The Sportstation is Chicagoland's largest independent sporting goods store. We specialize in team sports such as baseball and offer teams a full line of service. From equipment to uniforms to helmet and car decals to spiritwear, we have everything you need to get your team ready to play.

  • Players
  • Coaches
  • Spiritwear
  • Field Maintenance

Want to see what's coming to The Sportstation this year? Check out our new line of CWS (College World Series) catalogs from Louisville Slugger, Rawlings & Easton.

Rawlings 5150 Bats Are Here

Visit The Sportstation and let one of our Rawlings specialists custom fit you with the perfect Rawlings 5150 bat. Using the all new Rawlings Speed Cap, you can be sure the bat you choose will be the perfect weight and length for you. Please check out the video below to see what the new Rawlings 5150 bats are all about.

Bat FAQ

Baseball/Softball Bat FAQ

What are the maximum specifications for softball bats?

  • Length: 34 inches
  • Weight: 38 ounces
  • Barrel Diameter: 2 1/4 inches

What are the maximum specifications for Youth League baseball bats?

  • Length: 33 inches
  • Weight: No restrictions
  • Barrel Diameter: 2 1/4 inches

What are the maximum specifications for Adult League baseball bats?

  • Length: 35 inches
  • Weight: No restrictions
  • Barrel Diameter: 2 5/8 inches

What are the maximum specifications for Senior League baseball bats?

  • Length: 35 inches
  • Weight: No restrictions
  • Barrel Diameter: 2 3/4 inches

What is a length-to-weight ratio?

  • The difference between the length of the bat (inches) and its weight (ounces)
  • Example: A bat that is 33 inches long and weighs 30 ounces has a length-to-weight ratio of -3. Every bat of that particular model will have a length-to-weight ratio of -3 (e.g. 32 in/29 oz; 34 in/31 oz)

What is the maximum length-to-weight ratio allowable for College or High School Baseball?

  • As of 2001, the maximum length-to-weight ratio is -3 for college and high school baseball

Can a Bat be used for Softball and Little League, or Little League and Adult Baseball, or Softball and Adult Baseball?

  • No, each bat is specifically made for each sport or level of play.
  • For instance, a Little League Bat cannot be used for Softball. Each bat is labeled on the barrel indicating the sport/level with the weight and length

What is End Loading?

  • End Loading is usually found in softball bats. It means there has been some material added to the end of the bat barrel to add weight and create more of an end-balanced bat. The "End Load" is usually a polyurethane material that fills approximately 1" - 4" of the barrel
  • There are varying views on performance enhancement -- in general, slow-pitch players like the weight on the end of the bats to help move the sweet spot further out and create more momentum

What is Wall Thickness? Why do some bats say "Ultra-Thin Walls" on the barrel?

  • Performance in bats depends on three things, (besides the person swinging the bat)
  • Type of alloy
  • Barrel Dynamics (a combination of Barrel Compression/Trampoline Effect, Handle Flex, and End Loading)
  • Thickness of the bat barrel walls
  • Thinner walls mean more "POP" or "Trampoline Effect" off of the bat and thus, better performance. Better quality Aluminum is stronger and lighter, so the manufacturer can make the bat walls thinner.

Are bats sensitive to changes in temperature?

  • Aluminum bats, especially higher performance models with thinner walls, should not be used in temperatures below 50 degrees.
  • Cold temperatures make the composition of the ball more dense, especially the new "Compacted Core" balls. This puts unusual stress on the bat walls which will result in denting
  • Bats may also be sensitive to very hot temperatures and should not be stored in areas that are exposed to high heat, such as car trunks.
  • Bat failure due to misuse in extreme temperatures is not covered by the manufacturers' warranties

Can I try out my new bat at the batting cage?

