Spring Training is under way, which means two things: Major League Baseball starts soon, and recreational baseball and softball start soon as well. If are looking to play this season, there are a few things you will need (and will need to do) before you start your season.

Train: Baseball and softball are very athletic sports. So before you even pick up a bat and glove, hit the gym! Get your cardio up to prepare for all running you will do. Strengthening your hands and forearms will increase you bat speed. A strong core will also help your balance and power during your swing, so make sure to do plenty of ab and back workouts as well.
Equipment: You’ll have a heck of a time trying to play the game without the proper gear. Whether you need new stuff or are just looking to upgrade, there’s probably at least one or two things you’ll need. A ball (Worth Super Gold Dot NSA softballs, and official MLB Rawlings baseballs are best), bat (East Bay baseball bats, and Wilson softball bats), and a glove are the very basic, must-have items. Additional helpful items include cleats, flip-down sunglasses, batting gloves, and any position specific gear like a catcher’s mask or first baseman’s glove. Don’t forget protective gear like a sliding pad, athletic cup, and mouth guard as well.
Practice: More than any other sport, baseball is all about timing. So if you think you’re going to hit the diamond and be in mid-season form, you have got another thing coming. Grab a couple of friends and go hit the field. You can practice defense and hitting off of live pitching. But what if your friends are busy? No problem, you can still check out your local batting cages. You can also get a rubber ball and bounce it back to yourself off a wall to work on your reflexes.