What to Look for When Buying a Baseball Glove

Mar 6, 2012
Filed under: Team sports, baseball

With major league full squad games already having taking place in Arizona and Florida, it’s apparent that baseball season is right around the corner. This is true for your spring/summer league, high school/college season and/or child’s baseball season. When analyzing your cache of baseball equipment, you may realize that you are in need of an upgrade in the glove department, or maybe you are trying to increase your utility by learning a new position and will require a different type of baseball glove.

When it comes to the purchase of a glove, this is not a decision to skimp. Very much unlike going to Walmart and seeing Tostitos tortilla chips and the Great Value brand and realizing there is no real difference, the quality gap between a good glove and a bad glove is quite large and can be detrimental.

A glove is the most important tool of a baseball player. It needs to feel comfortable, almost like an extension of the hand. It needs to be position appropriate. It needs to be made of quality materials that can last and survive the elements that are present in the game of baseball.

As far as sizing goes, the matter is pretty objective. You simply follow  the table below…

Age Position Glove Size
5-6 General 10 to 10 1/2 (youth model)
7-8 General 10 1/2 to 11 (youth model)
9-12 General 11 to 11 1/2 (youth model)
High School/Adult Infield 10 3/4 to 11 3/4
High School/Adult Outfield 12+

Where the decision gets more subjective is when it comes to the material of the glove. Traditionalists like high grade leather gloves made from free roaming cattle who have been allowed to mature to at least three years and haven’t been fed hormone laced grains. Realists and modernists like the synthetic gloves which last longer and are often times quicker to break in. Where you can get tricked is seeing a pre-worn glove that feels amazing and ready to go when you try it on. These are often times made of softer leather which has a propensity to break down faster. Make sure the price is appropriate before you make this purchase.

What’s the glove for you?

If you are buying for a youngster, who will eventually grow out of a glove, making sure to not overspend yet buying a quality glove that won’t impede performance is of utmost importance. Buying a soft leather glove with quick break in time like this glove from the Akadema Rookie Series would be a great option. These gloves don’t last as long, which is why they are affordable. Since you  may only need them for 1-3 seasons, they are the perfect option.

If you are a high school or college athlete, or just a mature player looking for a quality glove at an attractive price, the Akadema baseball glove line up is quite solid. The majority of Akadema’s gloves are made from cattle raised in Europe, tanned in Japan and constructed here in the US. The cattle are raised to a more mature age then many of the hides used from other glove manufacturers. This gives them the added benefit of longevity.

The price of their gloves is also unbeatable. Akadema doesn’t spend large sums advertising, or distributing into major retail outlets. This allows them to keep their prices lower relative to the competition.

Akadema currently is endorsed my MLB stars Shane Victorino, Derek Holland and by the comeback attempting Manny Ramirez. Check out some of their offerings like the ADD 103 infielder glove or the ABU 73 Reptillian outfield glove.

Make sure your purchase does not hamper your performance. Do your due diligence when making a baseball glove purchase and have a great 2012 baseball season!

Wilson Basketballs Lend Timeless Quality To Your Team

Nov 9, 2010
Filed under: Team sports, basketball

For nearly a century, Wilson Sporting Goods has been a representation of classic American sportsmanship. Shaping the games of tennis, golf, baseball, and American football, Wilson provides breakthrough technology in gaming and sporting equipment, raising the bar for athletics as a whole. As the world’s leading manufacturer of ball sports equipment, Wilson supplies quality sporting goods, like Wilson Basketballs, to retailers in over 100 countries.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Wilson employed 1,919 people at the end of 2006, making it a formidable force in the sporting goods world. According to the company web site, Wilson’s mission for all athletes is, “In constant pursuit of innovative technologies and cutting edge design, to develop breakthrough products that enhance the performance of all athletes, from the enthusiastic novice to the seasoned professional.” No matter your experience level, Wilson is here to provide you with quality products to assist in fun and progressive game play. If you have a passion for sports, choose Wilson for all of your ball sport needs!

PriceBusterSports.com is a proud retailer of Wilson products, including Wilson Basketballs at amazing prices. From basketballs to Athletic Apparel and more, PriceBusterSports.com has everything you need to outfit a successful basketball team.

