If you were in T-Ball, your cleats were plastic. They were safe and kid-friendly.
Suppose you graduated from Little League and moved to Junior League and high school ball. You left plastic behind and laced up metal “spikes,” as some high school coaches like to call them.
Now, the dagger-like metals give a sense that you are playing a more tenacious game at a higher level. It feels more “official.”
If you had that same feeling as many when you first stepped into metal cleats and regularly follow MLB baseball, you’ve probably been shocked to see the number of pro baseball players wearing MCS (plastic) cleats these days.
But then again, most MLB players wear metal cleats. They’re being worn by both infielders and outfielders, big boppers and base-stealers.
In this article we’ll answer the burning questions about metal cleats and MLB players and explain the difference between the rest.
Do MLB Players Wear Metal Cleats?
Metal cleats are mostly used to improve traction on soft terrain. Metal studs are the best option for muddy weather since they can sink deeper into damp natural grass.
They offer essential traction, so preventing accidents. Metal studs can lessen falls and associated injuries by giving athletes more control on soft terrain.
Many MLB players wear metal cleats, but not all baseball players do. FieldTurf is frequently used in professional ballparks in place of natural grass, and using plastic cleats or turf shoes significantly improves traction and grip.
Starting pitchers not slated to pitch during a given game won’t be sporting metal cleats. They’ll probably be sporting jogging or turf shoes.
Players who are expected to miss that game due to injury recovery or suspensions will often wear turfs.
Because bullpens often don’t have dirt in their plate areas or don’t want their plate areas damaged by metal cleats, the secondary catcher, also known as the bullpen catcher, will either wear plastic cleats or turfs.
That backup catcher will normally change into his metal-cleat shoes if he needs to play in the game.
Collegiate and professional athletes frequently wear metal cleats, and not just for show.
Metal cleats may endure a long time and are fairly durable. Most let you swap out individual studs, allowing you to replace just those as they wear out rather than having to buy a new pair of cleats.
Risks Of Metal Cleats
Although metal cleats have some benefits, are they somehow dangerous? It is simple to see how metal studs could cause harm to other players in other sports, but how about baseball?
Well, metal studs are intended for use on soft ground. It is quite harmful to use them on an improper surface.
On hard surfaces like turf, the metal cleats will not function effectively.
The danger of damage increases when wearing metal studs on an unsuitable surface, especially for the ankles and knees.
MLB Players Who Wear Metal Cleats
1. M. T. Trout
- Nike Air MVP Pro PEs
- Type: Metal
You all probably had an idea of this. This player is the Bugatti of baseball. Low, broad, and turbocharged metals are the finest way to rip through earth and sod as only Trout can because legend has it that he is the quickest baseball player since Mickey Mantle.
2. José Cabrera
- New Balance 3000
- Type: Metal
The Best Hitter on Planet Earth and the current Triple Crown masher began the year wearing New Balance 2000 MCS PEs before switching to metal 3000s. Since baseball players frequently make rash equipment decisions for unexplained reasons, one can only speculate as to why.
Whether it was a slide in the plastics or a 4-4 with 5 RBIs laser display in the metals, Miggy is now sporting metals every day and toying with the idea of winning back-to-back Triple Crowns, a feat of monarchy baseball has never witnessed.
3. Forrest Kershaw
- Under Armour PEs
- Type: Metal
The same thing happened with Kershaw and Darvish. These two are power pitchers who require every ounce of drive they can muster to lengthen their stride to the plate.
Why take a long stride? Acceleration to improve velocity and a closer release point to the hitter are the two main factors.
Metal spikes might make the difference between a fastball traveling at 94 and 96 miles per hour for these flamethrowers—not that anyone can hit either, of course.
4. Derek Jeter
- Jordan Jeter Legend Elite shoes
- Type: Metal
Derek has experienced more injuries over the past ten months than he has in his whole career, but he is still rocking the metals. Jeter has been donning Jordan metals since 2000 at the age of 39.
Jeter became the first baseball player to wear the Jumpman on the field that year after Jordan himself for the Birmingham Barons. A split-second lost on a slide in the batter’s box may mean the difference between a groundout and a rally-starter for Jeter, who will do whatever it takes to reach base.
Metal vs. Plastic Cleats
Regardless of the sport you play, top athletic performance primarily depends on steadiness.
Before you can throw, catch, kick, twist, pivot, or start running, your feet must be securely planted beneath you.
For sports like baseball, football, soccer, golf, lacrosse, rugby, and others that are played on grass or dirt, a solid pair of cleats gives your feet the grip they need on the turf.
For various sports, the spikes are set up differently. Despite these variations, there are only really two options: spiked cleats made of metal or plastic.
Metal-spiked cleats are often more expensive than plastic cleats, but they are more effective and durable in turf sports like baseball, soccer, golf, and football, which helps to offset the higher cost.
Plastic flexes, reducing the overall amount of traction, while metal stays stiff and digs deeper into the ground than plastic spikes.
Plastic cleats are quiet and unobtrusive, but metal-spiked cleats are loud and bulky for walking on any surface other than grass or dirt.
Metal spikes are better suited to teen and adult athletes who no longer suffer bursts of foot growth due to their cost and lengthy lifespan, especially for those competing in highly competitive leagues.
The better performance usually justifies the higher price. Young players who frequently need to go up a shoe size every few months or recreational players who may not want elite performance at elite prices are better suited for plastic cleats.
What Age Can You Wear Metal Cleats in Baseball?
Some baseball organizations prohibit metal spikes because they can be harmful, especially at the teen levels.
Metal spikes are prohibited in all youth baseball divisions for players under the age of 13.
Please don’t use football spikes for baseball or softball because they have a longer fitting that can seriously damage our infields. However, shoes with shaped spikes are permitted.
Can My Kid Wear Soccer Cleats for Baseball?
I see the question “Can my kid wear soccer cleats for baseball or softball” online frequently. The quick response is “yes.” There are a few things you should consider first, though.
Generally speaking, you might allow your child to wear their soccer spikes without much of a stretch if they are just starting out in t-ball, mentor pitch, or machine pitch.
These baseball and softball divisions are becoming familiar with the basics of the sport. Your child is continually growing!
Just like their colleague, they will trip over their own feet. And let’s face it, athletic shoes are expensive. Better if one group can handle two responsibilities at once, isn’t that right?
If your child has been playing for a while and is transitioning into player live throw divisions (often around age 9), this is the point where I advise a real pair of baseball/softball spikes.
Your child is learning more defensive plays. They are exercising while running. They will require footwear designed especially for the activity.
The toe fitting makes the main distinction in this case. For safety reasons, soccer shoes don’t have a toe projection (therefore, never play soccer while wearing baseball spikes!).
Running is what soccer shoes are designed for. Baseball and softball shoes have an extended toe for rapid turning and diving in for explosive bursts of speed.
