Baseball FAQ's
What are the origins of baseball?
Unlike other sports, there is no precise answer to the date and time baseball
was first played. Historians have found references to early forms of baseball as
early as the 1820's. The Baseball Hall of Fame refers to this era as "early
baseball." For many years, people believed a man named Abner Doubleday was
recognized as the creator of the actual rules for baseball in 1839 in
Cooperstown, New York. Not long ago, however, historians and the Hall deprived
him of this honor after extensive examination of the facts. A bank teller named
Alexander Cartwright founded the New York Knickerbockers, the first organized
baseball team, in 1842. A few years later, Cartwright created the basic rules
that we know for baseball today (three strikes per out/three outs per
half-inning).
What am I going to need to play?
A bat, ball, and glove are the key pieces of gear you're going to need. Unless
you have small children playing, you're going to want a baseball with major
league attributes. The ball should have a circumference of 9 inches and weigh 5
ounces. Baseball construction consists of a cork or rubber core wrapped in yarn
and an outer covering of two pieces of horsehide or cowhide stitched together.
Factors in choosing your glove are more complex. Your position and level of play
will determine your glove size, style and construction. (See our guide on choosing
baseball gloves).
There are a number of factors that weigh into what you might look for when
choosing a bat, such as weight and length, plus your own size and weight. See
our guide on how to choose a
bat) to determine what variety would suit your playing needs.
If you're really going to play competitive ball, you'll probably want a pair of
metal spikes or rubber cleats for better traction on the field. You also may
need other items like a batting glove, sweatbands, and batting helmets. If
you're playing in a league, they may provide you with helmets, caps and
uniforms.
Do I want to use a wooden or aluminum bat?
Although major league bats are made of solid wood, aluminum bats are more
popular for nonprofessional baseball. This choice for non pro leagues is mostly
because leagues don't want to pay for the cost of replacing bats (wooden bats
can easily break). Some more experienced players prefer the look, feel and sound
of professional equipment, and if that is what you'd prefer, wooden bats would
be a good choice. Another plus to buying aluminum, however, is they usually have
a large sweet spot. To help you decide, check out our guide to choosing
a baseball bat.
How do I break in my glove?
A baseball glove isn't exactly ready to immediately use after you buy it. The
most important thing you need to do is use it - a lot. Leather is made to adapt
to usage, and the more you catch and field with it, the better. There are some
things you can do to speed up the break-in process though. Rubbing it with
linseed, oil, saddle soap, or even shaving cream (foam, not gel formula) will
make the glove more pliable. Let it dry naturally so the leather doesn't crack
from excessive heat. When you're not using, place a ball in the glove, and wrap
a rubber band tightly around it so it will eventually maintain the "catch
shape." You can also try placing the ball in the glove and sticking it
under your mattress when you sleep to get shape.
Now that I have all my gear, how can I find some
competition?
The cool thing about baseball is that it's everywhere. There are thousands of
nonprofessional leagues and associations around the country that makes it easy
to get involved for players of any age or gender. If you want to play in a
less competitive atmosphere, your town or city parks department can have insight
into when fields are available for pickup games and reservation.
Back to - Coaches
Corner
