Best Baseball and Softball Training Gifts: 21 We’ve Actually Tried

Looking for baseball training gifts that your baseball or softball player will actually be excited to use? If your kids are anything like mine, there’s always some new training gadget they want to try!

Between my son’s travel baseball and my daughter’s softball, we’ve collected quite a bit of training equipment over the years. My son especially loves trying out new baseball gadgets, and honestly, I think I have just as much fun finding them! We’ve tried everything from hitting and fielding trainers to pitching equipment and backyard games.

Some of these products have gotten tons of use, while others were fun to try but haven’t become part of our regular practice routine. That doesn’t necessarily mean they weren’t worth buying, though!

Every single product on this list is something we actually own and have used. These aren’t just random Amazon finds. I’m sharing 21 baseball and softball training gifts we’ve tried ourselves, along with my thoughts on which ones are worth considering for Christmas, birthdays, or just because your player loves the game.

Best Baseball and Softball Hitting Training Gifts

Tanner Tee – A Quality Batting Tee That’s Worth the Extra Money

We’ve owned several batting tees over the years, and honestly, I never thought we needed an expensive one. Our cheaper tees worked fine for a while, although we’ve had a few break along the way.

Recently, we wanted my daughter to work on a hitting drill that required two tees. Since we needed to buy another one anyway, I decided to spend a little more and try a Tanner Tee.

This is actually the same brand my son’s travel baseball organization uses in its indoor training facility, so I already knew it was a quality product.

The difference was noticeable. The Tanner Tee is sturdy, doesn’t tip over easily, and feels like something that will hold up much longer than the cheaper tees we’ve purchased in the past.

It’s definitely more expensive than a basic batting tee, but after replacing broken ones over the years, I think the extra cost is worth it.

GoSports 7×7 Hitting Net – One of Our Most-Used Training Tools

The GoSports 7×7 Hitting Net is one of our most-used baseball and softball training gifts. My kids use it for tee work, soft toss, and as a backstop when someone pitches to them.

We leave ours outside from spring through fall, so we’ve replaced the netting a few times but kept the original steel frame. I also use this hitting net with the softball team I coach, and because we pack that one away after every practice, it’s stayed in excellent condition!

SwingRail Swing Trainer – Better for Older Players

The SwingRail Swing Trainer helps players work on their swing mechanics and hand positioning.

We bought this when my kids were younger, and honestly, it wasn’t a hit! Looking back, I think they were too young for this type of training. Now that they’re teenagers, I think they’d have much more success with it, although they’ve already worked through the swing issues we originally bought it for.

MPO Insider Bat – A Different Way to Practice Hitting Mechanics

The MPO Insider Bat is designed to help baseball and softball players improve their hand positioning and swing mechanics. I think it’s a helpful training tool, especially for players who need to work on specific parts of their swing.

We bought this when my kids were younger and working on their hitting mechanics. It’s a unique way to practice without just taking regular swings. One important tip: Make sure to use the recommended softer practice balls rather than regular baseballs or softballs!

GoSports Bat Weight – Great for Game-Day Warm-Ups

The GoSports Bat Weight is a simple, practical gift for baseball and softball players. My kids use it for warm-up swings before heading up to bat. It’s an easy addition to their game-day routine and doesn’t take up much room in their equipment bags.

Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine – An Affordable Training Option

If you’re looking for baseball training gifts that don’t cost a fortune, the Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine is worth considering. We bought ours because it was one of the least expensive pitching machines available, and I wasn’t willing to spend hundreds more on an electric model.

You can adjust the tension to make the pitches faster or slower, although I always thought all settings were pretty fast!

We’ve used ours for hitting practice with both baseballs and softballs, and I’ve even brought it to practices with the softball team I coach.

However, my favorite use is actually outfield pop-fly practice. I watched a coach use one this way at a travel baseball tryout and have done it ever since. With the machine positioned at an upward angle, we can send balls into the outfield without wearing out our arms hitting fly balls over and over again. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe positioning.

One important warning: This is powerful equipment, and I never let kids operate it themselves. My husband or I always handle it. The mechanism once snapped shut on my hand, and it was extremely painful. I’m lucky it wasn’t worse.

Is it my dream pitching machine? No. But for a fraction of the cost of an electric model, this pitching machine  has been a useful addition to our baseball and softball training equipment.

Best Baseball and Softball Fielding Training Gifts

SKLZ Fielding Trainer Rebounder Net – One of Our Favorites

The SKLZ Fielding Trainer Rebounder Net is one of our favorite baseball and softball training gifts! Both kids have used it for ground balls and catching practice, and it’s great for practicing independently.

We’ve had ours for years, and it’s held up well despite staying outside from spring through fall. We’ve replaced the bungee straps a few times, but you can buy inexpensive replacement packs on Amazon.

WebGlove Mini Training Glove – Great for Outfielders

My son is a center fielder and first used the WebGlove Mini Training Glove at travel baseball practice. He enjoyed it so much that we bought one for home! It’s a fun way to work on catching skills and hand-eye coordination, especially for outfielders.

