Baseball/Softball Equipment Pre-Season Checklist
Prepare your team and facility for a successful season with this preseason equipment checklist — a handy tool designed for coaches and equipment managers to ensure nothing gets overlooked. Use it to review inventory, identify replacement needs, and make sure your program is fully prepared before the first practice or game.
Have questions or need recommendations? Call our expert sales team at 800-688-6709 — we’re ready to help you find exactly what your program needs.
Protective (Player)
- Catcher’s Gear
- (shop baseball), (shop softball)
- Check that connection points are good
- Confirm up-to-date with safety standards (learn more)
- Batting helmets
- (shop baseball), (shop softball)
- Check that foam is intact, no delamination
Netting
- Make sure there are no holes or other damage:
- Check frame & hardware
Bases
- Convert to double first base for safety (learn more), (shop)
- Check for cracks, tears, and discoloration in rubber covers (shop)
- Locate base plugs and dig-out tool (shop)
- Make sure stanchions are firmly connected to base bottom
Home Plate
- Check for tears, cracks, delamination (shop)
Pitching Rubber
- Check for excessive wear, tears & cracks (shop)
Field Maintenance
- Nail drag for deep initial grooming (shop)
- Rakes, edgers, and other grooming tools (shop)
- Drag mat pull handles, etc. (shop)
- Batter’s box templates (shop)
- Line markers (shop)
- Chalk/paint (shop)
- Mound slope (shop)
Portable Mounds
- Check if rubber needs to be replaced
- Check wheels (if applicable)
- Check for turf wear and delamination (shop)
Fencing
- Re-mount windscreen taken down for off-season (advised for longevity)
- Replace missing or old zip-ties (shop)
- Keep windscreen taught for maximum longevity (shop)
- Check for tears in padding (shop)
- Check for cracked fence cap where applicable (shop)
- Temporary fencing – order replacement poles as needed (shop)
Equipment Bags
- (shop baseball bags), (shop softball bags)
- Check for mold
- Check zippers
- Check for tears (shop)
Balls
- (shop baseballs), (shop softballs)
- Order new balls (ensure proper stamping, i.e., NFHS, Little League, etc.)
- Check old balls for wear and water-log
- Have ball bags/buckets on hand (shop)
Training Gear
Coaching
- Order scorebook(s) (shop)
- Check first aid kit for proper contents, including ice packs (shop)
- Locate pitch counters (shop)
- Locate coaching board (shop)
Scoreboard
- Check for proper operation (shop)
- Locate controller – check batteries/power cable
