Whether you're new to the game or shopping for gear, understanding baseball and softball terminology can help you make smarter choices and avoid common mistakes. At SPC Sports, we’ve been helping athletes and families gear up for over 25 years. Here are 25 essential terms every player and parent should know.
Baseball Bat Terms
1. BBCOR Bat
Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution. BBCOR bats are required in high school and college baseball and must meet performance standards.
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2. USSSA Bat
Bats certified by the United States Specialty Sports Association, common in youth travel ball.
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3. Drop Weight
The numerical difference between a bat's length and its weight. For example, a 30-inch bat that weighs 20 ounces is a -10 drop.
4. Barrel Diameter
The width of the bat’s barrel. BBCOR bats have a 2 5/8" barrel, while USSSA and fastpitch may have different specs.
Softball Bat Terms
5. Fastpitch Bat
Designed for fastpitch softball players—usually lighter and made for higher bat speeds.
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6. Slowpitch Bat
Heavier bats made for slowpitch softball. Often have a larger barrel and different certification stamps.
7. ASA / USA Stamp
Indicates the bat meets performance standards set by USA Softball (formerly ASA).
8. USSSA Stamp (Softball)
Used in slowpitch and fastpitch leagues following USSSA guidelines.
Glove Terms
9. Infield Glove
Smaller gloves (11"–12.5") for quick transfers, typically used by 2B, SS, and 3B.
10. Outfield Glove
Larger gloves (12.5"–13") with deeper pockets for tracking and catching fly balls.
11. H-Web
A web pattern used primarily by infielders and outfielders. Offers visibility and flexibility.
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12. Basket Web
A closed web pattern often used by pitchers to conceal grip.
13. Glove Sizing
Choosing the right glove depends on your position, age, and hand size.
Check our Glove Sizing Guide
Protective Gear
14. Catcher's Gear Set
A complete set including helmet, chest protector, and leg guards.
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15. Leg Guards
Protect a batter's shin and ankle from foul balls.
16. Batting Helmet
Required safety gear for all batters and base runners. Some models include faceguards.
17. Sliding Shorts
Padded compression shorts that protect thighs and hips during slides.
Performance and Fit
18. Bat Grip
Tape or synthetic grip used for better hold and vibration dampening.
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19. Stiff vs. Flexible Gloves
New gloves are stiff and require break-in. Flexible gloves may be pre-broken in or used.
20. Balanced vs. End-Loaded Bat
Balanced bats offer even weight distribution; end-loaded bats shift weight toward the barrel for power hitters.
21. Two-Piece Bat
A bat with separate handle and barrel, offering more flex and less vibration.
22. One-Piece Bat
More rigid feel; great for players who prefer direct feedback on contact.
Shopping & Sizing
23. MAP Pricing
Minimum Advertised Price. Manufacturers set this to keep pricing fair across all retailers.
24. Bat Sizing Chart
Guidelines to choose the correct bat based on height, weight, and age.
Use Our Bat Sizing Tool
25. Youth vs. Adult Equipment
Youth gear is typically lighter, smaller, and more forgiving than adult models.
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