Chapter 3 - Hats for Bats

Talking about being unprepared from an equipment standpoint, this experience reminded me of my kids playing days of having to buy new equipment every year. Several months ago I had a conversation with Brent my partner in this venture and we went through the equipment list.

First the glove. I cannot count the number of times I saw kids come into tryouts in March with new gloves not even broken in. So the dilemma was do I go out and buy new or finds one of the kid’s old gloves. Well the later prevailed and I found a couple broken in gloves to use. Unfortunately I was hoping to find an outfielders glove – you know – the kind that is two times too big but can cover a lot of ground (meaning stuff over my head) like those tennis rackets the old people use. No luck but at least I have two gloves that are broken in, and yes they are leather, not the ones you find at WalMart.

Next came the shoes, I’m sorry cleats. After much discussion with Brent, it was decided a mid (cover the ankle almost like Johnny U) molded cleat would be my best bet. I called several friends whose sons playing days were over to see what inventory they may have. Unfortunately no go. Now the hunt begins as a scour, Dicks, Sports Authority, Marshalls, TJMax, Discounted Shoe Warehouse, Bobs, etc for that least expensive shoe. You know how hard it is to find a cheap adult baseball molded cleats in November? I was at a client in Nashua NH and stopped at a Bobs Store (my third) and found a pair of 10.5 mid wide (yes wide’s its genetic). Just a little tight (at the toe). Unfortunately the store had no 11’s but did find a pair somewhere in Connecticut. No problem ship to the Wrentham store, - problem solved. I have been wearing them around the house just to break in. They came to Florida in December but never saw the light of day. Given the weather, not excited about using them as now shoes.

Next came the fashion ware. Oh my. The undershirts are easy, red, short and long sleeves and probably reusable after the experience, just about the only thing. While the camp provides socks and uniforms, I went ahead and bought a couple of pair just to get use to wearing them. For a birthday gift, Patti got me a pair of sliding shorts (again the last pair of adult wear). Went the other day and picked up, yes even at my age, protection for the boys. I tell you, quite a selection. I will be well protected.

Next came the miscellaneous stuff, you know the stuff that makes you look like a baseball player. First the bag. Had to have a bag to put all my equipment in. Next the glasses, yes the sunglasses. Cheaped out on a flip pair. Put them together and the glass falls off the frame. Need to figure out before getting into the outfield. Needed pine tar right. Absolutely. Oh yes, Brent was nice enough to send along a couple pair of batting gloves, need to protect the hands you know. Patti bought me a nice vinyl warm-up for hitting – you know- if you dress the part know one knows any differently if you are good or not.

Finally, the bat, yes the bat. The instrument most thought out by kids and adults alike. The more color the better, the bigger the better. Needed a bat, even though the Camp provides them. And not just any bat but a wood bat. Decisions, decisions, - wood? Composite? Ash? Maple? 32? 33? So I confided in my good friend Larry, who has been the equipment manager for youth baseball in Franklin for a whole lot of years. I wanted something durable to practice with but not cost prohibited. Larry found me a 32 and 33 Louisville Slugger (prolite version). We decided on a 33 given the extra length may help cover the plate for this aging slugger. However the 32 was a little lighter but my budget at the time meant one bat. After talking with Brent who will be packing a bag just for his bats, I did find a black maple 32 Louisville slugger on sale the other day. So much for budget.

As I look back at these purchases, I have to wonder if this is a bucket list experience or due to what I have sunk into it thus far a every other year thing. Think about it, shoes are no use to me unless I bronze them or the Hall of Fame asks for them. The clothes, forget about, back of the closet for that stuff. And of course the bats - maybe I can put one of them in my golf bag for the next time Nick starts complaining about his mother’s sister.