Best Gear of 2023

2023 was a crazy year – from some of the hottest bat and glove releases to insane feats like the Texas Rangers winning their first ever World Series, 2023 was definitely a year to remember! To commemorate 2023, we thought it would only be right to compile some of the best gear we used this year, including our favorite bats, gloves, cleats, and accessories!

Top 3 Bats of 2023:

#3: Louisville Slugger 2024 Atlas -3 Baseball BBCOR Bat

Last year’s Atlas took the world by storm and became one of the most popular BBCOR bats on the market, so much so that retailers were selling out so fast and could not keep the on the shelves. Their 2024 version was no different – with an incredibly balanced swing weight and super powerful EVOKE alloy, the 2024 Atlas is one of the best bats out there and built for just about any hitter that steps in the box.

#2: Easton 2024 Hype Fire 2 3/4" Barrel Two Piece Composite -10 Baseball USSSA Bat

When it comes to USSSA bats, the spreads is pretty wide with kids using all kinds of bats spread out amongst different brands. That story changed about halfway through 2023, when Easton dropped an absolute gem in the Hype Fire. Super balance and loaded with one of the biggest sweet spots you can fit on a bat, the Hype Fire is easily the most powerful bat with a USSSA stamp on it. I even had to take it for a ride and hit some balls up to 116 MPH. It’s INSANE.

#1: Warstic 2023 Bonesaber Hybrid -3 Baseball BBCOR Bat

There have been few bats that give me the same feel as the Bonesaber Hybris does – and the ones that come to mind were back in the BESR days (young guys can look that one up). Packed with a Katana2X barrel and composite handle, there is a reason why this is our #1 bat, the Bat Bros #1 bat,a nd so many others. We can’t say enough good things about it – you just have to try it yourself!

Top 3 Gloves of 2023:

#3: All Star Pro-Elite Professional Catching Mitt 35"

There are few brands that do catcher’s gear as well as All-Star does, but who knew that they would also make one of the best catcher’s mitts as well? The Pro Elite sets the standard for professional grade catcher’s mitts and although many come close, not many can top the padding and feel of the Pro Elite.

#2: Rawlings Rev1x REV204-2X 11.5" Baseball Fielders Glove

Baseball gloves have had the same look and feel for years, with small changes in appearance and build as the game evolves. It was only a matter of time until someone decided it was time for something different – and who better to do it than Rawlings? The REV1X is a revolutionary glove built with new-age technology, but with the structure of traditional, heritage gloves. Definitely one of the highlights of 2023 for sure.

#1: Wilson December Glove of the Month A2K 1787 11.75in. Baseball Glove

Wilson’s ‘Glove of the Month’ series has ball players and glove collectors at the edge of their seat every month to see what new design they will be releasing. From Bobby Witt Jr’s to the Savannah Banana’s A2000, the Glove of Month is full of surprises. But they did save the best for last. December goes back to the basics with a blonde and black I-web that hits all the boxes you want in a show-stopping glove. Better hope you can still get your hands on one…

Top 3 Cleats of 2023:

#3: Nike Force Zoom Trout 8 Pro Metal Baseball Cleats

Pretty much any chance you get to play like Mike Trout, you should take it. His signature cleats are as premium a cleat you can get and with how lightweight they are, you feel like you are basically flying through the basepaths. Not only are they lightweight and durable, but they are also comfortable, too. One of the best footwear pickups of the year.

#2: Adidas Adizero Afterburner 9 Metal Baseball Cleats

Picking between the NewWave and the OG Afterburner 9 was a tough one because both pack an insane amount of comfort in an incredible durable cleat that it was almost impossible to choose, but in this case, the OG had to take the cake. Adidas has come a long way in not just baseball footwear, but in footwear as a whole. These are some of the most durable cleats on the market and are also some of the lightest. It’s hard to beat them.

#1: New Balance 3000v6 Adult Men’s Low Metal Baseball Cleats

New Balance has taken over as the go-to shoe in baseball for the last couple of years – and for good reason. Not only are they comfortable with their Fresh Foam midsoles, but their lifestyle looks and design make them standout on the diamond and help ball players and coaches feel a little bit more stylish out on the diamond. Definitely our #1 cleat of the year.

Top 3 Accessories of 2023:

#3: Naked Bat Company Bat Grips

The bat grip game was going through a bit of a crisis with its solid colors and few original designs. When Naked Bat Company started making grips with some cool and fresh designs, it was hard to pass the, up for any others. Thei shamrock, skulls, shields, and some many more give you more flare than ever before at the plate. It’s hard to choose any other!

#2: Bruce Bolt Adult Premium Pro Long Cuff Pair of Batting Gloves

Buce Bolt is another brand that came out of nowhere and really took the baseball world by storm. The workman style glove was becoming a trend so popular, that more and more ball players were turning to Home Depot for their gloves rather than the traditional batting glove. So Bruce Bolt did just that – they built and strong and durable glove that can withstand hack after hack and look damn good doing it. Not sure there is a batting glove on their level.

#1: Kraken Bat Grip

Every hitter knows the importance of having a good and firm grip on the bat when you’re in the box – and the best way to do that is to have either pine tar or some sort of tacky substance to give you a little more than what your batting gloves can offer. Pine tar is the go-to for most, but when you have crappy pine tar all over the market that melts, smells bad, or just isn’t sticky, it makes it hard. Kraken filled a void that no one else could – they made the strongest and stickiest pine tar I have ever used. Once you use it, its easy to tell that it’s the best pine tar the game of baseball has ever seen.