We've have a Facebook group where PLL members can swap gear!

Kids grow out of gear fast, sometimes even before a season is over.
Follow this link to join the group where you can pass along what you no longer need and find new-to-you equipment.

REQUIRED
-Glove
-Batting Helmet
-Cleats (baseball or any sport) *non-metal only
-Protective Cup (for boys)
-Pants, socks, undershirt *when coaches give color choice

RECOMMENDED
-Bat *necessary for home practice
-Gear Bag
-Balls *for home practice
-Batting Gloves

GLOVES 101

GLOVE TYPES
As a general rule, all players below majors should use a standard infield glove.
PLL distributes a team catcher's glove, which is the only position glove you necessarily need. As kids grow in skill and size, there are gloves designed for greater success at specific positions on the field.
These positions/gloves are:
-Infield Gloves: Smaller size for quick transfer from catching hand to throwing hand
-First Base Gloves: Larger glove with large "scoop" outer edge to better assist player in collecting balls on the ground.
-Outfielder's Gloves: Large pocket for more success catching fly balls on the run.
-Catcher's Gloves: Extra padding and large "claw" face to capture fast balls.

GLOVE CHOICES
Ease of use: A glove must be easy to open and close. All gloves require a period to break in, but less expensive gloves will take much longer or never fully break in.
Size: It is best to have your child use the smallest glove they are comfortable with. This will allow for greater skill development and transfer of the ball, which is critical as the progress.
*T-ball and Farm shoud use a 8-9" gloves
*89's - Majors will use a 9-11.5"

BATS 101

BAT TYPES
Alloy/Metal Bat - The handle and barrel of the bat are entirely comprised of an alloy/metal material. There are various grades of alloy bats, with the more expensive ones having a thinner wall, higher quality, and potentially more "pop" off the bat.
Alloy bats are the most common in recreational youth baseball & softball.
Composite Bat - A type of bat in which the handle and barrel of the bat are comprised of a composite or Fiberglas-like material. Under the previous standard (pre-2018), composite bats generally had the most "pop" from the ball, and potentially less vibration or "sting" to the hands on contact. Due to the complex material makeup, these bats may not have as long of a life span (maybe 2 seasons), and are the most expensive you can purchase. They are also not intended to be used in temperatures under 50 degrees, due to the risk of damaging the composite material and even breaking the bat.
Wood Bat - A type of bat in which the handle and barrel are comprised from a single piece of wood. Though a classic, not generally recommended for little league due to their weight (which affects quality of swing in most children), and extreme vibration when balls are not hit squarely.

BAT SIZE
Bat size in relation to a child's size and weight are very important. Purchasing them a bat that is too big for them that they will "grow into" can cause huge developmental problems. It's better to have them use a less expensive bat that fits them for a season, than spending more for a bat that you hope they will use for multiple seasons.
Below is a handy chart to consult when considering the right size bat to purchase.

BAT SIZE/DIAMETER/LEGAL BATS - *Updated for 2018
Please click to visit Little League's official Bat Rules page for information on your division of baseball.

"DROP" NUMBER
This can be a bit confusing…
The -(or drop number) is the difference between the bat's length and weight. In developing a quality quick swing, you want your child to use a light bat that they can handle comfortable. Length of bat is the biggest factor, but the -/drop number is also a factor.
"Drop" is the difference between bat length (inches) and weight (ounces). A -11 (drop 11) 31 inch bat will weigh 20 oz. whereas a -8 (drop 8) 31 inch bat will weigh 23 oz. Three ounces is a big deal in the hands of a kid, so as a standard rule a lower drop number (which is -11 in this example) can be preferred. As you would guess, bats with a lower drop number usually cost a bit more.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT 101

SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Batting Helmet: Required for play in Little League baseball and softball.
Protective Cup: Required for all boys in Little League.
Sliding Shorts: Worn under their uniform, these protect thighs from scratches and bruises when sliding. Optional, and not usually necessary for t-ball & farm.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT
Batting Gloves: Not required, but a good idea.
They will prohibit blisters and, when sliding, will protect hands from cuts and scratches.
Cleats: Do not need to be baseball specific cleats. Just something for good tractions in grass and dirt.
Gear Bag: a simple bat bag or backpack is a vital tool. You can encourage your player to keep their gear organized in their bag and take personal ownership of managing gear at home, practices, and in the dugout.