User:Sbtippett1/sandbox

= Baseball Cleat = A Shoe worn by baseball players to add traction while performing on the baseball field. Can have molded plastic/rubber or metal spikes on the bottom of the shoe.

Baseball fields are different than any other playing surface in sports. The majority of playing surfaces for other sports consist of grass. Baseball fields have both grass and dirt, the outfield being grass and the infield being dirt. Metal cleats are used in higher level leagues such as High school, college, and professional baseball. This allows for more comfort on the field while playing on different surfaces.

== Types of Baseball Cleats == Depending on the age of the player and the position they play will determine what type of cleat that player will wear. Typically, younger players will wear molded cleats to protect them from injury. Metal cleats consist of sharp metal spikes and are chosen more for the higher level of players. Their sharp metal design, will provide much more traction than molded cleats. Molded cleats do not have the same sharp studs so they can not ensure the same amount of traction as metal spikes. Metal cleats may be worn more by infielders and pitchers for traction in the dirt and mud. Although, outfielders may not choose this style of cleat, when it comes to running bases, they are faced with the same problem as infielders and pitchers. Another popular style of baseball cleats are turf shoes. This style may be chosen when playing on AstroTurf fields. Turf shoes are like tennis shoes, made up of a rubber sole. Players are commonly advised to wear these types of shoes while playing or practicing on AstroTurf in order to prolong the life span of the turf.

== Safety == Metal baseball cleats can be harmful to players. When sliding into bases, players face the risk of "cleating" opposing players. This may happen when another player is guarding a base that another player is sliding into. This can result in a harmful cut or even broken bones.

== Durability == Metal cleats are much more durable than molded cleats. Molded cleats are made of a plastic material that will wear down much faster over time.

== Brands == Like any other shoe on the market, baseball cleats come in many different brands. Most players will have their favorite brand of cleat to wear depending on what that player believes is the most comfortable to them. The majority of big shoe brands have their own version of baseball cleat. Some companies will go as far as allowing the player to customize the shoe to fit their needs.