Equipment Double Check

It's almost that time of year where we start to dig out the old glove, bat etc..

Some of us might be surprised to see that our bat needs a new grip, or maybe it's on the light side from all the off season lifting we've done. Shoes might be a little snug, as well as our practice clothing being a size smaller. Here are a few things to help you get your season off to a good start. 

First, inspect your bat for cracks or dents down the barrel. If you're using a two piece bat, check to make sure you don't have loose play where the two pieces come together.  If you have any of the above equipment issues, this means that you are probably looking at a new purchase.  A good quality bat can run between 300-400 dollars.   Good bats will have a one-year warranty for any breakage that may occur, especially with composites or two-piece bats.  After purchase, make sure you save the warranty, which is usually on the barrel, and most importantly save your receipt! You will have one year from purchase for any defects at may occurred during the course of the season. 

The photo above demonstrates the need for bat grip replacement.

Just like any piece of equipment you have made an investment in, you want to make sure that proper care is being given to protect it.  If it's a grip that you  need, this is going to be relatively inexpensive. Most grips range between $8 to $15, depending on what you're buying. Before you wrap the handle, make sure your old rap is completely off the bat, and that any plastic or glue is removed.  This will ensure the new wrap will adhere to the bat.  When wrapping the bat, start at the top of the bat and work your way down towards the barrel.  Make sure you're overlapping the wrap evenly.  With any purchase of bat wraps from Coaches Athletic we'll make sure that your wrap is properly put on.

Now for a little information on another important piece of equipment the "Glove".  Just like a good quality bat, a good quality glove will range from 125-350 dollars.  These investments, if properly taken care of, should last several seasons.  If any glove is purchased from Coaches Athletic we give you a maintenance program, which means at anytime your glove needs an adjustment bring it in, and we'll take care of it.  Glove maintenance includes tightening all leather straps, finger and pocket. Cleaning and conditioning of the leather.  If proper maintenance is given to a quality glove, you can rest assured you'll enjoy many years of use, thus getting the most out of your investment. 

The photo above shows a glove where the laces need to be tightened..

After purchasing any glove, we recommend playing consistent catch with it for a few weeks.  During this period,  most people will become frustrated because of the stiffness of the glove.  There are many products out there that claim to quicken the break in process.  I've seen first hand some of these practices, from applying a conditioner to the glove  and then baking it in the oven, to soaking a glove in water. The only thing going in my oven is something I plan on eating, and a leather glove isn't something I'd like or consider good enough to even try. 

A friend of mine tried this and was greatly disappointed, because what was once a beautiful glove turned into a hard piece of charred leather.  This is what I called "FUBAR" Fried Up Beyond All Recognition.  Definitely a costly mistake.  Patience is something you need have to have during this process, and when a you want a quality glove broken in quickly, you don't want this result.

The photo above illustrates when the glove laces and glove have dried up.

The other method is soaking a glove in water.  Like a sponge, leather will soak up water.  Another friend of mine tried this and was equally disappointed..  Water (moisture), along with dirt, break down the leather over time.  I've seen hot water in small amounts applied to the fingers and pocket of a glove, then the glove is pounded with a special break in mallet this is to help shape the glove.   This method works but it's important you truly understand this method.

The photo above is an example of a glove that is well oiled and laces snug.

I'm in the process of breaking in my sons glove, which is a Wilson A1K glove.  It's a great glove for his age a little better quality of leather than his old glove.  A couple of problems with the better leather gloves is that they tend to be a bit stiff.  The other problem with these gloves is that feel a little big.  In some cases with younger ball players, this is a problem because of their hand size being smaller.  A lesser quality leather like pig leather is a good recommendation, because this leather is very soft and allows the player to squeeze the glove with a little more ease.  Again, this being a lesser leather will have a shorter life span. 

We hope this information is helpful when you inspect yours or your young ball players equipment.  Remember if you have any questions or need help please contact us at Coaches Athletic.

Yours In Sports,

The CA Team