When it’s time to prepare for basketball season, remember PriceBusterSports.com for all of your sporting goods at the best prices on the net. In compliment to your Wilson Basketballs, PriceBusterSports.com offers a wide selection of hoops, Backboards, posts and more to set up your court for the best in competitive sportsmanship.

Go ahead, get your head in the game with PriceBusterSports.com, your discount sporting goods retailer!

Youth Football Shoulder Pads Protect Your Child

May 12, 2009

In a study conducted from 1997 to 2002 by the Mayo Clinic, researchers found that youth football teams are becoming increasingly safer. The study incorporated 915 players aged 9 to 13 years, who participated on 42 football teams in the fall of 1997. Injury incidence, prevalence and severity were calculated for each grade level and player position. Additional analyses examined the number of injuries according to body weight. After months of study, researchers came to a conclusion:

“Our analysis showed that youth football injuries are uncommon,” said Michael J. Stuart, M.D., a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon and the principal author of the study.

Throughout the project, researchers found that a total of 55 injuries occurred in games during the season — a ratio of six percent. This low number of incidents were usually mild in nature, which is partially due to the ample protective gear worn by players. However, the study also reminds parents that accidents and injuries can occur at any time. It is paramount that the proper protective gear be worn at all times during game play and practice.

If your child is a young athlete and you want to protect them from football-related injury, make sure that he or she is protected with quality safety padding from PriceBusterSports.com. Youth Football Shoulder Pads from PriceBusterSports.com allow for your child to play safely, as they protect their neck, shoulders, upper arms, and part of the chest from damage that may be caused by tackling or other football maneuvers. Coming from quality brands like Hawk and Pro Down, these Comfortable Youth Football Shoulder Pads from PriceBusterSports.com deliver maximum performance for your children.

Price shouldn’t matter when it comes to protection, but it does at PriceBusterSports.com. Offering some of the lowest prices on the market, PriceBusterSports.com wants to help you protect your child on the field with quality shoulder pads. Do your child a favor and protect him or her with Youth Football Shoulder Pads from PriceBusterSports.com.

Get Organized In The Off Season With Football Locker Room Equipment

Despite their determination to pursue greatness, and their commitment to training, practicing, and playing harder every game, your football team can be a little disorganized in the locker room! Many locker rooms are limited on size and storage, making it harder for your players to stash their gear securely in place. This usually leads to a wide array of Football Gear laying about, just waiting to be tripped over. Stop the unnecessary injuries before they start and get your team organized by investing in Football Locker Room Equipment from PriceBusterSports.com.

Protect your helmets and keep them off the locker room floors with this Expando Helmet Rack from PriceBusterSports.com. Made from lightweight aluminum, this rack can be easily mounted to your walls or onto fencing to hold up to eight helmets. Also great for taking on the road, this rack can fold back neatly – just the right size to fit in your equipment bag!

Store training equipment, first aid supplies, and more in this Champion Deluxe Equipment Bag. Featuring a double zippered main compartment, an adjustable shoulder strap, and end pockets for wet items, this bag from PriceBusterSports.com is great for organizing the coaches office or for taking to your next away game.

Fit through standard doorways and keep the clutter out of your team with this Helmet Cart from PriceBusterSports.com. This piece of Football Locker Room Equipment is easy to use and rolls smoothly from indoors to outdoors, holding up to sixty helmets! A great investment for any team!

Every coach knows the nightmare of storing shoulder pads. Finally, there’s an easier solution. These Shoulder Pad Racks deliver strength, stability, and superior storage power. Able to hold 60 to 80 pads depending on size, this rack from PriceBusterSports.com is the perfect way to ’shoulder’ the burden of storing all that equipment!

Start off your football season right. Get these locker room essentials and more from PriceBusterSports.com today!

Phys Ed Can Be Fun!

Physical activity is critically important in the healthy development of your child. Athletics teach so much to a young student, especially during Physical Education class. Phys Ed couples teamwork and fitness in a way that is both fun and functional.

However, many students choose to not give it their all because they don’t find the class enjoyable. This can be for any number of reasons, from feeling less skilled or fit than other students, to feeling overwhelmed by the rules and pressure to excel. If you’re a concerned parent or a Physical Education teacher, invest some time in finding different activities to appeal to every child.

