Spring training might seem like a long time away, but a real baseball fan knows that there’s no such thing as an off-season. Spend these colder months wisely by learning how to prepare for the baseball season so that you can master the basics and be ready to round the bases by opening day.

Get in Shape

Remember how to stay loose with warmups, cooldowns, cardio, and stretching. Do these exercises consistently to build upper-body strength, work your core, and condition your legs:

• Jumping jacks
• Burpees
• Jogging
• Crunches—all kinds
• Side bends and twists
• Dumbbell bench presses
• Push-ups
• Dips
• Triceps Kickbacks
• Curls
• Seated rows
• Front lat pull-downs
• Pull-ups

Get Psyched

Baseball is a mental game, and the greatest players have unforgettable, inspiring stories. Hype yourself up with these ideas:

Read

• The Boys of Summer
• The Glory of Their Times
• The Girl Who Threw Butterflies
• Summer of ’49

Watch

• Field of Dreams
• Bull Durham
• A League of Their Own
• 42

Dance

• “Centerfield” by John Fogerty
• “A Dying Cub Fan’s Last Request” by Steve Goodman
• “The Cheap Seats” by Alabama
• “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”

Get Your Equipment

Baseball season gets busy pretty fast, so make sure all your gear fits and is ready for practice.

• Batting Helmet

Even if your team supplies these, you may want one with a facemask fitted just for you.

• Protective Cup

Luckily, baseball pants and shorts usually have a convenient pocket for it.

• Heart Guard or Chest Protector

These compression undershirts have built-in pads for protection.

• Sliding Shorts

Don’t try to show how tough you are; save yourself from scrapes and even injuries with this extra padding.

• Catcher’s Gear

Keep it all together: a chest guard, leg guards, a catcher’s helmet, and a catcher’s mitt.

• Mouth Guard

Don’t face a grounder without one.

• Cleats

Check with your coach about the specifics, and make sure they’re not too big for you.

• Batting Gloves

These will prevent blisters and give your grip a boost.

• Sunglasses

The sun will come out again—one day.

Of course, at MK Socks, we know how important the right socks are for peak performance. Stock up on sanitary socks to wear under your stirrups with ample cushioning, good fit, moisture-wicking technology, and enough compression to stay up. And don’t forget some NCAA team socks to show support for your favorite title contenders. You’ll be grateful you learned how to prepare for the baseball season the first time you pull on those team socks and head for the dugout. MK Socks knows how to outfit champions.