Cold weather checklist
for the softball spectator
The opening weekend games are at the end of next week -- 10 days away! It all starts Saturday, February 25, when the Wesley Wolverines take on the D2 Lincoln University Lions at our frequently windy DuPont Softball Field on the Wesley College campus. It is almost guaranteed to be a cold day!
The list below is a fans' gear guide for most comfortably watching fastpitch under chilly to "glacial" conditions. Many of the suggested items listed below might be kept handy nearby throughout the beginning of the 2017 season when temperatures, home or away, can change rapidly during play simply by the sunshine disappearing behind a cloud.
A checklist survival guide
for "WORSE CASE"
cold game day scenarios...
√ FOLDING CAMP CHAIR & BLANKET: Standard metal stands at most fields can be cold to sit on, with seating often raising the fan up high into any wind gusts, which taken altogether may be especially uncomfortable when the temperature drops. Consider a blanket for extra warmth and a canvas chair for a more cozy seat at the game.
There also are fields where the stands are positioned at quite a distance from home plate and a chair placed nearer the backstop may block biting wind and has real advantages for best viewing all the action.
There also are fields where the stands are positioned at quite a distance from home plate and a chair placed nearer the backstop may block biting wind and has real advantages for best viewing all the action.
√ WARM HANDS: Mittens work better than gloves, because they can share body heat & hand-warmers fit more easily inside them.
√ HAND-WARMERS: Inexpensive and can last for hours. If you have no gloves, keep hands clutched to hand-warmers inside your pockets.
√ HOODED SWEAT OR WARM HAT: Most body heat is lost through the top of the head. You might need more than a baseball cap!
√ LAYERED CLOTHING: Instead of the last layer, focus on the first layer closest to your skin. Avoid cotton, because it retains moisture, which attracts the cold. Wool excellent first layer, but may irritate skin. Polypropylene (e.g. “Under Armor”) can be expensive but works the best.
√ LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING: Second and third layers, like sweaters or coats, not being so tight as to hinder good insulation.
√ PROTECTION FROM RAIN: Don't forget an umbrella and/or rain jacket for unexpected downpours.
√ FOOTWEAR: Hiking boots are best, especially if waterproof to block any moisture.
√ SOCKS: The ideal is two layers of thin fabric covered by wool socks.
√ WARM FOOD: you might pack a thermos with hot chocolate, soup, or noodles.
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| Wesley Wolverine sophomore #13 Utility Ashley Royer (Lititz, PA). |
