Bat and ball sports, whether it is tee-ball, softball or baseball, are undoubtedly America's top participation sport. Surveys show that over six million of American children, aged between five and fourteen, play in official leagues and a further thirteen million of them participate in amateur non-league games.

Even though these numbers seem very high, there are a lot of other children who shy away from playing any of these sports due to an injury sustained while playing a game. The fact is that any bat and ball sport, particularly baseball can be dangerous if the correct safety equipment is not being used. A lack of softball or baseball equipment can lead to serious and lasting injuries and even death in extreme cases

Injuries from playing any of these games can be avoided if the correct softball or baseball equipment is used. This equipment has been designed to protect players from potential harm and it is especially important to ensure that children have the right kit available. The worry of having a child involved in the sport can be lessened by knowing that they have the right baseball equipment to protect them and help them play to the best of their ability.

There are three items of baseball equipment that studies have shown play a significant role in lowering the number of injuries. These are:

* Bases that have a safety release mechanism that enables them to protect players from injury when sliding towards them. The actual type used depends on the skill levels, weight and age of the players involved. Various options exist.

* Baseballs and softballs are available that are less firm than others. These are particularly suited to younger and less experienced players as they reduce impact injuries that may be caused by using harder balls.

* Perhaps the most important of these three pieces of baseball equipment are face guards. These attach to helmets to help shield batters from damage to their faces.

A standard baseball has a circumference of roughly nine inches or twenty-three centimeters and weighs five ounces or one hundred and forty two grams. Junior leagues often play with smaller balls. The ball consists of a cork or rubber or mixture of the two layered core wrapped with twine, yarn or wool. The leather cover consists of two pieces firmly stitched using over one hundred stitches of red waxed cotton thread.

Helmets are an essential piece of baseball equipment that are worn by batters to protect their face and heads. These are available in clear plastic but these can become scratched and obscure the batter's vision. Many players use a small piece of plastic on the side of their face that is exposed to the pitcher. This is normally only three or four inches and covers down to the jaw line. By far the most effective form of facial protection is a full face wire guard.

One of the most recognizable pieces of baseball equipment is the glove or mitt. The range of styles and brands available may seem overwhelming and kids will often aim to buy one that their favorite major leaguer endorses.

If you do decide to buy baseball equipment second hand, it is important to have it checked out by a suitably qualified professional to ensure that it fits the player perfectly. Using ill-fitting equipment can often be worse than not wearing any baseball equipment at all.

Summary:

Surveys show that over six million of American children, aged between five and fourteen, play in official leagues and a further thirteen million of them participate in amateur non-league games. Even though these numbers seem very high, there are a lot of other children who shy away from playing any of these sports due to an injury sustained while playing a game. The fact is that any bat and ball sport, particularly baseball can be dangerous if the correct safety equipment is not being used.