While supplies last, select Akadema baseball gloves are marked at half price. Each purchase will also include a free gift from us, an Ion Necklace.

Akadema released its first glove in 1998, which makes them a baby in baseball equipment company years, but their innovative glove designs — including the revolutionary Stress Wedge technology in catcher’s mitts — have moved them into a class with the big boys.

They’re the glove of choice for players like Bryce Harper, Derek Holland, Cameron Maybin and Shane Victorino.

The half-price baseball gloves are listed below.

Akadema USA Series 12 3/4″ Baseball Glove ($99.98)

Made with pride in the USA, the Patriot series of gloves offer kip leather with a lighter feel and higher tensile strength, all while being 20% lighter than steerhide. Built to last. ($99.98)

Akadema Torino Series 11 3/4″ Baseball Glove ($99.98)

Also features kip leather, which makes the glove 20% lighter but just as durable as steerhide. The light tan palm and chocolate brown shell are constructed to break in quickly and remain durable. ($99.98)

Akadema Torino Series 11 1/2″ Baseball Glove ($99.98)

A quarter-inch shorter than the previous glove, which is ideal for middle infielders who prefer easy access for relay throws. Features kip leather, which makes the glove 20% lighter but just as durable as steerhide. ($99.98)

Akadema Torino Series 11 1/4″ Baseball Glove ($99.98)

Even shorter than the first three gloves, for the quickest possible access to the pocket. Features kip leather, which makes the glove 20% lighter but just as durable as steerhide. ($99.98)

Akadema Torino Series 12 3/4″ Baseball Glove ($99.98)

The Torino series model made for outfielders. Features kip leather, which makes the glove 20% lighter but just as durable as steerhide. ($99.98)

Related: Browse our entire selection of baseball gloves.

Like they say, the best things in life are free.

They must be right, because, for a limited time, you can get one of the most popular wood baseball bats on the market for free — nothing, zilch, nada. Zippo.

Through March 11, you’ll get a free Louisville M9 Maple Wood Baseball Bat when you purchase a Louisville 2012 Z-1000 -3 Adult Baseball Bat at Baseball Express. The package with your Z-1000 will include a mail-in form for the M9. Send it in, and your bat will be on its way quicker than you can say “professional-grade maple.”

The BBCOR certified Z-1000 features thinner, lightweight graphite fibers in the barrel, designed to help you bring the lumber. Thinner fibers also allow use of more layers in the barrel for added strength.

It includes two inner discs, positioned inside the barrel at the sweet spot to stop the barrel from flexing past the performance limit. That gives players the maximum allowable performance under the new BBCOR regulations.

The M9 is our most popular turning model, and it features a cupped end for superior balance.

Our reviewers have raved about its durability, some saying a single bat has lasted through several seasons, and praised its responsiveness. As a reviewer from Portland wrote, “I’m better with this bat than I am with my aluminum bats.”

It usually retails for about $80, but you can get it for free, when you get the Z-1000 for $369.99 at Baseball Express.

Related: Browse our entire selection of Louisville Slugger baseball bats.

Depending on where you are in the country, your baseball season is bound to start sometime within the next 2-4 months.

That makes it prime time to work on an offseason conditioning program. Ideally, if you worked on a strength program during the fall, that would set you up perfectly for a short conditioning period to lead into baseball practice.

We’re talking sprints, ladders and such — the stuff that will give you what it takes to play every inning at your best without getting too fatigued.

But in January, that’s easier said than done. It’s cold out and it gets dark early, which makes it a lot easier to hibernate through the winter.

It’s not impossible, though, to get out and train. Follow these three simple tips, and you’ll be ready to go by baseball season.

1. Dress the part.

Wear layers, so you can peel off or add on clothing depending on how you feel. An easy way to do this is to wear a warm-up jacket while you warm up, which you can take off when you get to the hard part of your workout.

The goal here is to keep yourself from getting chilled or wet. Getting cold or wet is an unnecessary stress on your body, which of course can bring on a cold, which will hamper your training.

Preferably, your base layer should be made with moisture-wicking materials. This keeps your gear from getting soaked with sweat while you train, which can chill you off when you’re done.

This makes Under Armour’s Coldgear a great choice for outdoor training in the winter.

Coldgear is designed for temperatures under 55° F and features a double-sided fabric that wicks moisture away and circulates body heat.

2. Hydrate.

Just because you’re not out there sweating in the summer sun doesn’t mean you’re not losing fluids. You lose it through evaporating sweat, your breath and the metabolic effects of being in the cold.

Add to that the fact that cold weather can actually depress feelings of thirst, and it’s easy to get dehydrated when it’s cold out.

Depending on how much you weigh and how much you sweat, your mileage may vary, but an easy rule of thumb is to drink 5 oz. of water or sports drink every 10-15 minutes. That will keep your performance level high and your immune system from getting depressed.

3. Warm up and cool down.

Don’t jump right into things, and don’t stop abruptly. Your muscles and connective tissues need time to reach their ideal warmth, otherwise your performance will be less-than-ideal and you’ll be at risk for injury.

