Section 2: Equipment
The Ball
- A standard baseball with a cushioned cork center, yarn windings, and a leather cover with raised stitching, built to the NCAA's specified weight, circumference, and performance standards.
- Only balls bearing the required NCAA certification marking may be used in competition.
Bats
- BBCOR standard: Non-wood bats must meet the Batted-Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard and carry the "BBCOR Certified .50" mark. Wood bats are also permitted.
- Dimensions: The bat may be no more than 2⅝ inches in barrel diameter and 36 inches in length, with a length-to-weight differential ("drop") no greater than 3 (a 34-inch bat may weigh no less than 31 ounces).
- Bat testing: At NCAA championships, bats are subject to testing; a bat that fails, or that has been altered, is removed from play.
Gloves and Protective Equipment
- Gloves and mitts: Fielders use gloves within the rules' size limits; the catcher and first baseman may use mitts.
- Batting helmets: Batters, on-deck batters, base runners, and (in NCAA play) base coaches must wear a double-ear-flap batting helmet. Helmets must not be altered.
- Catcher's gear: The catcher must wear a helmet and mask with a throat guard, chest protector, and shin guards.
Uniforms and Bases
- Uniforms: Teammates wear like-colored uniforms with unique numbers; dangerous equipment and jewelry are prohibited.
- Bases: Bases are anchored at the corners of the diamond. The NCAA uses a double base at first — a white portion in fair territory and a colored "safety" portion in foul territory — so the batter-runner and the fielder use separate parts of the bag.