Changes

The bat is made of wood - primarily ash - and is up to 2.75 inches thick at the striking end, and up to 42 inches long.  At one time in professional games aluminum bats were used; they have since been removed, and are sometimes used during amateur games.  In a version of baseball known as "stickball" played by kids in some inner cities, the bat consists of little more than a broom handle.

The bat is made of wood - primarily ash - and is up to 2.75 inches thick at the striking end, and up to 42 inches long.  At one time in professional games aluminum bats were used; they have since been removed, and are sometimes used during amateur games.  In a version of baseball known as "stickball" played by kids in some inner cities, the bat consists of little more than a broom handle.

Defensive players wear a baseball glove, or mitt.  Made of leather, seven players wear a version with looks like an over-sized hand with the fingers sewn together, and a basket of leather between the first finger and thumb.  Fingerless, rounded versions are worn by the first baseman and catcher; the catcher's mitt having the addition of heavy padding within the glove.  That, plus the chest and knee protectors, and steel face mask, ensures the catcher has protection against the pitcher's fastball, which can be in excess of 90 miles per hour.

Defensive players wear a baseball glove, or mitt.  Made of leather, seven players wear a version with looks like an oversized hand with the fingers sewn together, and a basket of leather between the first finger and thumb.  Fingerless, rounded versions are worn by the first baseman and catcher; the catcher's mitt having the addition of heavy padding within the glove.  That, plus the chest and knee protectors, and steel face mask, ensures the catcher has protection against the pitcher's fastball, which can be in excess of 90 miles per hour.

==History==

==History==