How to Choose a Youth Baseball Glove

Youth baseball gloves are easy to buy.

Youth baseball gloves are made in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is important to make a few considerations prior to your purchase in order to get a glove suitable for the child who will be using it.

Instructions

1. Determine what position the child will be playing. Different gloves are made for the various fielding positions. First base and catcher gloves vary in shape and size from the infield and outfield gloves. Very young children typically will not have a set position, so a standard glove would be sufficient for those playing tee ball.

2. Create a budget before shopping for a youth baseball glove. Gloves can range in price from $10 to $200, or sometimes more, so you should consider the price you want to spend prior to looking. How much you pay can determine the quality of the glove you purchase, as more expensive gloves tend to last longer. Small children tend to outgrow gloves faster than older children and teenagers. Keep this in mind when making your investment.

3. Select a glove that fits comfortably on the child's hand. It should fit snugly without being too tight or slipping off. Most youth gloves run 9 to 11 inches. On average, a 9-inch glove will fit an 8-year-old child. This is just a recommendation, as your child's hand my be smaller or larger than average.

4. Try the baseball glove on the child while in the store. This is the best way to know if the glove fits his hand well. Try on several materials and styles before choosing the best one for the youth.

Tips & Warnings

• Break in the glove after you purchase it. This will make it easier for the child to open and close it to catch the ball. To break in a glove, purchase glove-conditioning oil. Rub the oil into the glove. Place a baseball inside the pocket. Tie the glove together around the ball with a strong piece of string. Repeat this process once a day until the glove can be easily opened and closed.

• Avoid buying a glove that is too big in hopes the child will grow into it. The glove must fit properly in order for the youth to use it effectively.

References

• Choosing a Baseball Glove