technology and Low Pro End Cap. Needless to say, DeMarini once again creates a bat that is simply designed for winning and making you the best player on that field. It’s your time to shine and this might be the best opportunity you’ve got- so, use it wisely.

This beauty has a new X14 Alloy Barrel for a better wall thickness which means that the weight is distributed in a very special way so you can get more pop and a different feel. Since this bat is balanced, you won’t have a problem with controlling it and getting the fastest swing speed you possibly can.

Low Pro End Cap makes sure that the weight and compression are optimized and thanks to that feature, you will enjoy every single time you hit that ball. However, the feature that significantly contributes to the best performance of the bat is definitely D-Fusion 2.0 Handle Technology that provides zero vibration thus a better feel upon the contact.

With this bat, your game will keep getting better and better day by day, and you will be determined to succeed like never before. We only have to say that the two of you would be a great team that will inspire other players.

PROS:

• -New X14 Alloy Barrel offers more pop and a different feel
• -Balanced Swing Weight for faster swing speed and complete control over the bat
• D-Fusion 2.0 Handle Technology for eliminating vibration
• Low Pro End Cap for optimizing weight and compression through the barrel
• 2 5/8 Inch Barrel Diameter
• Two-Piece, Hybrid Construction
• -Approved for USSSA 1.15 BPF

CONS:

• for this price, none

3. Mizuno Covert Sr. Youth – A larger sweet spot

In case you happen to be a contact hitter who wants a bat that will bring the game to another dimension, you’re at the right place. Here you have a remarkable bat, the very first choice for a lot of players around the world because of its wonderful performance and carefully combined features.

Without a doubt, Mizuno definitely knows how to combine an alloy barrel and a composite handle so you can get the best out of this bat. This combination gives a fantastic performance while the vibration is significantly reduced.

Moreover, the Patented 2 PC Link Construction reduces stinging feeling so you can be fully focused on the game. So, with this bat, you get all the comfort you need and you will feel great and confident on that field. Since the bat is a balanced one, the swing speed is greatly increased and you’ll have a perfect control needed for a better contact.

Apart from those features, what players really love about this bat are the Hot MetalTM Alloy + CORTECHTM design that offer a 35% larger sweet spot which means you get a larger hitting surface to send that ball away quickly and easily. With all these features, this bat is approved for USSSA play, so grab your bat and make your team proud of you.

To sum up, this bat would be a perfect choice for every serious player who enjoys in taking every opportunity to hit that ball. It’s never too late to show the world what you have to offer so we encourage you to hit those home runs and enjoy the fame.

PROS:

• Hybrid, Two-Piece Construction – Alloy Barrel and Composite Handle provide powerful performance and durability
• Lower and more balanced swing weight gives a better swing speed
• Hot MetalTM Alloy + CORTECHTM design offers 35 % larger sweet spot
• Patented 2 PC Link Construction reduces sting and vibration
• Single-wall aluminum alloy barrel for amazing performance and great sound
• Super-Heliex GripTM for amazing feel
• 2 5/8 Inch Barrel Diameter
• Approved for USSSA

CONS:

• We have to disappoint you, but, so far, this bat doesn’t have any cons.

Buying Guide

When comes to buying a right bat, most of you get confused and overwhelmed with all those types and terms related to bats (such as “a large sweet spot” or “a barrel”) so it’s not a surprise when you’ve come to a conclusion that buying the perfect bat for you is impossible. However, we assure you that you can get the best bat and you can do that without getting frustrated and upset. The solution for your problem lies in reading this buying guide, in which you’ll find all information on how to choose that bat.

First things first. In case you are completely new to bats’ world, you have to get familiar with basic terms so you can understand what you are looking for and what your needs are.

So, every bat has the following components: the barrel, the sweet spot, the knob, and the handle.

Now, you know that thick part of a bat meant to hit the ball, right? Well, that part is called the barrel while the sweet spot is the part of bat most suitable for hitting that ball. There are also the handle and the knob– the former is the thin part of the bat and it’s obviously made for providing as much comfort as possible while the latter is the part placed right below that handle meant for preventing the bat from slipping out of your hands.

Now that you understand the basics, we can move on to features that you should focus on when choosing that bat.

Budget

I believe that this part is pretty clear. I mean, you have to know what is your budget limit and to choose the bat that won’t exceed it. Knowing the needs of players, manufacturers make sure that there are bats that suit everyone’s wallet, from $100 to $400. However, you want to get the best possible bat at the most reasonable price so the sooner you start searching, the better.