PriceBusterSports.com offers a wide selection of Physical Education Games and Equipment to build smart fitness habits, teamwork, and competitive motivation. Gym class can be fun and beneficial to your child – just be sure that the right tools and strategies are being utilized in order to ensure your child is getting the most out of it. Remember, PriceBusterSports.com chooses each and every activity based on its success with children. Make sure that your school is outfitted with Gym Class Games from PriceBusterSports.com, and get kids back in the game!

Staying On The Fitness Track This Year!

Mar 16, 2009
Filed under: Workout Tips

Many people start to lose their ‘New Year, New Me!’ gusto around March, but don’t let that happen to you! Remember that anytime is a great time for developing a healthier and more active lifestyle. Exercise yields so many benefits for any individual. From increased endurance and stamina to an overall sense of wellbeing, exercise is the key to increasing feeling and being your best in 2009. So where do you start? What method of exercise is right for you? Let’s delve into the two major types of exercise and you can decide which one is right for you:

Aerobic Exercise

The term aerobic may bring to mind images of Olivia Newton-John dancing to “Let’s Get Physical”, but aerobics goes well beyond the leotards of the 80s! Aerobic exercise, in short, is any exercise that promotes cardiovascular fitness by raising your pulse to a targeted level. It is recommended that you exercise at your target heart rate for thirty minutes, three times a week. These exercises strengthen your heart, and allow the heart to pump more blood. Aerobic exercise improves the capacity of the lungs, helps control weight, and increases muscle and joint flexibility, making you less susceptible to injury. Some examples of aerobic exercise are walking, jogging, bicycling, swimming, racquetball, and aerobic dance.

Anaerobic Exercise

Anaerobic exercise focuses on specific muscles and their size, endurance, and strength. Weight lifting and resistance training are popular examples of anaerobic exercise. This form of exercise provides many benefits, and is a good supplement to your aerobic work-outs. It may also increase bone density, according to some research.

Now that you know the two basic forms of exercise that your workout regimen falls under, choose the types of exercise you’ll need to stay in shape for 2009. Rely on PriceBusterSports.com for all the discounted Exercise Equipment you need to start working toward a fitter you!

The Baseball Bat-tle: Metal Vs. Wood

Jan 12, 2009

Baseball BatsMany debates in our history have brought about revolutionary ideas that have changed the face of the world. Some notable examples have included issues of women’s and civil rights, the best way to govern a people (most notably, Communism Vs. Liberal Democratic Capitalism), and representation in government, to name a few. But there has been one debate has been fuming for years and shows no signs of resolution! What’s better – a metal baseball bat, or wooden?

Since the early 1970s, the unmistakable “ping” of a baseball being hit off a metal Baseball Bat has been a staple of youth and amateur baseball leagues. With new and improved models coming out every year, swing speeds and hit/home run totals have steadily increased. This gives batters greater confidence, and will motivate them to continue to practice and improve on their skills.

While Wooden Bats haven’t changed as much over the years, they are still used in the MLB, the highest echelon of the sport. Wooden bats do not give players an added boost of power in their swing, they instead provide an important element to the game – an even playing field. If your bat isn’t waterlogged or corked (Hey Sammy Sosa!), you are just as capable of hitting a ball just as far as the next guy on your team. It takes skill and power to hit the long ball, as opposed to picking up a special composite bat that multiplies the force you put into hitting the ball.

The cost difference is a factor as well. While there are different grades of wooden bats that affect their individual prices, the amount one would pay for a wooden bat is far less than that of a mid-range aluminum bat. This is only offset by the longevity the aluminum bat will provide due to the stronger materials used in its construction.

In the end, the side of the debate you find yourself on primarily depends on preference. Let us know what you think? Do either of these bats deserve to win the bat-tle, or is there a place in baseball for both?

Winter Baseball Meetings

Dec 26, 2008
Filed under: News, Team sports, baseball

Every year in December, baseball’s general managers meet for three-and-a-half days to make off-season trades and draft young players from the minors to fill their 40 man rosters, in accordance with the Rule 5 Draft. It is generally a formal meeting mainly focused on the business of baseball. But this year it was held in Las Vegas, and we all know that Vegas is the place for large exchanges of money!

