The Dugout

Dive into the world of baseball with the Plate Crate blog, where you can swing for the fences with the latest news, all while getting the inside scoop on player profiles, training tips, and more!

Gift Ideas for Baseball Players
Gift Ideas for Baseball Players

Finding the best gift for a young baseball player doesn't have to be a guessing game. Young athletes of all ages and skill levels appreciate gifts that help them improve their g...

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Baseball T-Shirt Designs: The Plate Crate Way
Baseball T-Shirt Designs: The Plate Crate Way

At a Glance: Baseball t-shirt designs have evolved from simple athletic gear into expressive apparel that celebrates the energy, creativity, and community of the game. At Plate ...

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A young boy practices with the Plate Crate Pro Band in front of a chain-link fence.
Baseball Drills for 10-Year-Olds

At a Glance: Ten-year-old baseball players are ready to move beyond basic skills and start building the proper mechanics that will carry them through their baseball careers. The...

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A young baseball player wearing a black Plate Crate shirt throws a Throw Trainer.
Outfield Drills for Baseball

At a Glance: The best baseball outfield drills combine footwork and agility work with hitting-focused practice. Quick feet and sharp movement help outfielders cover more ground,...

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Baseball Drip Ideas
Baseball Drip Ideas

At a Glance: Baseball swag has come a long way. What used to be just on-field necessities has branched out into everyday wear. Today, tees, hoodies, and baseball shirts aren’t j...

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Types of Baseball Hats: Styles and Features
Types of Baseball Hats: Styles and Features

At a Glance: Baseball hats come in several different styles, including fitted caps, adjustable strap options like snapback hats and strapback hats, breathable trucker caps with ...

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A young boy practices with a Rope Ripper in an indoor facility.
Indoor Baseball Drills for Youth Players

At a Glance: Indoor baseball training is essential for year-round player development and can be accomplished through specific drills focusing on fundamental skills. With the rig...

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Photograph of a piece of fabric with white and black baseball pinstripes.
Buyer’s Guide: Types of Baseball Shirts

At a Glance: Baseball shirts come in several different types, including performance shirts, layering apparel, and casual baseball drip made for everyday wear. The right style de...

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A boy wearing a baseball uniform and a red arm sleeve holds a brown baseball glove.
How Baseball Compression Sleeves Can Change Your Game

At a Glance: Baseball compression sleeves provide crucial muscle support and temperature regulation that can enhance a player's performance on the field. They offer both practic...

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Close-up of a baseball bat hitting an incoming baseball.
Youth Baseball Hitting Drills: Helping Players Build their Batting Abilities

At a Glance: Effective youth baseball hitting drills combine fundamental skill development with engaging practice methods. The key is starting with proper stance and grip mechan...

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A young boy wearing a red baseball jersey with a white number "13" printed on the back, black-and-white pinstripe pants, and a blue baseball cap stands on a baseball field and holds a baseball gloves. A second baseball player is visible in the background.
Putting Together Youth Baseball Practice Plans for Season-Long Success

The Short Answer: Effective youth baseball practice plans combine fundamental skills training, game-like scenarios, and fun activities in a structured 90-120 minute format. Put ...

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Close-up of a young pitcher's hand holding a baseball on a baseball field. A hitter and a catcher are visible in the background.
How to Improve Arm Strength for Youth Baseball

The Short Answer: Building arm strength in young baseball players requires a combination of proper throwing mechanics, targeted exercises, and consistent practice routines. Util...

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