The size of a bat

Obviously, this part is very important because if you don’t have a bat that is chosen according to your weight, height, and age, you are in a trouble because you won’t be able to control it. So, below you’ll find the sizing chart which will help you in determining what bat will suit you best. Taken from: http://www.dbatsports.com/SizeChart.html

Types:

You’ve probably heard of different types of bats that can be found on the market but like most of the people you don’t quite understand the differences among Composite, Hybrid, and Aluminum bats as well as balanced or end loaded ones. So, to make that part clear once and for all, we’ll explain you briefly what are advantages and disadvantages of various types.

Construction:

Here we have most common bats that are preferred by players all over the world. While some of the players want a hot out of the wrapper performance so they can enjoy the game right away, others want a bat that will give more power to that ball. So, make sure that you know what you expect from the bat.

Composite bats are made from refined plastics and if you want a massive sweet spot so you can hit that ball with a lot of power, this one is for you. The vibration and sting are significantly reduced so you get a better feel when hitting the ball. Wherever you’re going to play, keep in mind that these bats aren’t recommended for use in temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. A slight downside of composite bats is that they require a break-in period and that means 150-200 hits before the bat breaks in.

Hybrid bats are actually a smart combination of aluminum barrel and a composite handle so you can get the best out of both worlds and hot out of the wrapper performance. They are powerful and durable plus you get an amazing feel of a composite handle. However, these are made with a heavy swing weight so first, you have to be sure that you can handle them.

Aluminum bats are made of alloys and they can be used in any temperature. They come with smaller sweet spot and a lot of vibration from miss-hit balls, so you have to be prepared for that uncomfortable feeling. Like the hybrids, these bats are ready to use right away because there is no need for a break-in period.

One-piece vs two-piece design

One-piece design means that you get more stiffness and balance, while that negative vibration is increased.

Two-piece design gives less vibration than a one-piece. With this design, you get a better trampoline effect and more flexibility.

Balanced vs. End-Loaded Swing Weight

Balanced: If you are a contact hitter or a beginner, a balanced bat is a right choice for you. Logically, the weight is spread evenly throughout the bat which enables you to control it easily and to feel confident while hitting. With these bats, the accent is on a faster swing speed rather than hard hits, so if are eager to swing fast grab this bat and let the game begin.

End – Loaded: With this type, there is no joking around because you’ll need a lot of energy to control an end loaded bat and to hit those home runs. That’s why this type of a bat is preferred by power hitters and professionals that feel confident with extra weight at the end of the barrel. However, while you get the powerful hits, the speed weight isn’t as great as with a balanced bat.

Conclusion:

So, folks, we hope that this article was helpful and that you are now ready to buy that special bat and to hit those home runs with a smile on your face. However, before you go to the store, just keep in mind that you choose the bat that you can control and that will help you in achieving your goals. Now it’s time for spending some money!

2017 marks 6 years since both the NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Association decided to implement one of the largest standard of play changes to hit the leagues in recent memory.

BBCOR stands for Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution and is a fancy way of saying the speed at which a baseball comes off of a bat when hit, especially when related to the speed of the original throw.

Basically, it is a measurement of the bounce or “pop” of a baseball bat. The NCAA adopted the change for their 2011 season and much has happened since there.

Below, we’ll review the reason for the change, what went into determining this new regulation, and what it’s meant for the sport. Spoiler alert, it wasn’t exactly the game-destroying adjustment many feared it would be!

What Lead to The Change?

BBCOR standards first came about as a result of safety concerns.

From 1982 until when BBCOR was first introduced, the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Industry Research catalogued 60 direct injuries as a result of being hit by a baseball. Of these, 25 were categorized as serious and twelve were fatal. Most impacted by these safety concerns were those in the pitching or infield positions. There are many examples, but one of the most recent ones, just prior to the implementation of BBCOR, was Gunnar Sandberg. Gunnar was a pitcher for Marin Catholic High School.

In March of 2010 he took the mound and threw a fast ball to the hitter. The hitter grabbed hold of the ball right at the sweet spot of the bat, sending a line drive straight to the pitcher’s mound. With only milliseconds to react, Gunnar was unable to clear the path of the ball and was struck in the head by the ball which was traveling at 100 mph.

Gunnar was rushed to the emergency room but even after hours of critical, life-saving work, he slipped into a coma. To try and save him, doctors performed a controversial decompressive craniectomy, which is a neurosurgical procedure where a part of the skull is removed to allow the brain to swell without being compressed.

