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Beckum Stapleton Little League

Celebrating 63 years of building champions on and off the field

Glove Guide

Player Glove Guide (Baseball & Softball)

Choosing the right glove is one of the most important steps in helping a young athlete succeed. At Beckum Stapleton Little League, we know that many families are buying a glove for the first time—or upgrading as players grow—so this guide is designed to make the process simple, clear, and confidence-building.

Below you’ll find easy sizing charts, fit tips, material explanations, break-in steps, and maintenance advice for both baseball and softball players ages 4–18. This guide is meant to answer the most common questions and help every kid start the season with a glove they can truly handle.

1. Glove Sizing by Age

A glove should feel snug, secure, and controllable, not floppy or oversized. These age ranges apply broadly, but always prioritize feel and control over “buying big.”

Baseball Sizing Recommendations

Fielders Gloves

  • Ages 4–6: 8.5" – 9.5"

  • Ages 7–8: 10" – 10.75"

  • Ages 9–10: 10.5" – 11.5"

  • Ages 11–12: 11" – 12"

  • Ages 13–18: 11.5" – 12.5"+

Catcher’s Mitts (Baseball)

  • Ages 4–6: ~29.5"

  • Ages 7–8: ~30"–31"

  • Ages 9–10: ~30"–32"

  • Ages 11–12: ~31"–32.5"

  • Ages 13–18: ~32"–34"

Softball Sizing Recommendations (Girls Fastpitch)

Softball gloves are typically a bit larger due to the bigger ball.

Fielders Gloves

  • Ages 4–6: 9" – 10"

  • Ages 7–8: 10" – 11"

  • Ages 9–10: 11" – 12"

  • Ages 11–12: 11.5" – 12.5"

  • Ages 13–18: 12" – 13"+

Catcher’s Mitts (Fastpitch Softball)

  • Ages 7–10: ~32"–33"

  • Ages 11–18: ~33"–34.5"

2. How a Glove Should Fit

A correctly fitted glove gives the player control, comfort, and confidence. Here’s what to look for:

  • Palm Placement: The player’s palm should sit naturally in the glove's palm area.

  • Finger Reach: Fingers should reach most stalls but not be jammed.

  • Tip Space: A little fingertip room (about ¼”) is ideal.

  • Shake Test: With the arm extended, a gentle shake shouldn’t make the glove feel loose.

  • Closure Test: The player should be able to open and close the glove without excessive effort.

Avoid Oversizing:
Buying a glove “to grow into” slows development and makes catching harder. Proper fit is always more important than size.

3. Understanding Glove Materials

Different glove materials offer different benefits. Choosing the right one helps match cost, durability, and ease of use to the player’s age and skill level.

Synthetic / Mesh

  • Lightest, easiest to close

  • Minimal break-in

  • Least durable

  • Best for ages 4–8 learning fundamentals

Pigskin / Soft Leather

  • Lightweight

  • Quick break-in

  • Medium durability

  • Good for ages 7–10 or casual players

Full-Grain / Steerhide Leather

  • Very durable

  • Develops a great pocket

  • Requires break-in

  • Ideal for ages 9–14 building strong fundamentals

Premium Steerhide / Kip Leather

  • Highest quality and longevity

  • Heavier and stiffer at first

  • More expensive

  • Great for dedicated players 12+

Hybrid Gloves (Leather Palm + Synthetic Back)

  • Good durability with lighter weight

  • Quicker break-in

  • Strong middle-ground option

Coach’s Tip:

For players ages 4–10, the #1 priority is a glove they can close easily. Control matters far more than the type of leather.

4. Breaking In the Glove

A glove performs best once it forms to the player’s hand. Here’s how to break it in safely and correctly:

Best Break-In Methods

  • Play catch often – nothing shapes a glove better

  • Use a glove mallet or baseball/softball to pound the pocket

  • Apply a tiny amount of approved glove conditioner to stiff spots

  • Wrap the glove with a ball in the pocket when not in use

  • Professional steaming can help if done properly

Never Do These (They Damage the Glove)

  • Soaking the glove in water

  • Microwaving, baking, or using a dryer

  • Using Vaseline, cooking oil, or other household oils

  • Leaving the glove in a hot car

  • Forcing bends against the glove’s natural shape

5. Glove Care & Maintenance

A well-maintained glove lasts longer and performs better.

  • Wipe off dirt/mud after each use

  • Store with a ball in the pocket

  • Keep in a cool, dry area (never damp or overheated)

  • Condition sparingly—1–2 times a season

  • Check laces regularly for looseness or breakage

6. Fixing and Relacing Gloves

Many glove issues can be fixed at home, especially broken laces.

Common Simple Repairs

  • Broken or loose lace: Replace the affected lace section

  • Torn web laces: Relace the whole web area

  • Small leather cracks: Clean and condition lightly

Basic Lace Replacement Steps

  1. Remove the damaged lace, noting the original pattern (take photos!)

  2. Prepare the new lace by tapering the end or using a lacing needle

  3. Thread the new lace through each hole following the original path

  4. Keep tension consistent—tight but not overly tight

  5. Tie a secure knot and trim the excess

  6. Add a tiny bit of conditioner to the new lace if needed


Bat Guide

Player Bat Guide (Baseball & Softball)
A clear, Little League–approved guide for choosing the right bat.

Choosing the correct bat is essential for player safety, swing confidence, and proper hitting development. Many families shop for bats without knowing what length, weight, or certification they need—and baseball and softball each have different standards.

This guide explains Little League–approved bat rules, recommended sizing by age, materials, drop weights, and how to select a bat players can actually control. It covers ages 4–18 for both baseball and softball.

