COLD WEATHER CHECKLIST

From top, Wesley Wolverines
senior #13 IF Ashley Royer (Lititz, PA),
sophomore #5 U Amanda Curry (Williamsport, MD).

Ready for chilly weather at the ballpark?
Cold weather checklist
for the softball spectator

Next weekend's opening days weather forecast sends mix signals of both cold days and warmer playing time with possible rain or drizzle. CLICK HERE for AccuWeather forecast.

The entire first half of last season’s home games in Dover, DE, were not particularity warm, either. The wind can whip around at DuPont Field! So, gathering cold weather gear in the coming days may prove useful for Wolverine fans attending even the later games beyond this weekend.

A quick cold weather spectator checklist...

√ HAND-WARMERS: Inexpensive and can last for hours. If you have no gloves, keep hands clutched to hand-warmers inside your pockets.

√ EVEN WARMER HANDS: Mittens work better than gloves because they can share body heat & hand-warmers fit more easily inside them.

√ HOODED SWEAT OR WARM HAT: Most body heat is lost through the top of the head. You might need more than a baseball cap!

Well, this photo may (or may not)
overstate the case.

√ 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 is an 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, should not be so tight as to hinder good insulation.

√ PROTECTION FROM RAIN: don't forget an umbrella and/or rain jacket.

√ FOOTWEAR: Hiking boots are best, especially if waterproofed to block any moisture

√ SOCKS: the ideal is two layers with thin fabric covered by wool socks.

√ WARM FOOD: pack a thermos with hot chocolate, soup, or noodles.

√ FOLDING CHAIR AND BLANKET. The home field's steel stands can be an extra cold seat and they are set up behind third base where gusts of wind can make matters worse. A folding chair ensures a portable seat for possibly a better view, while watching the game more comfortably. A blanket might be wise for those who particularly like it extra warm.