After months of extensive care and treatment, Gunnar eventually recovered but the close call was not lost on his father. “I think there are a couple things that need to be looked at,” Bjorn Sandberg, Gunnar’s father said. “We need to make this game safer for the players. These new bats are too powerful. They’re like weapons.”

Prior to BBCOR, the pitcher, or corner infielder would have had less than a half a second to react to a well struck ball hit in their direction. As one can imagine, even a player with the most responsive reflexes would be hard-pressed to move out of the way in that amount of time.

This danger was as a result of the ball gaining bounce and therefore velocity when coming in contact with the bat. As opposed to the bat deadening or absorbing some of the speed of the throw, it would instead reflect it and intensify it, making the ball gain even more speed after the hit if it stuck the “sweet spot” of the bat.

As an example, a pitch clocked at 90 mph, when stuck off the sweet spot of an aluminum or composite bat barrel, could easily reach speeds around 108 mph when traveling back toward the pitcher or infielders.

At that speed, a strike to the head could create irreparable trauma or immediate death. As an example, being hit with a ball traveling at 108 mph makes impact with about 4,000 pounds of force. That is the equivalent of being hit in the head with a baseball bat being swung at 20 mph.

Similarly catastrophic, a strike to the chest could result in Commotio Cordis which leads to cardiac arrest, and typically, immediate death. Baseball, followed closely by softball, are the two sports with the most incidents of Commotio Cordis.

What is Commotio Cordis?

Commotio Cordis is triggered by a blunt and sudden hit to the chest. It is most often non-penetrating, meaning it does not break the skin and also does not break the ribs or sternum or damage the heart. Also, most often, the blow is delivered unintentionally. The Latin name of the condition literally translated means, “agitation of the heart” because the pressure interrupts the rhythm of the heartbeat at a critical time during the cycle, causing cardiac arrest.

Why Hadn’t Anything Been Done Before?

The NCAA decided to adopt the new BBCOR standards in 2009, with implementation for their 2011 season. The NFHSA followed suit, voting to accept BBCOR in 2010, and implementing them in time for the 2012 season. Prior to that time, the standards in place impacting non-wooden bats were BESR or Ball Exit Speed Ratio.

BESR was developed as a way to measure or rate the speed or power of aluminum and composite bats. Wooden bats behaved very differently than these new materials, so when leagues started bringing them in, the way the ball reacted when hit by those more “bouncy” materials, changed the game quite a bit. BESR only measured or took into account the ratio between the speed of the ball before it hit the bat, and the speed of the ball after it hit the bat.

This was an incomplete measurement however as it did not measure the Batted Ball Speed (BBS) and did not guarantee a maximum BBS by virtue of controlling the ratio of before and after bat contact. Basically, BESR of a 75 MPH pitch would show us that the average BBS could be 95 MPH, however that knowledge doesn’t say what the BBS could be. In reality the BBS could be well over, in excess of 105-110 MPH.

With time, more people realized that regulating the BESR did not in fact impact safety, or level the playing field between wood and non-wood and so better science was needed to come up with a better standard for regulation.

A professor out of the University of Illinois – Dr. Alan Nathan came up with that better science when measuring and testing bat and ball speed factors and found a more complete way to measure and therefore, a more effective way to put a limit on the variable that was truly the most important when it came to safety, and that became BBCOR. In practice, the tests used to calculate BESR and BBCOR are not much different.

They are both still methods to score a bat’s performance – similar to how MPH (miles per hour) and KPH (kilometers per hour) both measure speed. Also, the change to BBCOR did not change the way bats needed to be made. The differentiating factor was that testing under BBCOR implemented a new maximum limit intended to improve safety.

What Was the Impact of Implementing BBCOR?

When the new BBCOR guidelines were first implemented there was much concern and push-back. These new limits required the bats to be “less effective” in a way, since the ball no longer got as much pop.

At the High school and College level, many players became power hitters by nature of the bat they used, as opposed to just their mechanics. Some players began adopting bad habits because the trampoline effect off of the old bats allowed them to manufacture home runs so long as the ball got to the sweet spot of the bat.

With the looming new standard, star hitters in search of scholarships, school records, or on scouts’ radar were worried about the potential knock to their stats and perceived performance. And rightfully so.

The less impactful collision between ball and bat after BBCOR meant big changes in runs per game and BIP (balls in play). Stats from the first 10 days after BBCOR in 2011, when compared to the same 10 days in 2010 before BBCOR, show that only 1.8% of BIP were home runs as opposed to 2.8% the previous year. Similarly 2010 saw an average of 7.5 runs per game, and in 2011 it was down to 6.25 runs per game.

