How to Choose a Baseball Glove

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By kskaggs
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Gloves have changed

Take a look at the picture of baseball gloves from the past and you will have to agree with me that baseball gloves are now more sophisticated and advanced. There are now a variety of decisions to make when choosing a proper ball glove. The decisions you will be facing will depend on whether your child is just starting baseball or whether they are older and more advanced. If a child does not have the correct size glove made with the right material for the right position, they will not perform well. If a child does not perform well, it is likely that they will become embarrassed and their baseball career will be a short time adventure as they will want to quit. Some of the things you will be considering when buying a baseball glove or mitt are: right hand or left hand; materials: synthetic or leather;glove measurement or size of hand and glove; position: beginner or advanced youth, catcher, first base, infielder, outfielder; and of course price, durability, and comfort. Just remember: If your child's glove does not "fit like a glove" it will not respond like one. It is up to us as good parents to make sure our children or teenagers have what is necessary for the sport that we expect them to play.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Internet for search
Time
Money
Your child's hand size
Local Rules and Regulations

Step 1

Glove Measurement

Sizes of Gloves:
Youth Baseball Glove = 8 to 12"
Adult Baseball Gloves = 10.5 to 13"
Professional Baseball Gloves = no more than 12"
Step 2

Youth Baseball

Youth Baseball: (8 to 12") When shopping for a little leaguer consider their growth and inexperience. Find a glove that fits well. Don't pick a glove that your child will "grow into". The proper size glove will help your child learn his/her position properly. Children this age rotate positions and do not need special gloves for specific positions. Just keep in mind that a stiff, over-sized glove will lead to inconsistent playing and poor fielding.

*Youth sized gloves are smaller to help kids maintain control
*Beginners benefit from the added control they get from a smaller glove
*Kids under the age of 8 will need a 9-11" glove.
*For kids 8 to early teens you should consider an 11" glove.
Step 3

Advance Youth

Advanced Youth / Early Teens (Usually 9-13 years of age): Once your child is in more advanced baseball where they know what position they will be playing you can buy them a glove that will be beneficial for their position:

* Infield: 9 to 10" glove
*Outfield: 11 - 12" glove
Step 4

Catchers Mitt

If your child is older and more advanced or if they are a teenager you will probably be searching for a baseball glove that is beneficial to the child's position. Following are the different gloves and what to expect:

Catchers Mitt:
Catchers Mitts / Gloves are called mitts because they lack individual fingers. They have extra padding and a claw like shape that provides a good target for pitchers. The size of a catcher's mitts, unlike the size of other gloves, is measured around the circumference, and will typically be 32- to 34-inch around.
Step 5

First Base Mitt

First Base Glove (Mitt):
First baseman' s mitts / gloves also lack individual fingers. They are similar to the catchers mitt, but have less padding, shallower pockets, and a longer reach. The extra length enables first basemen to "pick up or scoop" badly thrown balls from infielders. These mitts usually are 12.5 - to 12.75" and they are measured from the wrist to the top tip of the glove.
Step 6

Infielder Glove

Infielder Glove:
Unlike the first baseman' s mitts, the infielder gloves have five fingers and tend to be shorter and smaller. They have shallow pockets to allow the fielders to easily remove the ball from their glove to make a quick throw to a base. Often the webbing will be open to allow dirt to move through the glove so that the infielder does not pull out a handful of dirt when trying to remove the ball from the glove. Infielder's gloves typically have 11- to 12-inch patterns, measured from wrist to the top tip of the glove. This glove is made for the second baseman, short stop, and third baseman.
Step 7

Pitcher Glove

Pitchers Glove:
The pitcher' s gloves is similar in size and shape to the infielder glove, but usually have a closed, opaque webbing to allow them to conceal their grip on the ball, which determines the behavior of the pitch from the batter. Measurements are the same as the infielder glove.
Step 8

Outfielder Glove

Outfielder Glove:
Outfielder' s gloves are five fingered and are usually quite long with deep pockets, to help with both catching fly balls on the run or in a dive. They also keep outfielders from having to bend down as far to field a ground ball. These gloves typically have 12 to 12.75-inch lengths, measured from wrist to the top tip of the glove.
Step 9

Glove Materials

Baseball Glove Materials:

Synthetic Glove:
This material is man-made and is usually plastic. Although these gloves are inexpensive, they will not withstand the wear and tear of playing ball nearly as well as leather. They are stiff, awkward, and uncomfortable.

Top Grain Leather Gloves:
This material is standard leather used in most gloves. This mid-range leather comes from the top of the animal and is thinner than full grain. It sometimes comes pre-oiled.

Premium Steer-Hide Gloves:
High-grade stiff, heavy, and durable leather of lesser quality than full grain and requires a lengthy break in and sometimes comes pre-oiled.

Full Grain Leather Glove:
A heavy, high grade steer or cowhide leather featuring a high percentage of original animal hide. It has not been excessively buffed and requires a lengthy break in.

Treated Leather:
This is the best material for gloves although it is expensive. This leather is treated and softened for faster break-in and has increased durability. Since the leather is treated it does not need as much care and the glove is more apt to keep its shape.
Step 10

A Happy Child

Search the internet to see what types of gloves are available and what prices to expect before you go shopping for a glove. Take your child with you to get the best fit. Remember if you take the time to buy the correct glove, your child will be able to relax, have fun, and be more confident. A good glove = a happy child = a baseball player instead of a quitter.

Comments

goldiec said

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on 3/10/2009 I have two little ones that play baseballevery summer. They love it. Thanks for sharing 5*

goodselfme said

on 3/3/2009 Great post. Wonderful information on baseball gloves.TX

pinchy said

on 2/28/2009 excellent information, i am really glad to see this article. i am saving this for when my youngest gets old enough to play. he loves baseball (he has a spongebob squarepants baseball glove now! too cute!) all the best, pinchy http://www.DearPennyPinchingMom.blogspot.com