Each year as baseball season rolls around, we are constantly in search for just the right baseball equipment. From cleats to bats, the technology and science behind the equipment continues to change and advance. If you've ever watched the "Sandlot" movie series, you note those changes in shoes, gloves and bats. While P.F. Flyers are the shoe of choice in the first movie, it's Converse and Nike that take the stage in the second. You also get to note the change from wooden bats to aluminum. Now we have composite bats and different barrel sizes as well.
Baseball clothing and uniforms also continue to evolve. While watching a sports science show on cable, the question was raised as to whether a person should purchase sweat absorbing clothing or clothing that holds in the sweat that the body can then use to convert to energy. It was a completely fascinating study that was done. The dynamics and physics that are applied by each company into their equipment is absolutely amazing.
Understanding the science behind much of the equipment can certainly help in purchasing by knowledge rather than marketing ploy or name brand, although all name brands apply great science to build or produce a better product. Each company has baseball equipment that offers a player pros and cons, but it is ultimately preference that tends to guide them.
While some players prefer equipment made by Rawlings, others prefer Mizuno or Louisville Slugger. The player's preference is guided by their success when they use the product or how it feels when they wear or hold the equipment. While a pair of cleats or a glove may look great, the feel and fit will effect the performance of that equipment for the player.
Ultimately the equipment will hopefully act as an extension of the player to enhance their performance and success. It is not however the equipment that makes the player but the player that makes the equipment. A good player should be able to compensate for the equipment with which they are provided. Albert Pujols isn't great because he uses a particular bat, the bat is great because Albert Pujols uses that particular brand of bat.