1. Little League Bat Rules (Baseball & Softball)

These are the core rules families must follow for a bat to be legal at Beckum Stapleton Little League.

Baseball Bat Rules

  • All non-wood bats MUST have the USA Baseball (“USA”) stamp.
    USSSA bats are NOT allowed in Little League baseball.

  • Maximum barrel diameter: 2 ⅝ inches

  • Wood bats are allowed, but must meet LL safety standards.

  • Bat cannot appear damaged, cracked, or altered.

Softball Bat Rules (Fastpitch)

  • All softball bats must have the USA Softball / ASA stamp.

  • Maximum barrel diameter: 2 ¼ inches

  • Must be free of cracks, dents, or excessive wear.

If the bat has no stamp → it cannot be used in games.

2. Bat Length by Age

A bat should be long enough for reach, but not so long that it slows the swing.

Baseball LENGTH Recommendations

  • Ages 4–6: 24" – 26"

  • Ages 7–8: 26" – 28"

  • Ages 9–10: 28" – 29"

  • Ages 11–12: 29" – 31"

  • Ages 13–18: 30" – 33" (BBCOR or USA depending on division)

Softball LENGTH Recommendations (Fastpitch)

  • Ages 4–6: 24" – 26"

  • Ages 7–8: 26" – 28"

  • Ages 9–10: 28" – 30"

  • Ages 11–12: 30" – 32"

  • Ages 13–18: 31" – 34"

3. Bat Weight / Drop Weight (Very Important)

The drop is the bat’s weight compared to its length.
Drop = Length – Weight (e.g., 29" bat weighing 19 oz = -10 drop).

Younger players need lighter bats for bat speed and control.

Baseball Drop Recommendations

  • Ages 4–6: -12 to -13

  • Ages 7–8: -10 to -12

  • Ages 9–10: -10 to -11

  • Ages 11–12: -8 to -10

  • Ages 13–14 (USA): -5 to -8

  • Ages 14–18 (High School/BBCOR): BBCOR required → Drop -3

Softball Drop Recommendations (Fastpitch)

  • Ages 4–6: -11 to -13

  • Ages 7–8: -11 to -12

  • Ages 9–10: -10 to -12

  • Ages 11–12: -10 to -11

  • Ages 13–18: -8 to -11 (player preference + strength)

Signs the Bat Is Too Heavy

  • Player “drags” the bat

  • Drops bat head early

  • Can’t get around on fast pitches

  • Swing looks slow or unbalanced

  • Hands drop before swinging

Signs the Bat Is Too Light

  • Player over-swings

  • Poor contact but high swing speed

  • Difficulty controlling the barrel

4. How to Check for Proper Bat Fit

A good bat should feel balanced and controlled, not like a burden.

Quick Fit Tests:

1. Arm Extension Test:
Player holds the bat straight out with one arm.

  • If they can hold for 10–15 seconds, the weight is appropriate.

  • If the arm drops immediately → too heavy.

2. Swing Test:
The bat should travel through the zone smoothly and easily, without forcing the swing.

3. Contact Point Test:
Player should be able to extend arms and reach the outside corner of the plate comfortably.

5. Bat Materials (What They Mean)

Each material affects durability, price, and performance.

Baseball (USA Bats) & Softball Material Types

1. Alloy / Aluminum

  • Most durable

  • Ready to hit with no break-in

  • Performs well in all temperatures

  • More affordable

  • Great for ages 4–12

2. Composite

  • Lighter feel

  • Bigger “sweet spot”

  • Requires break-in (~150–200 hits)

  • More expensive

  • Popular for serious players ages 10–18

3. Hybrid (Composite Handle + Alloy Barrel)

  • Lighter swing

  • No barrel break-in needed

  • Balanced performance & durability

  • Good for intermediate and advanced players

4. Wood Bats (Baseball Only)

  • Not required in youth baseball

  • Heavier

  • Excellent for training

  • Used primarily ages 13–18

6. How to Break In a Composite Bat (If Needed)

Alloy bats need no break-in, but composite bats do.

Proper Composite Break-In Method

  • Use real balls (not rubber cage balls).

  • Take 30–40% power swings at first.

  • Rotate the bat ¼ turn between hits.

  • Repeat until around 100–150 hits are made.

Avoid These

  • Hitting waterlogged balls

  • Using the bat in very cold weather (<55°F)

  • Bat rolling or shaving (illegal & dangerous)

  • Hitting metal poles, concrete, or anything non-ball

7. Bat Care & Maintenance

A bat should be well-maintained to stay legal and last the season.

  • Avoid excessive cold (can damage composites)

  • Wipe dirt and mud after games

  • Don’t bang cleats with the bat (weakens it)

  • Store indoors, not in car trunks

  • Periodically check for:

    • Cracks

    • Dents

    • Rattles

    • Loose end caps

    • Grip wear

If any of the above appear, the bat may be declared illegal for games.

8. Choosing the Right Bat for Your Player

When in doubt, choose:

✓ Correct certification stamp (USA or ASA/USA Softball)
✓ A length they can control
✓ A drop weight that matches their strength
✓ Balanced feel over “power hitter” designs
✓ Alloy for beginners, composite for advanced players

A bat your child can swing comfortably and quickly will always perform better than a bat that’s long, heavy, or “top tier” but uncontrollable.


Contact Us

Beckum Stapleton Little League

911 W Brown St Milwaukee WI 53205 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53205

Phone: 414-800-9020
Email: [email protected]

Beckum Stapleton Little League

911 W Brown St Milwaukee WI 53205 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53205

Phone: 414-800-9020
Email: [email protected]

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