Did you know that baseball was brought to Australia by American miners in the 1850s? It soon became a popular sport and many Australians enjoyed playing it. If nowadays you’re one of them, you’ll need the proper apparel to get you started. Just like any other sport, baseball players have a recognisable uniform composed of pants, jersey, cleats, helmet and socks.
Baseball Pants
You may not think they’re very important, but the baseball pants are a crucial part of the whole game. If you get the right fit and size, they can make a difference. You’ll feel more comfortable, and confident and this will enhance your game performance on the field. Nowadays, there’s a wide variety of high-quality baseball apparel you can choose from. And if you take the right things into consideration, you’ll make the right choice.
The first thing you should consider is the material. These pants can be made of nylon, polyester or some spandex blends. When you buy a pair for yourself, choose a material that brings you the most comfort and is the most durable. The fit must be on point. Otherwise, pants that are too loose can get in your way, and a pair that’s too tight, will restrict your movements.
Baseball pants can range in length from full-length pants to just-past-the-knee-cap knickerbockers. With Knickerbockers, you’ll have to wear stockings underneath. The length you choose depends on your personal preference. If you’re playing in a team, you should all be coordinated, and if you’re playing in some league, you should follow the league’s rules.
There are several types of pants you can choose from. The first one is piped pants. They’re very distinctive because of the thick pinstripe on one or both sides of the pants. They have a sleek look and will fit any player. Second, are solid pants. They’re very basic, don’t have stripes, are plain, clean and have a modern look.
Next, are the classic long pants. They’re made to look good, have sleek lines and be flexible. They can stretch and bend with you and will follow your every movement. Knicker pants are shorter and looser. That’s why many players prefer them as their playing outfit. And last but not least, are pinstripe pants. They have a vintage look that reminds people of baseball’s beginnings. The grey or white foundation with stripes makes them a popular choice.
Baseball Jersey
The jerseys are a crucial element of baseball, so it’s important to understand how they should fit no matter if you’re a player or just a fan. If you have a jersey that feels comfortable and flexible, you’ll have improved performance and you’ll look better on the field. The first thing to think about is the length. The jersey shouldn’t go further than the middle of the zipper or higher than the line of your belt.
Shoulder width is another important factor to consider. Make sure the jersey’s seams are perfectly aligned with your shoulders. This way they won’t feel wonky or too tight. The jersey’s sleeves have 2 functions. The first one is to help your arm movement during the game and the second is to make you look good.
Because of this, make sure that sleeves don’t go past the mid-bicep or above the elbow crease regions. Otherwise, your movements can be restricted, and you’ll feel very uncomfortable. Just like with the pants, this type of softball apparel must be comfortable, you should have the right fit. Also, choose a material that feels the most comfortable to you.
Helmet
Almost every sport requires protective gear, and baseball is not an exception. The helmet is the most important protective part because it prevents a series of injuries that can be hard to treat or cure or even fatal. Again, size and fit are key. Getting them wrong increases the chances of an injury. It’s advised that you use safety glasses or a faceguard in addition to your helmet.
Make sure you check the helmet for any damages all the time. Bumps, scratches and dents can compromise its integrity and leave you injured. If you see any damage, replace the helmet immediately. Observe the cushioning inside as well. Make sure there are no holes and that the helmet feels comfortable. Always use the straps to keep it in place, a loose helmet is not a good idea.
Socks
If comfort is a priority for you, be on the lookout for a nice pair of socks. You can choose from 2 options, regular socks and stirrups. If you go with stirrups, you should combine them with knicker pants because of their length. Plus, you can display the logo of your favourite team because there’s a loop at the end. If you want to get an old-school baseball look, you should combine them with sweat socks.
Hat
A baseball hat is not mandatory field equipment, but it can be very practical. Its main purpose is to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays. Sometimes they can get very overwhelming and decrease your game performance. The hat also prevents sweat from getting into your eyes. Make sure the hat you buy is made of high-quality materials just like your baseball clothes.
It should be well-crafted and durable. You shouldn’t worry if it’ll fall apart in the middle of the game. The fit is also important. There are hats with and without adjustable straps because people’s preferences are different. Just make sure it fits your head as a glove. Avoid anything too tight or too loose because both can be a distraction.
Cleats
Baseball players are always moving around, and having comfortable shoes is of great importance. This is where cleats come into play. They’re specially designed baseball shoes that keep the players moving while adding security and stability the whole way. The most common cleats materials today are synthetic leather or mesh. Manufacturers often combine the two.
The leather gives the player stability and support at the front of the foot and the ankle. The mesh on the other hand makes the shoes breathable and flexible. Whatever you choose comes down to your personal preference. Just make sure you choose what’s most comfortable for you. There are 4 types of cleats:
- Metal – popular, great traction and grip;
- Moulded – longer than metal ones, cheaper, good for muddy conditions;
- Turf shoes – good for artificial surfaces, good grip and traction;
- Running shoes – durable, long-lasting, with little traction and grip.
When it comes to size, cleats have the same sizing as regular shoes. So, it’s not complicated to find the right fit for you. Your heel should have a snug fit and there should be at least 0.5cm of space between your toe and the shoe. If you find yourself between sizes, go for the smaller one. Cleats expand after a while, so they’ll fit perfectly. And finally, comfort. Nothing of the above matters if your feet are sore after every game. Comfort should be your top priority.
Aussie Daily Lifestyle 
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