Rawlings Great Hands Pancake Training Glove

The Rawlings Great Hands Pancake Training Glove is a flat training glove without a traditional pocket, so players have to focus on getting their hands in the right position when fielding ground balls. My son has used it for fielding drills, and it’s a nice little addition to a player’s practice equipment.

Fungo Baseball Racket

I’ll admit, I’m not the greatest at hitting fly balls exactly where I want them to go with a regular bat! That’s why I love using this Fungo Baseball Racket when practicing with my kids and coaching softball.

It takes a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it’s much easier to direct the ball. I’ve found that it works better with baseballs than softballs, though.

The Anywhere Ball

The Anywhere Ball has become especially useful now that my kids are teenagers and can hit the ball so much farther and harder! It’s great for practicing when you don’t have a lot of space, and we’ve even used it in our basement and garage during the winter. I love having an option for getting in some extra practice when we’re stuck indoors.

Best Baseball and Softball Pitching & Throwing Gifts

Pitch Training Baseball with Grip Instructions

My son used this Pitch Training Baseball when he was learning different pitch grips, and he found it really helpful! The grip markings show players where to position their fingers for different pitches. It’s a fun, inexpensive gift for young pitchers who are starting to learn more about pitching.

9-Hole Pitching Net

The 9-Hole Pitching Net is a great way for baseball and softball players to practice their pitching accuracy. The numbered targets give players different spots to aim for, making pitching practice a little more challenging. We’ve used ours for pitching practice, and it’s definitely a training gift I’d recommend!

SpinGrip by Kitted

The SpinGrip by Kitted has been a great addition to my son’s baseball training equipment! He enjoys using it, and I really believe it has helped him put better spin on the ball.. It’s a neat little training gadget for players who want to focus on their throwing technique.

Fun Baseball and Softball Gifts for Backyard & Pool

Not every baseball or softball gift has to feel like practice! These are some of the fun things my kids have enjoyed playing with over the years. They’re great for backyard games, playing with friends, or just messing around, and the best part is that they’re still working on their hitting, throwing, and catching skills while having fun.

BLITZBALL Torpedo Set

My kids have always loved playing Wiffle ball, but the BLITZBALL Torpedo Set has been an especially big hit! They’ve spent countless hours playing with friends in the backyard. It’s one of those gifts that gets kids outside, moving, and having fun without even thinking about practicing baseball skills.

SweetSpot Strike Zone Target

If you’ve ever had kids arguing over whether a pitch was a strike during a backyard Wiffle ball game, you need this SweetSpot Strike Zone Target! It’s a fun addition to backyard games and helps settle those never-ending arguments about the strike zone. Sometimes you just need something other than another kid making the call!

SPARK CATCH Light-Up Baseball & Softball

There’s something about playing catch on a summer night! My kids have had so much fun with the SPARK CATCH Light-Up Baseball, especially when they want to keep playing after it gets dark. We only own the baseball version, which works perfectly for both of them, but there’s also a light-up softball available for softball players.

Waboba Water Gloves & Ball Set

The Waboba Water Gloves & Ball Set has been a fun addition to our pool toys! My kids enjoy playing catch with it in the water, and it’s a great way to mix a little baseball and softball into a summer pool day.

Baseball and Softball Training Accessories

ThumbPRO Baseball & Softball Thumb Guard

We recently received the ThumbPRO Baseball & Softball Thumb Guard to try out. My son used it for the first time the other day and liked how it felt! My daughter hasn’t had a chance to try it yet, but it’s made for both baseball and softball players. We’re still testing this one, but so far, my son’s first impression has been positive.

Disclosure: ThumbPRO sent us this product to try at no cost. All opinions are our own.

Fit Simplify Resistance Bands

My son keeps a few Fit Simplify Resistance Bands in his baseball bag for stretching before tournaments. They’re lightweight, take up almost no room, and are easy to have on hand when he needs to warm up. Sometimes the simplest gifts are the most practical!

If you’re shopping for smaller gifts, I also have a list of baseball stocking stuffer ideas that are perfect for Christmas or little surprises throughout the season.

Rawlings Ball Caddy

My husband and I love our Rawlings Ball Caddy because, honestly, we’re tired of bending over to pick up baseballs and softballs every time we’re pitching to our kids! It holds a surprising number of balls and makes batting practice much easier on our backs. Sometimes the best training equipment is actually for the parents!

Of course, the players aren’t the only ones who deserve a little something! I’ve also rounded up some of my favorite gifts for sports parents who spend just as much time at the ballfield as their kids.

Final Thoughts on Baseball and Softball Training Gifts

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of buying baseball and softball training equipment, it’s that not every gadget is going to be a hit with every player! Some of these gifts have become part of our regular practice routine, while others were simply fun to try.

After years of travel baseball and softball, we’ve also figured out which tournament essentials are actually worth buying for all those long weekends at the ballfield.

I hope this list of baseball training gifts gives you a few ideas for the baseball or softball player in your life. Whether they’re working on their swing, practicing in the backyard, or just love trying new baseball gadgets, there’s something here for just about every player.

If your house is anything like ours, there’s probably always room for one more piece of baseball or softball equipment!

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Our family travel photography © Stack the Miles. All family and attraction photos were captured during our travel sports. Select scenic and landmark images courtesy of trusted stock sources and tourism archives.

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