Have some bats, gloves, cleats or other baseball equipment you’re looking to donate? Does your child need some free gear for the spring season? Or both? If so, the SOM Baseball’s gear exchange is here to help!

In last year’s swap, hundreds of donated bats and gloves were donated to new South Orange and Maplewood youth ballplayers and this year we’re hoping for even more. We’ve added more dropoff times and are expanding the list of eligible items to include cleats, helmets and other baseball gear… as long as it’s in good condition.

To drop off your gear…

go to the front desk at the Baird between 9am and 4pm on any of the following dates:

• Saturday, Feb. 22
• Sunday, Feb. 23
• Saturday, March 1
• Sunday, March 2
• Saturday, March 8

To pick up gear…

head down to the Baird on Sunday, March 9, from 10am to 1pm, show proof that you are a South Orange or Maplewood resident and grab any equipment you need. It’s free!

Organized by the SOM Baseball Committee and South Orange Recreation Department, in partnership with the Columbia High School baseball program, the exchange event on March 9 will be run in part by CHS baseball players, who will work with families to help find the right fit for your player.

More info:

WHAT YOU CAN DONATE

New or lightly used baseball equipment only, including bats, gloves, helmets, cleats, training equipment and other baseball gear.

Bats must adhere to SOM Baseball Rules:

• All metal bats must have a “USA Baseball” or “BBCOR .50” stamp and limited to a diameter of 2 ⅝ inches. Wood bats should be solid one piece wood bats
• Gloves can be for any position and must be in good working condition.
• Helmets must be in good condition with no cracks or other damage.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Any equipment received from the gear exchange comes as-is and South Orange Recreation, the SOM Baseball Committee, and any individuals involved in the program are not responsible for the condition of the materials. Any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact SOM Baseball Committee member Taylor Umlauf (tumlauf@gmail.com).

We are excited to get the 2025 SOM Baseball season kicked off and we can’t wait to see everyone out on the field. Player evaluations are intended to help create balanced teams and competitive parity.

Evaluations for SOM Recreational Baseball will be held on March 9 and March 16 and will be held at the Baird Recreation Center in South Orange.

Registration

Please use the following to register for a specific evaluation time slot:

Location

Baird Community Center

5 Mead Street, South Orange