GIFT IDEAS 2024

• Posted on 5 December 2023
• By Carl Lemelin
• 2

Discover why Baseball Town is Santa's favorite toy factory for the ball player in your life.

‘Tis the season… for more baseball!

We’ve already seen a white coating covering the ground, but that’s no reason to stop obsessing over baseball. It’s a year ‘round sport for elite players these days; MLB fans are following the free agent frenzy, and their favorite team’s off-season roster moves.

What we all have in common is that we’re already look forward to spring training 2024, whether it’s Grapefruit League, Cactus League, or mini camps all over North America.

In the meantime, since all baseball addicts are kids at heart, there is the current time of the year to get excited about. What baseball goodie will Santa leave under the tree this year?

Well, Jolly Old Man, does Baseball Town have a gift ideas list for you!

CUSTOM GLOVE

Why not start with every baseball player’s foremost desire: a one-of-a-kind, high-end glove he can call his very own – the ultimate baseball gift!

This isn’t your grandfather’s glove market anymore. It only takes once glance at our huge glove walls to know that all that natural brown that use to cover glove sections in your childhood general sports store has been replaced by a rainbow of original and colorful designs.

So much so that one might say choosing THE ONE – as exciting as the thought may be – is quite a chore.

Here are all your custom glove options: Rawlings’ Gold Glove Club, Wilson’s Baseball Town EXCLUSIVE Flashy Leather Club, My Mizuno Pro Collection, or your very own design, a Custom Glove dreamt up by you – for you (or your loved one) – in the brand and style, and color scheme of your choice.

Rawlings has long been offering a Glove of the Month from their Gold Glove Club. Every month, a new, unique, and exciting design is offered to only the finest baseball retailers – like yours truly – to provide customers an opportunity to purchase a LIMITED-EDITION glove model that makes any owner feel like a pro.

Wilson used to offer their own Glove of the Month, but since that program has been discontinued for the Canadian market, we’ve decided to partner with this great manufacturer to offer you our very own Flashy Leather Glove Club, by Wilson. Every month, a new unique design calls out “Hey, I was made for you!” to someone out there.

New to the limited-edition party is our Japanese partner Mizuno, with their My Mizuno Pro program. These Japanese-style gloves have a very different fit and feel than North American models, but for those who love an asymmetric closure with a palm-centric pocket and smaller hand opening, these unique designs straight from Asia are sure to please.

If none of the above seems to hit straight to the heart of your loved one, you can always offer them the gift of creativity, a completely customized design from scratch. All three glove makers mentioned above now offer an online custom shop that allows the user to build their glove from A to Z. The process is easy, but if help is needed, you can always drop into any of our locations or give us a call and we will be happy to assist.

In case you were wondering, custom gloves can also be ordered for first basemen and catchers, and all providers offer the Fastpitch/Softball option, so anyone can design the glove of their dreams.

It is already too late to have a personalized glove delivered on time for Christmas, but a gift card accompanied by a screen print of our Custom Gloves page can make a great gift, since it is not too late to get that dream piece of leather in time for next spring training. The anticipation will only add to the excitement, and appreciation level, no?

EVOSHIELD STANDOUT BASEBALL BACKPACK

Many of our loyal customers know that Easton’s Walk-Off Bat Pack has been by far our most popular backpack-style baseball bag over the last five years, and the newest version, the Walk-Off NX Bat Pack has unique new features that have even improved on the original design. So, if you are looking for the best value in a backpack bag that has all the bells and whistles, the Easton Walk-Off NX Bat Pack is a perfect go-to option.

But what about an up-and-coming backpack-style bag that flies under the radar? The Evoshield Standout Backpack deserves honourable mention as one of the very good options we offer. Its elongated shape separates it from the pack. The volume is still there, for packing all a ball player needs, but it will be less of a hassle to carry around in tight spaces, or to store in a locker.

It also has all the features you are looking for like a fleece-lined pocket for the cell phone, 2 neoprene sleeves for bats, vented cleats compartment, padded backing and shoulder straps, and J-hook for the fence, but what we really appreciate from this compact model are the two outer rugged tubular webbing loops to hang protective gear, that more and more player now need space to carry.

Oh, and it's available in 10 different colors!

BATS ON SALE

We often get that question form our customers: “Do bats go on sale at Baseball Town?”

The answer is not very often, and there are a few reasons for that.

First, suppliers impose MAP pricing – which is a minimum advertised price – on many of their current models, to protect market viability. Secondly, our buyers know the market, and buy only the quantities we know we can mostly sell out, so we rarely are left with discontinued models to clear out. The final reason we don’t post many bats on sale is that many models are repeated for a second year, which gives us two full years to sell them all at regular price.

