Before a player heads out on the field for a baseball game, they don their gear — including a mitt, a hat, and baseball stirrups. These items offer protection and create uniformity among teams since the players all dress in the same color. Baseball stirrups are part of that uniform, but you may wonder when and why players started wearing them.
Where the Tradition of Baseball Stirrups Began
Baseball stirrups and softballs stirrups have been around for decades. These special socks were an integral part of a traditional baseball uniform and gave all players a distinctive look. Stirrup socks were vital to protecting a player’s legs during the 19th and 20th centuries because they wore knicker pants during play. As major league players began wearing their pants down to their ankles, stirrup sock use decreased, but the trend has made a comeback over the past several years.
Baseball stirrups and softball stirrups typically highlight the team colors and are often striped and include the team logo or mascot. For example, the Houston Astros wore navy blue baseball stirrups with an orange star displayed on the side. These sports socks were also included in many teams’ names such as the Boston Red Sox, and the Chicago White Sox.
Traditional Stirrup Socks
Baseball stirrups and softball stirrups were traditionally worn on top of long white socks called “sanitary socks.” The dyes in the outer stirrup socks were believed to pose health issues, and the inner white socks could be changed more frequently. The colored stirrup doesn’t have a foot and instead has a loop, or stirrup, that fits in the arch of the foot. The stirrup loop has extended and become longer over the years to expose more of the white under sock, creating a unique look specific to baseball.
By the 1980’s some of the players were pulling the loop so high that the only part of the colored stirrup sock that showed was the loop. The rest of the colored portion of the stirrup sock was hidden by their pants.
Stirrup Socks Make a Comeback
As the years have passed, baseball stirrup socks have made a comeback into the game. Not only are these socks a great way to show off some team spirit, but they are a form of safety gear that helps protect the players’ legs during the heat of the game. As a player slides into a base and dives to snag a wild infield ball, their legs are protected from the rough terrain.
MadSportsStuff is a leader in producing a variety of crazy sports socks and baseball stirrups and softball stirrups are two of the products that they offer. MadSportsStuff has partnered with TCK, the leading manufacturer of high-quality MLB baseball stirrups. The duo has teamed up to create baseball stirrups and softball stirrups in a variety of bold colors and designs. These durable socks come several stripe patterns and are made for boys, girls, men, and women. Plus, they are always made with love in the USA.
Even More Options with Custom Stirrups
If the standard design varieties aren’t enough to suit your needs, MadSportsStuff also offers custom stirrup designs. Partnered with TCK, these custom socks can be custom designed specifying colors, cut length, size, and quantities. They’re easy to order too with MadSportsStuff simple online ordering system so there’s no reason to put off getting your team these custom sports socks.
Baseball and softball are as much of a tradition as fireworks in July and the fan base for the sports continues to grow. MadSportsStuff ordering system allows for a free mockup of your custom stirrup design as well as a price quote to help you plan your purchase. The turn around time is just four to six weeks and make a great way to kick off the season’s team spirit.
Having the Right Accessories Leads a Team to Victory
Just like athletes for any other sport, looking good on the field or court can increase a player’s confidence and help lead the team to victory. Baseball stirrups and softball stirrups are a stylish way to help you or your favorite player shine on the field. They offer a traditional look while allowing them to proudly display their team colors.
Uniforms are an important part of any team sport, and wearing stirrups is something that is still seen frequently in the game today. While some baseball stirrups and softballs stirrups now have the white sock built into the stirrup to mimic the look of the traditional stirrup sock, many still opt for the traditional two-layer sock for added protection and support during the game.
MadSportsStuff Equals Quality
MadSportsStuff takes pride in delivering a quality, hassle-free shopping experience. Customer service is at the heart of everything they do. Their sports socks are made of wicking material to keep the feet cool and dry but are made to withstand even the harshest of conditions. Their baseball stirrups and softball stirrups, as well as their custom stirrups, are both fun and functional. So, don’t hesitate to contact us today and get your team off on the right foot with stirrups. Pick out your perfect pair of baseball stirrups or softball stirrups before your next baseball game.