BBCOR bats are estimated to make the ball come off the bat at least 5% slower. This doesn’t seem like a lot at first glance, but this could be the difference between a 400 foot home run and a 375 foot fly ball.

Therefore, in addition to safety, another element BBCOR brought to the game was balance. Aluminum barrels and wooden barrels were now more equal. In essence, BBCOR made aluminum and composite bats behave like wood.

BBCOR also balanced the game between offense and defense. Because they could no longer count on out slugging the opposition, teams needed to focus on making good defensive plays and not making errors.

Has BBCOR Improved the Sport?

Now that we’re five years in, many coaches look at the new standard and say it has actually forced their players to improve. Newport Skipper, Steve Zeiders said of the change “I believe it has brought the game back to the pitcher. Balls fisted or in off the hands no longer carry over the infield for hits.

It has made it safer for the pitchers and infielders. From a coaching standpoint, it has brought back into play more small ball, bunting, hit and runs, and squeeze plays. I believe the bats have leveled the playing field.”

Statistics are also telling a similar story. Although initially, runs took a hit, looking at the trends there are increases over each previous year as players get used to the new style required to be effective players.

They’re no longer relying on the trampoline effect that used to exist and could create a home run in a situation where a hitter may not have produced it otherwise. With focus on proper hitting mechanics, the initial gap in hits has been narrowing. Strong players found a way to adapt and stand out.

Two years after the entrance of BBCOR, Mike Samela – one of the stars of Staples first FCIAC Championship team and a senior at the time at Amherst said “This is my second year with the bats. I don’t think it’s that hard to get used to. If you square the ball up, it is still going to go. There might be fewer home runs, but the doubles will go up. You still have to drive the ball into the gaps.”

Scouts have stopped looking for just the biggest guy. With the new regulations, the game was forced to be about more than home runs, so teams were looking to round out their players and equally important are the people who can run, steal a base, bunt, etc. “Amateur baseball is now more of a place for smaller, faster guys with a wide array of skills” said Jim Case, Jacksonville State coach.

By best guesses, the new BBCOR bats have a reduced the sweet spot by about two inches. With less home runs, it may be a less exciting game for some, but definitely a safer one. In the first season since using BBCOR there were only five direct injuries reported, only four of which were serious, and none fatal.

There are now nearly 16,000 sanctioned high school teams participating nationwide and baseball continues to have the lowest injury rate of any other sport. “Scoring might be a little down, but kids that hit home runs are still hitting home runs. Defense and pitching has the inside of the plate again, and infielders get to make plays” says Director of Sports & Student Services at NFHS. “Overall, we’re very excited.”

The NCAA and NHFS have been very strict about adhering to these standards as well and some previously approved bats, were later taken off the list after further review proving that the powers that be were not messing around with these new regulations. All manufacturers must submit their bats for testing at the Sports Science Laboratory at Washington State University to be deemed in line with regulations.

For a full list, you can visit their site here One of the previous criticisms of the BESR also included the lack of consideration for how bats performed once they had been used or “broken in”. With composite in particular, they would experience a “thinning” of the barrel wall, thus further increasing the springiness off the bat. This effect is taken into consideration with BBCOR and the NCAA and NFHS paid attention. Luckily manufacturers have gotten the hang of it by now, and there are currently over 1500 bats that are approved in various price points.

What About Wooden Bats?

For the most part, any wooden bat is automatically within regulation. The only exception would be wooden bats made with a variety of wood types, or those that include some composite material. Those would then need to go through the testing process and be certified. To forego the hassle, we’ve seen some states as of late do away with the use of any metal or composite bats.

New York and New Mexico are two that bypassed the new standard by switching entirely to wooden bats. North Dakota and Boston are primarily using wood as well. So why even bother with metal or composite? Experts say that although the new BBCOR standards are meant to simulate the reaction had with wooden bats, employing aluminum or composite at the max allowable with BBCOR is like using the best wooden bat on the market.

It also ensures consistency where wood cannot. Lastly, there is a safety hazard posed by wooden bats when the break, which is not a concern with the other materials. The lack of breakage also reduces the amount of bats players and teams need to repurchase.

So Where Are We Now?

