OT - I'm Joining a softball team - NEED HELP!!

[suave1477]

Hey guys so some friends of mine who are in a big softball league here in New York asked me to join them. I said ok.

I know I am datingmyself but I havent played softball in years and I do mean years, since the local toy store sold regular thick aluminium bats. lol lol

So for my first time back on to the field (in years) I do not want to make a complete fool of myself.

I would like to buy the best possible equipment to help me look like I have an idea of how to hit a ball, but I do not want to spend mega millions either on an item get out of it the same thing I can get out of an average softball bat.

Here is the League - high arch soft ball - metal bats (not wood)
They also mentioned to me to buy cleats but metal isnt necessary.

So here is what I am asking whats the best Bat to use? and plastic cleats to wear?

I was looking at some bats and so far I heard these are some of the best.
Easton Brett Helmer reveal srv2 bat
Worth Gold Est5

Are these the best out there? They seem expenisive!! Are there ones that are just as good but cheaper?

So whats the best bats?
Whats the best cleats?

Any help is appreciated?

[mvandor]

Hmm, never used my own personal bat in softball league, just glove. Always just grabbed an available bat I liked. Had my own glove but that was it.

[mbrieve]

Hmm, never used my own personal bat in softball league, just glove. Always just grabbed an available bat I liked. Had my own glove but that was it.

I was going to chime in with the same sentiment. If you are just starting back up, unless it is a prerequisite, I would try to use a team bat or borrow a buddies for your at bats.

As for cleats, my league doesn't allow metal, and you can usually find decent plastic molded cleats for under $60.

Hope this helps!

[Vintagedeputy]

If you think buying some high dollar bat is going to make you look like you know what you are doing, then you are fooling yourself.

Get a bat at Good Will and go to the batting cages. A good player can hit with anything.

[yanks12025]

When i play i use the Miken Freak. They are really good and can add some power into your swing.

[mdube16]

The bats in softball make a HUGE difference. Even if you havent played in a long time, if you use a new Mikin, worth or demarini you will be amazed at how the ball jumps off the bat. Make sure that what you buy is legal...there have been changes recently to the rules. It will run you around $200 for a new high quality bat.

[bigtime59]

First, check your league's list of BANNED BATS! No sense buying something you 1) can't use and 2) can't return.
Second, what kind of fields do you play on, and what position do you play? As someone who hasn't ventured onto the outfield grass in years, I generally wear turf shoes unless the infield is very soft (and here in Arlington County, they rarely are!).

[suave1477]

First, check your league's list of BANNED BATS! No sense buying something you 1) can't use and 2) can't return.
Second, what kind of fields do you play on, and what position do you play? As someone who hasn't ventured onto the outfield grass in years, I generally wear turf shoes unless the infield is very soft (and here in Arlington County, they rarely are!).

I would like to say thanks to everyone and if anyone else has anything more to add please do as I am still learning. Seems Softball has come a long way since my days of neighborhood Vs. neighborhood.

Bigtime good idea, I didn't know there were banned bats. I will ask.
They play on grass fields.
I play outfield.

I just learned the reason they don't use metal cleats is because they been banned.

[Billyu40]

suave1477,

The bat really depends on the league affiliation. There are 3 basic associations in slow pitch softball, ASA, USSSA and NSA. USSSA and NSA use the basically the same bats. ASA has its own rules and bats. The difference between the bats is huge. USSSA and NSA bat allow the ball to come off the bat at 100 mph+ where as the ASA limits are 98 mph and under. There is alot more to the ASA bats than that, but I wont go into that unless thats the league you are in. The association also dictates the arch on the ball.

If you are playing ASA the best bat is probably the Freak 98 or the "Orange" Worth Mayhem. I would stay away from the Easton Reveal. If you are playing NSA/USSSA the bat is really up to you and how you like the feel and how much you are going to be playing, endloaded vs. balanced and the tempature you are playing in. Let me know what kind of league and Id be happy to give you my recommendations.



As far as cleats, personally I use the Nike MVP cleats that I custom ordered from Nike ID. They do make them without having to customize them if you dont want to spend that kind of money.

I hope this helps.

[DrJ]

One more word of caution before you start playing - read up on the rules, it ain't baseball. I learned that the hard way when I rounded 3rd and crushed the catcher on a play at the plate. I was called out (even though him and the ball each flew 10 feet in opposite directions). The whole other team was wanting to charge me I think the fellows wife was the most pissed!!!

Those were the good ol' days - I loved beating the Stormtroopers, they were a team of TX Dept of Highway Patrol Officers and since we were all about college age they had probably given half of us tickets in the past - hee hee hee....

And yes, we won the championship!!!