A couple weeks ago we talked about affordable bats, this week we’re talking about gloves. When you’re grinding on the field, your glove isn’t just gear, it's your partner in crime. You deserve something durable, game-ready, and affordable. Let’s dive into the top picks!

1. Shoeless Joe or Shoeless Jane 12.5″

Price: Around $200. Very quality leather, but still budget friendly for the value.

Break‑in: Soft from the box. Many players say it’s nearly game ready out of the box due to its suede-aged leather.

Fit: Designed for smaller hands. Great for young athletes, may run snug.

Advantages:

Vintage basket web. Great feel and control for both infield and outfield.

Named for female fit. Molds very quickly.

Disadvantages:

Choosing the right bat can make a world of difference. The right bat doesn't just help with performance, but it can also lend confidence. Let’s talk about composite bats specifically, affordable options from Mizuno, Anderson, and DeMarini, and how to find the right fit for your swing.

Composite bats are made with layered materials like carbon fiber, offering a more flexible and forgiving feel than traditional alloy bats. That is why many young athletes love them: they reduce sting, boost power, and often feel more balanced.

Advantages of Composite Bats:

• Vibration dampening: Say goodbye to that painful sting on mishits.

• Larger sweet spot: More room for solid contact = more consistent results.

• Lighter swing weight: Helps players build bat speed and control.

This batting journal is here to help you grow—and make your at-bats even more fun and focused! We give this to all our hitting school athletes. Some of the questions are great to sit down and fill out after the game, once you’ve had a chance to cool down and reflect. Others are meant to stick in your head and guide you while you’re in the batter’s box, helping you stay sharp and confident in the moment. You can talk through it with a parent on the car ride home or fill it out while waiting for your food after the game. Either way, taking the time to reflect turns every at-bat into a chance to learn something new, build your game sense, and boost your confidence.

The word “hitting” often emphasizes the physical side of the game: stance, mechanics, timing, and power. But the term “batting” encompasses more. Batting includes the entire mental process that leads up to, and supports, the act of hitting; that shift in language AND mindset can change everything.  In simple Practice Pro Pitching terminology- it’s the difference in becoming a pitcher from a thrower, just on the offensive side of the ball.

I’m Coach Marisa, and I just couldn’t be happier about being the newest addition to the Practice Pro team! I’m super excited to have the opportunity to work with young players on their journeys to greatness within the sport of softball. I look forward to getting to know each of you as I put forth my best efforts to aid and empower you into becoming great batters and confident women.  

I’m sure some of you noticed that I used the word “batters” instead of “hitters”- very astute if you did! I firmly believe that there is a distinction that can be made, and for those of you who join my offensive classes, you are going to learn, execute, and dominate because of those important nuances.