How to Correctly Size a Baseball Mitt

A baseball mitt is used in the field during the game of baseball. Mitts come in different sizes, and this will depend on the position one wishes to play and one's age.

Things You'll Need

• Baseball glove
• Baseballs
• Glove oil
• Tub of water
• Towel

Instructions

Types of baseball gloves

1. Baseball gloves generally fall into three categories: Infield gloves, outfield gloves, and catcher's mitts. Infielder's gloves are smaller and typically have a shallow pocket, which allows an infielder to quickly take the ball out of the glove without the ball getting stuck. An outfielder's glove will be bigger with a deeper pocket, so as to easily catch fly balls. A catcher's mitt has a standard size, closed web, lots of padding, and circular shape. A specialty first baseman's glove is like an outfielder's glove, but with a shallower pocket than outfielder's gloves, in order to retrieve the ball more quickly.

2. Pick a size glove that is appropriate to the age of the player. Gloves get bigger as one grows from a child into an adult. A glove for a child under 8 years old is 9 inches for an infielder's glove and 11 inches for an outfielder's glove. A glove for a child between age 8-13 are 9-10 inches for an infielder's glove, and 11-12 inches for an outfielder's glove. A glove for a person of high school age or adult age is 10.5 to 11.5 inches for an infield glove, and 12 to 12.5 inches for an outfielder's glove.

3. Once you have determined the age-appropriate size of the glove and position you wish to play, try a new glove on. It should fit snugly on the hand, with no loose movement, but not so tight as to squeeze the hand.

4. A new baseball glove will be hard when it is new, and must be broken in. It is a good idea to soften the leather with glove oil. Using the glove will also break it in. Baseball gloves tend to get better with age, and can be used for many years.

5. You also want to form the pocket in the glove. To do this, put a baseball (or multiple balls) in the new glove where you wish the pocket to be. Put rubber bands around the glove to hold the balls in place. Dip the glove in water, then hang the glove up overnight, or for a few days. The glove will form to this position, and the pocket will form where the balls are.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't know which position you or your child wish to play, get two gloves. If you can only get one, get an infielder's glove, which will help to train you or your child to not become dependent on the bigger glove.

References

• How to Buy a Basbeall Glove