The Role of a Stirrup in Baseball March 13 2018, 0 Comments

What are Stirrups?

Baseball is more than just a sport – it’s a lifestyle for true fans. If you count yourself as one of them, then you should know the uniform inside out. However, even aficionados of the sport fail to realize the importance of a stirrup.

Stirrups are baseball socks that are worn by players. They were quite popular back in the mid ‘90s when they used to wear their pants all the way down to the ankles. The trend took off really quickly prompting all types of players, from the small to the big leagues to adopt it. Some even designed their own socks according to their team colors and logos.

The socks were a major part of the uniform back in the day and they gave players a distinct look on the field. High socks were important since a lot of professional and amateur players used to wear knickerbockers well into the last century.

How they were used

Stirrup socks were unique as they revealed stripes and team colors as well as logos. Legendary teams such as the Red Sox, White Sox and Red Stockings were known for these. They designed their own socks to stand out from the rest so to speak.

However, besides the obvious aesthetic appeal, the stirrup also provided a measure of safety for players. This was back in the day when colorfast dyes were not a thing yet. If a player was spiked during play by another player, they could die very easily from blood poisoning. That’s because the blood would cause the dye to enter the cut resulting in a fatal internal infection.

This is why players today wear white socks (or ‘sanitary socks’ as they liked to call them) instead of the colored variety and some even made their own socks. Since the foot was double wrapped, fitting into a pair of spikes was a problem. The stirrups were then invented as a solution – these allowed the foot to fit right in the spike thus allowing players to wear 2 pairs of socks without discomfort.

Back in the day, players had little choice in the stirrups and socks they could get. But today, you can make your own socks just by visiting Socks Rock. All you have to do is select the ones you need, choose how many you need along with the size and we will do the rest. It’s as easy as that.

Related Article: History of Baseball Stirrups

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Easy To Order Baseball Stirrups?

Placing an order for your own customized baseball stirrups is a very simple process. Socks Rock has all of the tools you need to start personalizing your stirrups and socks right away. Once you’ve landed on a combo you love, you’ll be ready to order.

How Are Baseball Stirrup Socks Worn?  

Traditionally, stirrups are worn over a plain white sock. The stirrups should be pulled up around the leg to just below the knee. If you pull the stirrup too high, it can cause mobility problems when you bend your knee. Avoid any baseball stirrup socks that sag or feel too restrictive.

Which Socks Cause Blisters? 

Though your lifestyle dictates issues like blisters, the material of your socks can exacerbate the problem. If you wear cotton socks while playing sports, for example, you increase friction and encourage more blisters. Find a synthetic blend and it can do wonders for reducing this issue.

Why Do Players Wear Stirrups in Baseball?

Baseball players once wore stirrups because it served a practical purpose in keeping socks held in place. Nowadays, however, custom baseball stirrups are more of a fashion choice. By wearing these accessories, you can give yourself a vintage edge that makes you look like a classic baseball player.

How Should I Select the Size of My Stirrups?  

Picking out the correct size for your baseball stirrups is all about considering your sock. The stirrup is worn over the sock, so it needs to be slightly bigger than the sock itself. An easy way to know the size is wrong is if the stirrup feels loose or saggy as you move. Consult a size chart if you require a more accurate reading on the size to grab for yourself or as a gift.