Standout Infielder Sis Bates Joins #TeamWilson

Get to know Sis Bates, fastpitch softball’s premier defensive infielder.

While she wows the fastpitch world with every play on the infield, #TeamWilson professional softballer and Athletes Unlimited standout shortstop Sis Bates looks to her custom Wilson A2000® infield glove for the advice she needs: “Keep it simple.” The purple script on the thumb of her A2000 1787 serves as a reminder not to complicate her actions on the field.

“I care a lot, so I always overcomplicate things in my brain,” Bates said. “It was just a good reminder to me.”

Bates, the three-time All-American shortstop for the University of Washington, relies on her Wilson A2000® to reach every worm-burning ground ball and scorched line drive on the left side of the infield. She’s fastpitch softball’s premier defensive infielder, and she needs her equipment to keep up with fast-playing diamonds. The Ceres, California native takes every rep with the reliable A2000® 1787, a baseball glove pattern that she’s used since her college days in Seattle.

“I’ve always used baseball gloves,” Bates said. “Growing up, I always used my brother’s old hand-me-down gloves, so that’s what my hand was comfortable in.”

Since graduating from Washington, Bates has picked up the A2000 1975 to accompany her current A2000 1787. These two gloves – both baseball patterns – are 11.75” long and offer similar attributes on the field. Regardless of which specific glove pattern she is using, Bates is committed to the Wilson A2000.

“I personally like my gloves stiffer,” Bates said. “It takes a little while to break in an A2000 how I like, but once it’s broken in, it’s like my little child.”

The latest A2000 baseball and fastpitch softball gloves feature Comfort Pro Fit with a Pro Lux™ leather palm lining, a supple leather interior that forms to a player’s hand as they break in the glove. The custom fit of the A2000 offers players total control over their glove, ensuring they can make a play on every ball.

To get her glove from brand new to game-ready, Bates spends one or two months forming and shaping it to her preferences. The infielder opts for gloves crafted completely with Pro Stock® leather, forgoing SuperSkin™ or SuperSnakeSkin™ for a more traditional look.

Sis keeps things simple on the field and when designing new A2000 gloves, selecting classic leather colors like Blonde and Saddle Tan. Her most recent custom glove – an A2000 1975 – features a Saddle Tan palm, thumb and wrist panels along with Blonde finger panels. To complete her design, she had the words Keep it simple embroidered on the palm liner. She personalized her glove with more custom text, writing Sis on the thumb.

When she’s not coaching, Sis will continue her playing career with Athletes Unlimited Softball. In 2021, her rookie year, Bates finished ninth in the Athletes Unlimited season standings.

To keep up with Sis, follow her on Instagram @sisbates22.