When you hit the field, having a great bat is essential but so is being outfitted with the right accessories. Here’s a brief guide to the rest of the gear that will set you up for success.

Batting Gloves: Whether you are taking extra swings in the batting cage or are striding to the plate with the game on the line you need a comfortable, dependable batting glove to protect your hands and offer total bat control. Here’s the top 4 in comfort, grip and value.

1.  Mizuno Techfire G2 Baseball Batting Gloves: Mizuno is all about technology that helps you make the most of your ability. These gloves are equipped with Power Grip palms that maximize control. The pre-curved fingers are comfortable and the padding on the back increases protection.

2. Easton Typhon PR BAtting Gloves: These gloves are made with a seamless one-piece palm for maximum performance along with pre-curved fingers and a Lycra back that stretches for perfect fit

3. Demarini VooDoo Adult Batting Gloves: The goatskin leather palm is seamless and tacky. The Lycra backs give the fit and flex you need while turning on a fastball.

4 Rawlings 1050 Workhorse Batting Gloves : A bit more expensive but worth it if you are dedicated to batting practice and hitting drills. They’ll stand up to the punishment so skin won’t have to. They are as comfortable as they are durable.

Softball Sunglasses: Battling the sun is a whole lot easier with an effective and comfortable pair of sunglasses. Having stylish shades doesn’t hurt, either. These sports sunglass models are tops.

1. Polarlens KP3 Sport Sunglasses: The UV 400 offers 100% protection while the Grilamid frame is tough and attractive. Anti-fog coating is an added bonus.

2.Easton Diamond Flare Sunglasses: Made for the diamond but perfect for anywhere there’s too much sun. Complete UV protection and a stylish, comfortable frame will help you perform at peak levels in all weather conditions.

3. Under Armour Force Sport Sunglasses: It doesn’t get any better in terms of protection, performance and style. These shades are light and rugged using a titanium grilamid frame. They pack technology that will outperform the competition. The Advanced Peripheral Vision feature helps you see things better at the edge of your field of vision while the green tint increases on-field contrast so you’ll pick up the ball better on the ground or in the air. Pro-grade shades!

Softball Shoes: After you knock that ball into the gap the right shoes will help you motor into third ahead of the throw. Try these on for size – they’re the best

1. ASICS Men's GEL-Blackheath Field Shoe: Ideal for hitting, running the bases and chasing down fly balls. The Gel System reduces shock to the feet and the raised gradient heel reduces strain on the ankle and leg. They’ll enhance your play with superior comfort and performance.

2. Reebok Women's Vintage MSL Low II Softball Cleat: Built for speed, stability and comfort, these shoes will protect your feet while letting them breathe. They offer great flex and are ready to play right out of the box.

3. Mizuno Speed Trainer Men’s Fastpitch Shoes: These cleats offer outstanding stability and comfort and they’ll increase your performance with Proflex design crafted for the way you move on the diamond. This shoe is available for women also. Mizuno Womens Speed Trainer.

Getting your muscles warmed up and ready to work hard is essential for peak performance on the field and also the best way to reduce injury during the game and soreness in the days to follow. Here are tips and specific warm up for adults who love to play softball.

First, it is important to stretch before you even begin to throw. Many still show up 10 minutes before game time and play catch for 5 minutes, take a few practice cuts and start the game. You’ll feel better and play better if you find 15-20 minutes minimum to prepare your body to exert itself.

Stretching should start with simple bends at the waist, slowly reaching towards your toes – all the way if possible. Reach up high and stretch your arms and shoulder upward, rising to your tip toes, then back down. Cross your legs and repeat. Then grab one heel and raise it toward the hamstring of the same leg. Work the other leg next.

Do a series of other stretches to warm up your calves and upper legs, similar to if you were preparing to jog. Then work on rotating your torso very slowly to prepare for the rotation you need in batting. Gradually pick up the pace and rotate back and forth 20-30 times or until you feel loose before you swing a bat. Some players do this stretch with a bat across the back of their shoulders and their arms over the top of it. This also helps to stretch the shoulders.

In all your stretching go slow. Stretch, don’t bounce or jolt. Give your muscles a chance to warm up – literally warm due to increased blood flow – so that they can gradually reach their full elasticity.

After you’ve stretched each of the major muscle groups give attention to your neck. Slowly rock your head around its axis for a few moments to loosen it. Your groin is another area where pulls are common so find ways to stretch your groin on each side.

The next part of an effective warm-up routine is to play short toss with a teammate standing not more than 30 feet away. Gradually lengthen the distance over the course of 25 or 30 tosses so that you are 100 feet away or more. Then increase the intensity of your tosses until you end with 3 or 4 full-strength throws.

Warming up to hit is easy if you have time for batting practice. Start while waiting your turn. Take half cut swings to continue the process of warming up your back, hips, shoulders and arms. When you get in the box start swings at 75% and increase to 100% over the course of 8-10 pitches. If you’ve done your stretching before you pick up a bat this should be enough. If you don’t take batting practice simulate this hitting warm up on your own without live pitching.

The last tip is to remember to stay warm between the time you stretch and the time the game begins. If the weather is chilly keep a jacket handy so your muscles don’t cool off and you lose the value of the stretching.