Hermosa Beach Little League provides all players in all divisions with a jersey, socks, and baseball cap. These are yours to keep. Parents are responsible for purchasing baseball pants, a belt, and a glove. Teams have helmets and bats that your child can use, or you are free to purchase your own.
Bats Approved and Decertified Bats
Players may ONLY use a bat that is approved by Little League. Big Barrel bats are not allowed in Little League in any division. For a complete list of approved bats, visit Little League's page on licensed composite bats. Little League also publishes a list of decertified and failed performance compliance testing bats.
Choosing the right bat: General guidelines
The right bat for your child is one that lets him/her generate maximum bat speed, and feels comfortable and easy to swing. You accomplish this with a bat that’s not too long or too heavy. The best way to find the "right" bat is to start with the sizing chart, then try different size bats in that general length range.
Selecting the correct bat weight really depends on two critical factors: your child’s strength and hitting style. It also depends a lot on your personal preference in weight and length, so the following are simply guidelines to follow:
Bigger, stronger players generally prefer a heavier bat since they get the benefits of substantial swing power and ball-carrying distance.
Smaller players looking more for groundball hitting through the infield should consider a lighter bat to generate a quicker swing.
Younger players should think about starting out with a lighter bat, where they can practice their stance, batting form, and running out base hits.
Bat weight is also measured in weight drop, a number derived from calculating the number of ounces the bat weighs minus the length of the bat in inches. Heavier bats are around a -3 weight drop, while lighter bats might be a -10.
Gloves that are too big prevent beginners from developing proper fielding skills. Kids’ gloves should generally not be bought to grow into. The best way to learn the fundamentals of fielding is by wearing a glove that fits well. At the younger levels, a cheaper glove that fits correctly is preferred over a more expensive glove that is designed to last several seasons.
Baseball cleats enable your child to have sufficient traction when batting, running and fielding. Only rubber cleats are allowed. Metal spikes are prohibited.
Protective Cups (For Male Players Only)
It is suggested that protective cups be worn by all male players at every game and practice, even at the younger levels. For AA and up, it is mandatory, as the children are now using a hard, regulation baseball. Sliding shorts that hold the cup in place, while also providing extra padding for the legs, buttocks and inner thighs, are recommended.
Helmets are mandatory at all levels. The helmet should fit securely and meet NOCSAE specifications and standards.