by Marcus Brooks

Created on: December 16, 2011   Last Updated: December 20, 2011

Right now, Major League Baseball teams are going shopping for a World Series.  The sport's winter meetings have involved anticipation, excitement and intrigue.  Baseball's best hitter, Albert Pujols no longer calls Saint Louis, Missouri home.  He has become the centerpiece of an Anaheim Angels lineup looking for their second title.  The Florida Marlins have also made moves that copy those Damned Yankees up north.  With signing shortstop, Jose Reyes and former White Sox left-hander, mark Buerhle, they desire a postseason trip too.

That's how the "big boys" shop for baseball.

But, you're not a big boy.  You're a sports fanatic.  You're a parent trying to splurge on your kids.  You're an athlete trying to purchase the latest gear to help to perform and excel. 

Unlike basketball, baseball is always about the gear.  Even exceptional players can struggle if their gear is substandard or outdated.  Kleats, fielding gloves, batting gloves, socks, uniforms, hats, bats, baseballs and catcher's mitts are necessities.  To buy the latest equipment in all of these is essential.  You can't play shortstop with a glove having fraying and unwinding laces.  You can't hit a pitch square if your Louisville Slugger wood or Easton aluminum bat is cracked or dented.

Basketball players are always trying to buy the best footwear.  Football players look for the strongest shoulder pads.  They also look to pick the most comfortable athletic shoes. 

Baseball players need a lot of equipment,  And, they need that equipment to work.

To buy sports equipment, there are ways to get the best.  Here are some tips.  Use them to get the ahead of the competition.

GET FAMILIAR WITH SPORTS CONSIGNMENT SHOPS.

Stores like Play It Again Sports specialize in selling slightly used equipment.  Customers bring in their wares.  They are inspected.  Once they are deemed "performance worthy", the customer is paid.  Afterwards, the item is re-priced and made available for the public.  

Some pawn shops also sell used baseball equipment.  Buying used equipment is a way to save money.  In addition, you can pick the latest gear for less (because it's used).  Don't be afraid of purchasing second-hand.  Second-hand is still quality and proven on the field.  You can make second-hand yours.

SHOP AT THE DEPARTMENT STORES.

Walmart, Target, KMart, Costco and Sam's Club

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