A good warmup should last about five minutes, and it should involve some light calisthenics — jogging, jumping jacks, etc.

Once you’re done with your workout, finish things off with some light jogging and then begin stretching. That’ll improve your recovery, reduce your risk of injury and help you feel ready to go the next time.

Related: Train in style. Browse our entire selection of baseball performance apparel.

Well, that’s about to change.

“Hi, I’m the new guy.”

Late last year, Wilson introduced two styles of baseball gloves made with yak hide. There’s the Pro Soft Yak Series and the Exclusive Yak Series, which is exclusive to Baseball Express.

Why yak hide? Yak hide is three times stronger than cowhide. That allows the glove designers to construct a baseball glove with the same toughness and feel as cowhide leather, but using far less material.

That means your glove is slimmer, lighter and easier to use.

And unlike other “soft touch” gloves, Wilson’s yak gloves are extremely durable and will hold up to anything hit its way.

The Pro Soft pitcher’s glove was designed with help from Giants pitcher Brian Wilson, and the infielder’s glove was designed by Mets third baseman David Wright. The outfielder’s glove is the yak version of Wilson’s popular KP92, which features a T-web and a large deep pocket. For middle infielders, the legendary 1786 design has a shallow pocket for quick relay throws.

The Exclusive series comes in a variety of styles, including a catcher’s mitt.

You can get a yak glove and try it out for yourself for $149.99 at Baseball Express.

Related: Shop our entire selection of Wilson baseball gloves.

With the holiday season going on, it has been a while since we’ve featured any new cleats on Footwear Friday. So, we’re going to get things rolling again with some of the most unique metal baseball cleats out there.

By now, you might be familiar with Reebok’s ZigTech technology. It’s a revolutionary new technology that increases the surface area in the “zigs” of the shoe, which gives more area for the shock to disperse. The result is a springy, comfortable ride.

Reebok’s Men’s Zig Pro Cooperstown Low Metal Baseball Cleats utilize this technology in one of the most interesting cleat designs we’ve seen lately.

The Zig Pro Cooperstown Metal Cleats feature a set of metal spikes underneath the EVA zig outsole, which provides lightweight cushioning and flexibility for muscle efficiency. The cleat’s reinforced toe area makes this a great set of cleats for pitchers.

For comfort: The upper is soft synthetic leather with mesh, and the PlatDry collar lining keeps your foot cool and comfortable. The anti-microbial footbed keeps your cleats nice and funk-free.

Get a pair of Zig Pro Cooperstown Low Metal Baseball Cleats for $114.99 at Baseball Express.

Related: Shop our entire selection of baseball cleats.

You came to the right place.

We’ve made our list and checked it twice, narrowing it down to the 10 best-selling gifts of the year. These products — from baseball bats to cleats and batting gloves — have been fan favorites all year long, and they’ve been in high demand from players, coaches and fans.

Without further ado, here are the best-selling baseball gifts of 2011.

Rawlings 2011 5150 -3 Adult Baseball Bat
Get it for: $199.99

The barrel design utilizes proprietary metal forming techniques to optimize balance and trampoline effect. Aerospace grade alloy provides unparalleled durability in all playing conditions.

DeMarini 2012 Voodoo -3 Adult Baseball Bat
Get it for: $299.99

The new Voodoo is made from SC4 alloy combined with Taper Ring Technology bringing the weight closer to your hands enhancing swing speed. Barrel thickness is tuned down the entire length of the barrel creating the maximum sweet spot.

Marucci 2011 CAT5 -3 Adult Baseball Bat
Get it for: $199.99

Patented Anti-Vibration knob decreases vibration and increases confidence leading to more power. Balanced swing weight for improved M.O.I.

Nike Men’s Air Huarache 2K4 Low Metal Baseball Cleats
Get it for: $84.99

Features a lightweight, Nubuck upper with a nine-cleat metal configuration for maximum performance. The TPU heel counter offers lasting support.

Nike Adult Diamond Elite Pro Batting Gloves
Get it for: $21.99

Advanced performance batting gloves. Seamless Spyder Tex Cabretta leather from Pittards wraps up and around the side of pinky finger. Stretch gusset over the thumb lets hand fully wrap around bat.

Rawlings Men’s Mesh Dugout Fleece Pullover
Get it for: $19.98

Flatback mesh fleece. Oversize cut with rib knit inserts under arms to allow for flexibility and free movement. Home plate neck tab can be embroidered.

All Star Black/Tan 33 1/2″ Baseball Catcher’s Mitt
Get it for: $299.99

Used by more pros than any other brand. Custom hand crafted to All-Stars stringent specifications. Great feel and fast break-in.

Rawlings Adult Pro Flare Solid Baseball Pants
Get it for: $39.99

A crowd favorite from pro baseball down to Little League, Rawlings’ Pro Flare baseball pants are designed to look great and feel even better. You’ll love the comfortable fabric and the loose, baggy fit over the thigh areas on the Pro Flare baseball pants. These baseball pants have flared ankles, perfect for a snug, comfortable fit around your cleats.

