How To Buy A Baseball Glove
Gloves, like the hands they fit, come in a variety of
sizes. Baseball and softball 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 your game.
Gloves by Fielding Position
Gloves are made to better help you field your position. A
key element in determining the size mitt you buy is the
position you play in the field.
Catcher
- A fingerless mitt (it does not have individual fingers)
- Has heavy padding to reduce the sting from the pitcher's
throw
- Reinforced to withstand the heavy use throughout a game
First base
- Also resembles a mitten, but has less padding than the
catcher's mitt
- 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
- 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
- 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
- If you plan to play several positions, find a glove that
provides the most control for a variety of outfield
positions
Softball gloves
- Generally larger both in the pocket and length to help
players handle the larger ball
- If you play both baseball and softball, and you only
want to buy one glove, select a softball glove
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Find the Features that Fit Your Game
Today's gloves have different features built-in to help
your game and to suit your ability. Here are the key features
constructed into gloves and what to consider in finding the
glove that suits you.
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
- Softball 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 of backs, open or closed
- The type of back is matter of personal preference, but
some styles fit some positions better
- The open back leaves a space open across the glove's
back
- 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 although it
may wear quicker, offers convenience of pulling and
adjusting to fit your comfort level
- A Lacing adjustment allows you
to loosen or tighten the wrist fastener with leather
laces.
- A Buckle system adjusts the
glove with a buckle similar to an adjustable hat
- 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
Materials
Gloves come in a variety of materials, with the difference
being in the feel and durability.
- Leather
- Materials 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
- Synthetic materials
- A lighter, less-durable material
- Less expensive, good for youngsters
- Won't withstand the wear and tear of playing ball
nearly as well as leather
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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 or
softball 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
- Softball players require gloves that are slightly longer
in length and deeper in the pocket to help field the bigger
ball
Determining Your Glove Size
| Age |
Position |
Glove size |
| Under 8 |
Infield |
9 inches |
| Under 8 |
Outfield |
11 inches |
| 9-13 |
Infield |
9-10 inches |
| 9-13 |
Outfield |
11-12 inches |
| High School/Adult |
Infield |
10 1/2-11 1/2 inches |
| High School/Adult |
Outfield |
12-12 1/2
inches |
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Buying a Ball
Balls come in different sizes, materials and hardness.
- Most baseballs are 9 inches in circumference
- Leagues for under-10 year old players may use a slightly
larger ball
- Softballs typically are 12 inches in circumference,
while some women's and youth leagues usually an 11 inch ball
Materials
Balls are manufactured out of leather or synthetic leather.
There are also safety balls for younger players.
- Leather is used in the Major Leagues and other
upper-level leagues
- Synthetic leather is used primarily for balls in the
Little League age group and younger
- "Safety balls" are engineered to play like a real ball
without the sting of a hard ball. Known as "Reduced Injury
Factor" or RIF balls, they roll and bounce like their harder
cousins, but don't hurt as much if the player gets hit.
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