With five years under our belts, it is clear BBCOR is here to stay. Players and coaches are excited about not only the safety, but the balance these new regulations have brought to the game, and scouts have adapted to the new norms in terms of stats. In fact, it’s probably easier than ever for them to see the true abilities of players. Nevertheless, last year the NCAA changed to a flat-seamed baseball before the 2015 season to help combat the reduction in scoring and batting averages. Although polls have shown most coaches among the high school ranks have supported the change, it has not yet been adopted by the NFHS

Rarely does it happen in baseball that drastic changes to regulations are made across such a broad scale, however it’s clear that in this case, the change was a positive one and will be here to stay. Schools are continuing to adapt, but most have figured it out and coaches are finding that players are spending more time listening to them on focusing on the nuances of the game, making them stronger overall players. Only time will tell if the injury records remain low, but at the very least, the improvement in safety is decreasing the risk of fatalities in the field.

For the baseball or softball player in your life, it may seem like an impossible task to pick the right gift for the holidays.

Many of the products and accessories used by high-level players can be difficult to choose or select without them there since most things like bats, gloves, or cleats, come down to specific personal preference and style.

Luckily, below, we’ve sourced and chosen some excellent options in every different price range, that any ball player would be thrilled to unwrap!

1. Lizard Skin Grips

These grips have skyrocketed in popularity over the last couple years.

Found everywhere from the World Series and All Star games, to little league parks in every town, they are a great gift for any budget and can make great stocking stuffers.

Made of a soft polymer material, adhesive, and decorated with various designs and colors, Lizard Skin is precut to fit on bats of every kind. Wrap around Wooden, Aluminum, or Composite bats to help increase grip and control, while reducing sting and feedback from the ball for added comfort.

The lightweight fabric is slip resistant whether wet or dry. Pick a color or design that helps represent your player’s style or match their school or team’s colors.

Also can be a great way to refresh an old bat and help make it feel like new again!

2. Baseball Equipment Bags

Equipment bags are invaluable to the baseball or softball player.

Regular gym bags can’t quite hold or stand up to the bulky equipment that most players need to have.  Things like helmets, facemasks, bats, extra balls, and gear, take up a lot of space.

There are a ton of options on the market for baseball and softball-specific use. There are two main types differentiating them, in addition to how big they are and how much they can hold. Some types are fully enclosed with a way to zip the bats fully into the bag, and others have mesh pockets on the outside of the bag, for easy access to pull them in and out.

Most bags will hold at least two bats and have a hook so they can be hung on a fence.

Below are links to our three favorite bags based on features, durability, and style. Key features to consider is how much gear your particular player needs to have with him or her on the field.

A catcher may require more than a pitcher, for instance.

For a player that heads to the field after school, a multi-purpose bag with space for a laptop and books might be a nice addition. Some also have space for things like water bottles and cell phones to increase organization. Other things your player might enjoy is having space to embroider their team name or their initials, and some level of waterproofing or water resistance is a nice touch to be sure gear stays protected.

Pick a neutral color that helps it blend with every day, or complement their team colors. Most designers have many different options for designs and colors.

Top 3 Softball / Baseball Bags:

• Easton E100T Tote Bat Bag
• Easton Walk-Off Bat Pack
• DeMarini NVS Baseball/Softball Backpack

3. Glove Re-Lace Pack

This is a very unique gift idea, especially for the seasoned player!

These packs come in various colors and have pre-cut lace of various sizes to redo sections, or in many cases, a full glove.

Whether you’re trying to rehabilitate an old glove that your player just can’t part with, or you want to give your enthusiast a chance to stand out in the field or add some team spirit by incorporating school colors into their glove, this pack is a great idea!

Even if they don’t use it right away, this is an excellent stand by for emergencies should a last minute repair be required.

There are plenty of YouTube tutorials online for those unfamiliar with how to re-lace and can even be a fun activity to do with them, depending on your player.

Some larger gloves, such as catcher or first basemen’s mitts may require additional packs, but any standard-sized glove should be covered.

4. Chest/Heart Guard Shirt

No matter how great the player, added safety is always a great gift!

Much better than bulky gear, are athletic shirts that have a protective shield that molds to perfectly fit the player’s body in minutes.

Referred to as “Gel to Shell” this style of protection ensures a satisfactory fit and can keep your player safe against harmful blows to the cardio silhouette, by dispersing instead of absorbing the impact. This keeps their heart protected in the event of a wild or poorly aimed pitch, or a bad hop while on base or the pitchers mound.

As an added benefit, these shirts are also great at wicking moisture, creating a two-in-one under uniform solution.