But 2023 will be a unique occasion for you to take advantage of a rare surplus we have in a few older models due to the huge influx of new models, post-pandemic, and post-supply chain crisis.

Louisville Genesis White Lightning (Softball Balanced): If you’re searching for a team bat, the balanced option will satisfy most players. Hitters who like to place the ball, trying to hit for a high average (as opposed to power hitters), usually prefer a balanced swing weight. The fact that Genesis is the hottest bat line in softball, and that this bat offers a very different look than the colorful mix you see on diamonds all over are just icing on the cake!

Easton Tiphoon (Softball Loaded): The 2022 Tiphoon is part of Easton’s 100-Year Anniversary series and honors a legacy of performance that is Easton’s trademark. It features a classic look paired with Easton’s cutting-edge Fire Flex technology, for the hottest pop out of the wrapper possible, and the CXN MAX connection that eliminates vibrations for a great feel on contact.

Easton Maxum Ultra (Baseball -10): This is the best deal we have. Period! The only one-piece all composite bat on the market and the biggest barrel in the industry. Easton’s state-of-the-art Seamless Carbon Construction is engineered to give you the stiff feel of a one-piece bat, with the massive, smooth-feeling sweet spot of a composite bat. For young players who prefer the 2-piece option, check out this deal on Easton’s ADV Hype.

Easton Black Magic (Baseball BBCOR -3): For BBCOR power hitters, this one-piece R5 Alloy beauty represents a high-end performance option at a low-to-mid level price! This bat has a distinctive “ping” sound on contact that only confirms the great feeling you get watching the ball sore.

For more bats on sale, visit our liquidation section.

THE BBCOR CHAMPION: DEMARINI VOODOO ONE

Bat insiders have deemed the DeMarini Voodoo One the best BBCOR bat for the past 2 years.

What’s DeMarini’s secret ingredient? The X14 alloy barrel? The one-piece design? The Tracer End Cap? Probably a solid contribution from all three great features.

One thing is certain: online reviews unanimously rave about the Voodoo One’s performance level and consistency. It is said to be the ultimate BBCOR power bat with an unmatched feel on contact.

Any BBCOR baseball player would go wild over unwrapping a new Voodoo One bat on Christmas morning. Just remember to check the player’s age category requirements in your area to make sure a BBCOR bat is required.

For more help choosing the right bat for your favorite player, consult our Bat Buying Guide.

NEW BASEBALL BATS: UNDERVALUED MODELS

Wanting to have the best of the best, the hottest new bat to hit the market is one thing, but having the budget to offer it in the current economic context is quite another. That’s why we’ve identified one certified USA Baseball and one USSSA current model in both drops 10 and 5 that are priced under $400, but still offer great bang for the buck.

Remember that like in any sport, generally high-end technology helps elite players more than it does intermediate or novice level players.

Easton Speed Comp (USABB -10): The longest barrel – thus, biggest sweet spot – you can find in a USABB bat. An ultra-flexible barrel, combined with an extra-stiff handle make for a vibration free contact for young players with a weaker grip. Moreover, I challenge you to find another almost fully carbon fiber (90%) bat for under C$250.

Easton MAV1 (USSSA -10): USSSA players will love this bat’s alloy barrel performance. A new alloy processing creates thinner walls that result in maximum allowed exit velocities. The balanced swing weight also helps kids who haven’t yet learned to handle end-loaded bats. The beautiful camo black and orange colorway will also catch the eye of any youngster looking to impress his or her teammates.

Louisville Select PWR (USABB -5): Sure, Louisville has always been known for its Louisville Slugger wood bats, but the work put into making themselves a bigger player in the metal bat industry is definitely starting to pay off. This 2-piece is their most recent offering in high-end senior league bats. It is reasonably priced, great for players transitioning to BBCOR, and we believe it will be a huge success this season.

DeMarini The Goods (USSSA -5): The Goods delivers… Well, you know how this cheesy sentence ends. Cheesy but true. This is a 2-piece hybrid bat with a powerful alloy barrel and a strong composite handle. The barrel may not be as long as some of its competitors, but for more skilled or advanced young hitters, the more concentrated sweet spot will provide plenty of pop.

SOFTBALL BATS: UNDERRATED ALL-STARS

Slowptich is a universe all its own, and players love their bats. Some even collect them. Suppliers know that and have come to multiply their offerings of new models each year. The market is now flooded with tons of high-performance bats with very attractive colorways, including some pro player signature designs.