Related: Take a look at our Top 50 baseball gifts under $50.

Looking for the perfect gift for the hard-to-shop-for sports nut on your list?

Give them a Baseball Express Gift Card.

It’s ideal for hardcore athletes, recreational players, casual fans and everyone in between. Recipients can choose from our selection of 5,000 top-quality products from brands like Adidas, Easton, Nike, Rawlings, Reebok, Mizuno, Louisville Slugger, Under Armour and Wilson.

Use it on any of our eight brands: Baseball Express, Softball Sales, Football America, Cheerleading America, Basketball Express, Volleyball America, Team Express or Soccer Team Express.

Gift cards will be mailed and can be redeemed either online or over the phone.

Get them in a variety of denominations — from $10 to $500 — at Baseball Express.

Related: Need a stocking stuffer? Take a look at our top baseball gifts under $10.

Our list has a little something for everybody — coaches, players, fans and everyone in between. We’ve got stocking stuffers and a few more substantial gifts. If you’d like to see more, you can browse our list of the Top 25 baseball gifts under $25.

Outdoor Co. MLB Cotton Adjustable Baseball Cap
Get it for: $5.99

This six-panel cotton baseball cap offers a 3D replica logo on a structured Pro-Style mid crown, with a pre-curved visor and Velcro closure on the back. Choose from all 30 MLB teams, including several alternate caps.

EvoShield Black Spartan Wrist Guard
Get it for: $21.99

Used by players from Little League to the majors, EvoShield’s Spartan Wrist Guard is a must-have for all infielders. The air-activated padding molds to your arm to provide a comfortable fit that doesn’t obstruct your playing.

Under Armour Heatgear Compression Sleeve
Was: $19.99. NOW: $4.98

Keep your arm cool and healthy in warm weather. Under Armour’s Heatgear Sleeve provides an ultra-tight, second-skin compression fit that enhances muscle support and increases circulation.

Team Express Baseball Size Reaction Training Ball
Get it for: $7.99

Improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time! The Reaction ball works hand-eye coordination and quick feet to get in front of the ball all while learning to use two hands to field.

Rawlings Big Stick Black Wood Baseball Bat
Get it for: $21.99

Perfect for cage usage or game situations. This bat features the popular Rawlings 212 profile with a 31/32″ handle and 2 1/2″ barrel.

Phiten Titanium Necklace
Get it for: $24.99

Phiten’s signature necklace. This timeless classic features a soft outer nylon shell permeated with Aqua-Titanium¸ and a flexible Micro Titanium Sphere Core.

Nike Black Legend Long Sleeve Performance Shirt
Get it for: $19.99

Ideal for a variety of training conditions. The Black Legend Long Sleeve’s Dri-FIT fabric wicks away sweat to help keep you comfortable and dry.

Louisville TPX Pro Design Adult Batting Gloves
Get it for: $19.99

The same professional pattern look and logos as worn by top MLB players like Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz and Melky Cabrera. Premium embossed leather palm and back for a comfortable fit.

Related: Take a look at our Top 50 baseball gifts under $50.

Designing protective batting gloves is a tricky task.

Obviously, the gloves have to provide enough protection. There’s no point in wearing them if you break a knuckle the first time you take a pitch on your hands.

But on the other hand, a good pair of protective batting gloves can’t be too bulky or impede your grip on the bat.

Evoshield has achieved that delicate balance of comfort and protection with their new Pro Style Protective Batting Gloves. It combines the comfort and feel of PowerStretch fabric and premium grade Pittards leather with Evoshield’s revolutionary protective technology.

Whearas other one-size-fits-all pads can be bulky and restrictive, Evoshield uses a gel that hardens and forms to the shape of your hand.

That way, your glove fits you — and it doesn’t get in the way at the plate.

Get a pair for $59.99 at Baseball Express.

Related: Buy more and save! You can save 25% on any regularly priced Evoshield product when you buy 2 or more.

Through December 23, you can save up to 50% off the retail price on select BBCOR certified baseball bats. You can browse the entire list of discounted bats below.

Louisville 2012 Omaha -3 Adult Baseball Bat
Was: $219.99. NOW: $149.99

DeMarini 2011 Voodoo -3 Adult Baseball Bat
Was: 299.99. NOW: $199.98

Easton 2011 Omen -3 Adult Baseball Bat
Was: $399.99. NOW: $199.98

DeMarini 2011 Vexxum -3 Adult Baseball Bat
Was: $299.99. NOW: $149.99

Easton 2012 Surge X-Stiff -3 Adult Baseball Bat
Was: $299.99. NOW: $149.98

Easton 2011 Reflex -3 Adult Baseball Bat
Was: $99.99. NOW: $69.98

Easton 2011 Rival -3 Adult Baseball Bat
Was: $199.99. NOW: $149.98

Worth 2011 Lithium Prodigy -3 Adult Baseball Bat
Was: $199.99. NOW: $179.98

Related: Take an extra 10% off your order of $150 or more, thru Tuesday! Use the promo code JFSGBBM6 at checkout.