How to Buy Your Child's First Baseball Glove

A mistake here could turn your potential Big Leaguer into a literature professor. Scary. Better to do a little research and get the correct glove. Gloves made from synthetic material are cheaper than leather ones and, although not as durable, can be a good starter mitt.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Ask your child's coach or manager for advice, if possible. Don't be shy about specifying your budget. Sports expenses add up quickly, and parents need to be careful.

2. Buy the smallest glove on the rack for a very young player (under 7 years old). These gloves usually measure 9 inches (23 cm) from the bottom of the palm to the tip of the longest finger and cost about $20. Softer gloves are also preferable for youngsters. Keep in mind that many kids resist using child-size equipment because they want to look like adult players. Avoid drawing attention to the fact that your child is using a smaller glove.

3. Go up to the next size increment, an 11-inch (28-cm) glove, for larger kids. If yours is a serious player, the glove will likely see several years of use if maintained well. Consider paying more for a higher-quality leather glove. It's best to take your child with you when selecting it. The glove should feel good and your child should like it. A basic 11-inch glove is about $45. Higher-end gloves can cost $100 or more.

4. Avoid buying a specialized glove such as a catcher's mitt unless the coach requires it. Your child will probably play a variety of positions, and an all-around glove will be the most useful.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to surprise your child with a special gift, look for a suitable glove endorsed by a favorite player.
• The best way to break in a glove is to use it a lot. To speed things up, try putting a ball in the pocket and wrapping a strong rubber band around the outside of the glove. Let it sit overnight.
• Glove oil can extend the life of a glove.

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[tmbrguy]

on 11/13/2007 -Keeping the gloves small is always preferred as it allows the player to manipulate the glove not adjust to it.
-Glove oil should be used sparingly, you would not rub 1/2" of vaseline on your skin, so there is no reason to soak an animal skin.
-For glove break in, make sure to crease the glove before binding in a baseball overnight. The ball only trick will only develop about 40% of the available pocket and result in flap-jack performance which leads to the ball popping out.
-Open web gloves are best for younger players as they can see through the webbing and keep their eye on the ball longer.