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Baseball

Selecting a Baseball Glove

Baseball gloves come in a variety of sizes to fit different size hands as well as left and right handed players. Baseball  gloves also are geared to fit both the position you play and the level of your game. Keep these factors in mind when you decide which style, size, features and materials best suit you.

First, determine the glove that best suits your fielding position: Catcher, First Base, Infield, Outfield.   Second, consider the features of the glove, construction and materials that will fit your game.  Third, suit the glove to your ability and fit the glove to your hand.

Determining the glove that best suits your fielding position ....

Gloves are made to help you field your position therefore a key element in determining  mitt  that you buy is the position you play.

Catcher Glove

• A fingerless mitt

• Has heavy padding to reduce the sting from the pitcher's throw

• Reinforced to withstand the heavy use throughout a game

First base Glove

• Also resembles a catcher's mitt but it has less padding. 

• It is longer to help the first baseman field throws from infielders

• A shallow pocket allows the first baseman to quickly retrieve the ball from the mitt
   

Infield Glove

• A five-fingered glove with a shallow pocket

• A youth size is between 9 - 11 inches

• Adults 10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inch is the typical baseball size

• Softball infielder gloves have a deeper pocket to accept the bigger ball

• Second basemen need a smaller glove to help make those quick throws while still having control

• Shortstops use something in the middle for grounders and quick throws

• Third basemen need a larger glove
   

Outfield Glove

• Usually sized at 12 to12 1/2-inches for adults, about 11 inches for children

• A deeper pocket to handle balls hit high in the air

• Longer length to give as much reach as possible

Multi-Positions Glove

• If you plan to play several positions, find a glove that provides the most control for a variety of outfield positions.

Find the features that fit your game

Gloves have different features built-in to help your game and to suit your ability. Listed below are some key features to consider when purchasing a glove

 Baseball Glove Construction

• Pocket

  • The size of the pocket depends on your position

  • Shallow pockets really help middle infielders quickly grab the ball and throw

  • Deeper pockets help outfielders shag down fly balls

  • Softer players also need a bigger pocket to catch the bigger ball

• Webbing

  • Different styles of webbing are available to either help you better field your position or to fit your preference

  • A closed web is preferred for pitchers who want to hide the ball from the batter

  • Outfielders and third basemen like the extra support from a closed web

  • An open web helps middle infielders get the ball out of their gloves quicker to make throws

• Backs

  • There are two choices open or closed

  • The type of back selected is a matter of personal preference

  •  Some styles fit some positions better for instance the open back leaves a space open across the glove's back and middle infielders prefer this for the flexibility.  Outfielders prefer a closed back with a "finger hole" for extra support.

• Wrist adjustment

  • Gloves come with an adjustment to keep it snug. Not all gloves have these "fit systems."

  • A D-ring fastener allows you to pull on the lacing and make the glove tighter or looser

  • A Velcro fastener offers convenience of pulling and adjusting to fit your comfort level

• Padding

  • The amount of padding in the pocket depends on the position played

  • The catcher's mitt has more padding to handle hard throws from a pitcher

  • Glove makers have been adding more padding for other positions as well to help players handle the sting of hard-hit balls.

  • There also may be padding in the wrist area to make the glove more comfortable
     

Baseball Glove Materials

Gloves come in a variety of materials, with the difference being in the feel and durability.

• Leather

  • Material of choice for gloves

  • Leather offers the best comfort, control and feel

  • The better the leather, the better the glove

• Treated leather

  • Leather is treated and softened with chemicals for faster break-in and increased durability

  • Treated leather also reduces the care needed for the glove and helps the glove keep its shape

• Plastic and synthetic materials

  • A lighter, less-durable material, plastic and synthetics

  • Less expensive, good for youngsters

  • Won't withstand the wear and tear of playing ball nearly as well as leather
     

Suit the glove to your ability

Your baseball glove should fit your game, the position you play and your playing time and ability. There are a few simple steps to take:

• Find the glove that suits your fielding position

• If you play a ton of ball, invest in a durable, good quality glove

• If you're just starting out, you may want to invest in a midrange glove and upgrade once you start playing more

Fit the glove to your hand

Although age is also a factor, the position you play is the most important consideration in choosing a baseball glove.

Youngsters/Beginners

• Youth models are smaller to help kids maintain control

• Avoid the urge to buy a bigger glove that you'll grow into

• Kids under the age of 8 should stick with a glove from 9 to 11 inches

• Kids from 8 to early teens, consider an 11-inch glove

• Beginners also benefit from the added control that they get from smaller gloves
   

 High School/ Adult

• Outfielders need 12 to 12 1/2 inch gloves with deeper pockets

• Infielders need smaller gloves (10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inch) with shallower pockets for better control and quicker ball transfer

• Pitchers can go with a slightly larger glove than infielders but still need a small enough glove for fielding and throwing quickly