  • You should not use your new bat in the batting cage. Batting cage balls are made of a more dense material than is used in regulation baseball or softball games and will cause denting
  • Bat sleeves, such as "Tuff-Sleeve," may be of some help but will not guarantee complete protection
  • Bat failure due to use in a batting cage is very obvious and is not covered by the manufacturers' warranties

What is metal fatigue?

  • Bat Wall Flexion (allowing the bat walls to flex) is the desirable end result of the "Trampoline Effect," which is utilized by high- performance, thin-walled bats
  • Hitting the ball on the same side of the bat each time and in the same spot causes excessive flexing in the one area, and the metal will eventually fail (dent or split)
  • Rotating the bat on each trip to the plate will help prevent damage due to metal fatigue

Coaches, The Sportstation is your one-stop-shop for uniforms, training aids, team equipment bags, bats, helmets, baseballs, score books, spiritwear and so much more. Stop in today to see why teams from as far away as Indiana and Central Illinois shop at The Sportstation.

Tournament Directors

Did you know that The Sportstation has an in-house trophy department? Don't order on-line and then be disappointed when your trophies arrive and they are not what you expected. Visit our trophy showroom and see all our trophies first hand.

Need trophies for your next event or tournament? We've got you covered with our in-house trophy department.

Need trophies for your next event or tournament? We've got you covered with our in-house trophy department.

High quality spiritwear from The Sportstation is available at very competitive pricing! Choose from pullovers, hoodies, t-shirts, performance Ts, sweat pants, car decals, baseball bags and more! Adult and kids sizes.

Team Moms

One of the most overwhelming duties of the team mom is ordering spiritwear. Let our expert staff work with you to build your customized line of spiritwear gear. From ordering forms, final artwork design and sizing samples, we have you covered at The Sportstation. Come in today to speak with Kathy, she will be happy to help you get started with your spiritwear order.

Let our in-house staff embroider your team jackets and coaches shirts.

Our in-house art department can design custom helmet and car decals for your team.

Let our in-house staff embroider your team jackets and coaches shirts.

Let our in-house staff embroider your team jackets and coaches shirts.

“Providing adequate field maintenance is the key to a safe and quality baseball program and facility. Significant time and resources are required to maintain a field properly. Developing a feasible field maintenance plan is a very important part of any baseball or softball program.”
Quote from Baseball Field Maintenance - A General Guide for Fields of All Levels
(Click here to read more)

Unlike so many other local "sporting goods" stores, The Sportstation does not overlook the importance of maintaining a good playing field. With the harsh winters and summers of the Chicago area, it's important to make sure you are using the best possible products to protect your investment. From score boards to dirt mixes to field equipment, The Sportstation can help you stay within budget and on time.

The Sportstation is a proud distributor of Bac-Shield, a hypoallergenic, non-toxic, biodegradable cleaner that is effectiveness against many odder causing organisms of concern to the athletic community today, as well as mold, mildew and fungi. Click here to download a PDF of this amazing cleaner and find out why so many athletic departments are using Bac-Shield to clean their weight rooms, training tables, playing surfaces, equipment, laundry and many other surfaces that are subject to contamination.

Alleson

Cascade Helmets have arrived

The Sportstation is now stocking Cascade Lacrosse helmets. Come in and check out the hottest helmet in lacrosse.

Under Armour Winter styles.

The Sportstation has now restocked on Under Armour products for this winter. Stop in and check them out while supplies last.kout.

Directions

  • North
  • South
  • East
  • West
Take 355 South to I-80 East to Harlem Ave North. Take Harlem to 171st street and turn right. We are located 1 block down on the left hand side of the street.
Take I-57 to I-80 West Exit Harlemt Ave North. Take Harlem to 171st street and turn right. We are located 1 block down on the left hand side of the street.
Take i-80 West to Harlem Ave North. Take Harlem to 171st Street and turn right. We are located one block down on the left hand side of the street.
Take I-80 East to Harlem Ave North. Take Harlem to 171st Street and turn right. We are located one block down on the left hand side of the street.