Available in adult sizes, specifically for women, as well as for children, chest protection of this type is most recommended for anyone under the age of 14 as they are most susceptible to the health risks of a blow to the chest.

5. Custom Batting Gloves

An awesome gift idea that is sure to please any player.

This site allows you to get top rated batting gloves, and customize every color and detail design. You can also add your player’s initials, or a team name.

Some people even include dates of past championships as a nice reminder of previous successes. An easy to use site, there are two types of batting gloves available and several colors so you can create a one of a kind gift that will most definitely be noticed in the field.

Whether you design it and have it ready to gift come holiday time, or give your player a chance to do the customizing themselves, this idea is a tough one to top!

Visit http://franklinsports.com/shop/custom

6. CleatSkins

Once you gift your player a pair of these, they’ll wonder how they ever lived without them!

A handy way to protect either metal or molded cleats when they’re not walking on the field.

Most often, players have to wait until they’re safely on the field and find a place to unlace their street sneakers so they can put on their cleats. Help save time and ensure the spikes stay protected on walks to the car or anywhere else.

Cleatskins slip over any cleat quickly and they come in a variety of colors. They look great and serve a fantastic purpose. Grab the “Cleatskin Pro” for molded cleats and “Cleatskin Metal” for metal cleats. They’re durable, slip resistant, and won’t mark-up surfaces.

Pick their team color so they can represent their team on and off the field. These are sure to keep cleats looking and working great through the full season, and into the next!

7. Video Analysis

Baseball and softball players are continually looking to fine tune and improve their skills. What better way to get them pro tips to keep moving forward than the gift of video analysis!

There are a few sites and programs out there as options, but this site enables you to sign up for packages or just individual assistance. Just video and submit.

Their complex analytics program will breakdown the mechanics of their movements and stance and give them professional level tips and notes on what they do well and where they can possibly improve.

The return product is clear and comprehensive and some packages even include the change to chat with pros at any time throughout the season to be sure they’re staying on the right track!

A great resource for any player at any level that is passionate about doing their best!

Visit http://www.baseballbrains.net/video-analysis/

8. Baseball Sunglasses

The gift of clear, undistorted sight on a sunny day is an invaluable one!

As the game of the summer, great eyewear in baseball is important not just for eye health in the face of harmful UV rays, but also helping to be sure your player has a clear view of the ball and the activity on the field.

Good baseball sunglasses should be shatterproof, have full UV protection against both UVA and UVB rays, be free of distortion, and have a rubber nose and ear and temple pads to help ensure comfort, safety, and grip.

Sunglasses designed for baseball and softball players are lightweight and the lenses should wrap around slightly for maximum protection. Polarized lenses will help reduce glare, and there are many color options, designs, and price points to suit any style or taste.

This is an awesome gift idea that can be enjoyed just as much off the field as on!

Top 3 Baseball Sunglasses:

RIVBOS® 801 Polarized Sports Sunglasses with 5 Interchangeable Lenses for Men Women Cycling Running Glasses

Duduma Polarized Designer Fashion Sports Sunglasses for Baseball Cycling Fishing Golf Tr62 Superlight Frame

RIVBOS® Polarized Sports Sunglasses Sun Glasses with 5 Interchangeable Lenses for Men Women Cycling Baseball RB0805

9. Bats!

I know we started out this post mentioning that purchasing a bat on behalf of someone else might be a tricky endeavor since there are so many options and many times the right one relies heavily on player preference.

However, we took the time to find two bats – one softball, and one baseball – that are across the board crowd pleasers!

If your player is in need of a new bat, you can’t go wrong with these picks.

For the baseball player, there is the Easton Mako Beast!

This is the most popular model from the most popular manufacturer of baseball bats. It is a BBCOR bat which means it’s approved for play in high school and college teams. This is a two-piece composite bat which means it is unparalleled when it comes to balance. The perfect solution for the player still working on their mechanics, or a great contact hitter who has already mastered their swing.

This bat is also produces the most power with the least amount of weight. A true win on the field and a definite winner as the best gift ever!

For softball players, we think everyone would be thrilled to unwrap Louisville Slugger Z4!

It’s perfectly balanced as well, so it’s a great pic for the newer or seasoned player alike. It packs a mean punch for any slow pitch league and is available in three different weights.

This bat is approved for play in any USSA, NSA, and ISA leagues and has been a crowd favorite for years!

Final Words

Although it may seem impossible to find a great gift they’ll use and truly appreciate, we hope this list gave you some inspiration to go out and make this the best holiday yet for the softball or baseball player you care about most!