We’ve all heard the headlines about CC Sabathia’s record breaking salary of $161 million for seven years with the Yankees ($23 million a year!), but he isn’t the only player to leave Vegas as a jackpot winner. Other players, such as Francisco Rodriguez, who was scooped up by the Mets for $37 million for 3 years ($12 million a year) to help round out their bullpen in the wake of star reliever Billy Wagner’s torn medial collateral ligament that would keep him from playing for a year, also came home with heavy pockets. Coming off a record-setting 2008 season with 62 saves, Rodriguez will be a true asset to the Mets bullpen.

With the signing of CC Sabathia, the Yankees general manager felt he couldn’t leave the toy store with just one pricey gift. Starter A.J. Burnett was signed by the Yankees for five years at $85 million ($17 million a year) to help breathe new life into their starting pitching.

But one of the most unexpected events of the meeting was that Dodgers GM Joe Torre was in attendance. Every year Torre and a couple friends take a guys weekend to Las Vegas for some male bonding. This year Torre was able to make some face time since his trip coincided with meeting. However, Torre was more concerned with hanging out with his posse of friends than conducting business as he told the NY Times, “I’m pretending I’m doing work.”

For more news on baseball and other sports, visit us again at the Price Buster Sports Blog. And for Baseball Equipment at the lowest prices, visit PriceBusterSports.com.

Baseball Equipment? It’s In The Bag!

Baseball Equipment

One of the most important elements of your sports equipment line-up is the bags that keep it all together. They organize your equipment, protect it from damage, and make it easy and efficient to transport. Essentially – the bags keep you ready to play ball!

PriceBusterSports.com carries bags from some of the best names in the business for prices that can’t be beat!

Take One For The Team

From Bats to Balls, a few smart baseball equipment bag purchases will save you tons of time and frustration later. Don’t waste money on lost or damaged sporting goods when you can cheaply treat them right from the beginning. This generously sized Ball Bag from MacGregor can keep up to 48 baseballs conveniently organized for less than $20! This is great for away games or just to keep it all together in the equipment room.

The Easton Championship Tote Bag is currently available at an amazingly low price! Available in three classic colors – black, scarlet red, and royal blue – this steal of a deal is an awesome find. Pack it with up to 4 baseball bats and cleats, and still find room in the storage pockets for smaller essentials. A comfy, padded strap takes the pressure off carrying this to the field, and once you get there fence clips make it easy to hang until you’re ready to pack it up again!

Let us know what you think of these or any products we offer on PriceBusterSports.com. We appreciate all feedback, and hope you’ll turn to us time and again for the best sporting goods and the best price – Thanks for stopping by!

Can You Buy the Play-Offs? The Latest Chapter of George Steinbrenner Story.

Dec 19, 2008
Filed under: Team sports, baseball

We all know the Yankees have a tendency to be tight with their money when it comes to signing players. But they are currently working to close the biggest deal in baseball history with free agent CC Sabathia. For a mere $161 million dollars, the penny pinching George Steinbrenner will sign the Cy Young award winning pitcher for 7 years, making him the highest paid player in the game right now!

All joking aside, some people are left continually questioning George Steinbrenner’s wisdom in player acquisition. After essentially insulting Joe Torre with a one year contract for 2008 that implied a World Series win would be the only way the Yankees would consider signing him for 2009, he left for the Dodgers. Torre lead the Dodgers to the NLCS, the first time for the Dodgers since 1988, while the Yankees sat home and watched playoffs, the first time since 1993. With such a drastic change in the line-up proving disastrous to the NY Yankees, Steinbrenner thinks he can fix his ball club by throwing money at the problem. This tactic has become a Yankee trademark practice since he became CEO of what’s called America’s team. (Funny, it’s like we took a que from him when handling these bail-outs.)

I know this sounds like the same old argument against the man who more resembles Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars than the owner of a major league baseball club, but baseball fans, especially Yankee fans, should question the leadership qualities of a man more concerned with acquiring high profile free agents than the creation of a cohesive team. Who knows, maybe the acquisition of a Cy Young Award winning pitcher will help the Yankees climb back to the top of the baseball food chain? Or this could be just another big money player who will serve as a state-of-the-art avionics system on a plane that has run out of fuel.

For more news on baseball and other sports, swing back to the Price Buster Sports Blog. And for Baseball Equipment at the lowest prices, visit PriceBusterSports.com!