Fastpitch bats are more akin to baseball, where performance is valued over aesthetics, and where models differ greatly in the technology used to make them.

Whether it’s slowpitch or fastpitch, both markets have their leaders of the pack, bats every player knows because they have dominated the landscape over the past two years: Louisville Genesis (slowpitch), and Easton Ghost (fastpitch), for example.

But what can you offer your softball player that will make them stand out in the batter’s box, while still getting topflight performance for their 2024 season?

Easton Tantrum series (slowpitch): Easton’s latest line of bats offers a model for every type of hitter: A 12.5” barrel Xtra Loaded (1oz at the tip) bat, a choice of 12” or 13” barrel Loaded (0.5oz at the tip) bats, and a 13” barrel Balanced option. All are equipped with Easton’s new G4S composite technology, and all four different color schemes are sure to please any bat freak!

Marucci Echo Connect DMND (fastpitch): Just look at the ruckus Marucci caused in the metal baseball bat industry with its CatX! They now bring their exclusive Outer-Locking connection system to this 2-piece bat to create the stiffest connection available in fastpitch. This bat’s mid-balanced swing weight makes it a smooth swing for any type of hitter; conveniently price compared to most of the competition’s high-end offerings.

OFF-SEASON TRAINING: SKLZ QUICK LADDER PRO

We all know a dedicated baseball or fastpitch player who eats, breathes, and sleeps their sport. These single-minded people don’t take the off-season off. They train to keep their bodies strong and get them ready for next season’s grind.

You can spend upwards of $600 to get them a bat that helps their offensive game, but what about those other parts, the defensive game and baserunning? Fielders need good footwork and agility to make the tough plays look easy, and training with SKLZ’s Quick Ladder Pro system is a sure way to improve any player’s acceleration, lateral speed, and change of direction.

This easy to set-up and carry ladder system proposes a variety of different drills that will help your slugger round out their game during the colder months. Bonus benefit: this game improvement tool will only set you back $76.99!

Click here for more training tools from industry leader SKLZ.

MLB LICENCED APPAREL

Major League Baseball has gotten a lot better at selling its apparel in recent years. Every team has at least one alternate jersey and cap, which has multiplied the offering, and stimulated the collector’s market.

Perhaps your loved one is an MLB team’s biggest fan, or perhaps he or she just loves the baseball fashion statement. Because let’s face it, baseball is becoming cool again!

Nike has done a great job revamping MLB uniforms. The cut of the jerseys has been streamlined to look more modern, and the colors are livelier than they have ever been. Nike’s City Connect collection is a creative way to pay tribute to the communities that make up the MLB landscape, and the jerseys that have sprung form the concept are as eye-catching as they are innovative in their design.

Maybe you have a fantasy baseball player in the family who follows individual players more than a specific team. Why not get them a name/number jersey? We have a great selection of some of the biggest MLB stars’ jerseys in stock.

New Era has also done a great job of diversifying their offerings of themed caps collections. For example, they now have Mother’s and Father’s Day caps, Anniversary caps, and other special edition hats that help anyone find the unique headwear that fits their personality to a tee.

Mitchell and Ness’ Evergreen Coop collection of snapback adjustable caps features truly unique throwback designs that have been modernized for a fresh new look. This still little-known cap line offers hidden treasures that are well worth peeking at before settling on the hat that will end up under the tree!

If none of the above catch your eye, why not be practical and buy them an MLB tuque to keep them warm during the cold season we baseball nuts despise so much.

STOCKING STUFFERS

What Christmas shopping list would be complete without a few stocking stuffers? Here is what Baseball Town has for you to make that chimney ornament overflow with seasonal joy:

• Pro Hitter: A tool most MLB players now use to prevent hand injuries and make gripping the bat more comfortable. Available in Adult and Youth sizes.
• Eye Black: Whether it’s on a stick or in the form of stickers, eye black doesn’t come only in black anymore, and serves as a team statement just as much as a sun shield these days.
• Lizard Skins Bat Grip: By far our most popular accessory. Durable, comfortable, and colorful!
• Pine Tar: Many wood bat players still love the natural feel of the wood handle, and for them, pine tar is an essential grip enhancer. It comes in stick or spray formats.
• MLB Helmet Stickers: Why not have your young one’s favorite team logo and their uniform number plastered on their helmet?

Finally, for those lucky enough to visit one of our stores, we have the tastiest stocking stuffer ever: Big League Chew!

Happy shopping everyone!!!