Why Wear Baseball Gloves & Mitts?
Baseball Gloves & Mitts are the piece of your baseball gear that catches and fields the ball. The right fit, webbing and materials depend on where you play, from the infield to the outfield.
What Can You Find in Baseball Glove Styles?
The selection is organized by position, because each spot on the field asks something different of the pocket, the webbing and the length. These are fielding gloves, a different item from baseball batting gloves, which add grip at the plate.
- Pitcher's glove: Lightweight with closed webbing, which hides the pitcher's grip from the batter while keeping the glove quick to handle.
- Infielder's glove: A smaller glove with a shallower, more open pocket to get the ball out quickly.
- Outfielder's glove: A longer glove with a deep pocket for fly balls and diving catches, often with a modified trapeze or "H" web.
- First base mitt: First base sees plenty of hard catches, so the mitt adds more padding, and the longer length and added flexibility help the first baseman scoop up throws.
- Catcher's mitt: Closed webbing, a more rounded shape and extra padding for those fastballs.
Gloves and mitts for each position and skill level come from brands such as Rawlings, Wilson and Mizuno, alongside Under Armour, Easton and Franklin.
How to Pick the Right Baseball Glove
Start with the position and the sport, since softball gloves and mitts are a separate choice, then match the size, the leather and the feel to the player.
- Size: Match the glove length to the player's age and position, from a first Little League glove to a mitt for a seasoned player at a set position. Sizing can vary from one model to the next, so check the Hibbett size chart before you order.
- Leather: Many gloves are made of heavy leather, and some add moisture-wicking wrist linings for comfort during long games.
- Break-in: A fresh leather glove is conditioned and shaped following the manufacturer's care instructions until it closes the way you want. Some recreational gloves come pre-broken-in, which suits younger players and anyone who wants to play right away.
- Throwing hand: A right-handed thrower wears the glove on the left hand, and a left-handed thrower wears it on the right, so pick the glove for the hand that catches.
- Feel: Compare a few models on how the glove feels when it closes around the ball, since that is the feel you will play with.
Baseball Gloves & Mitts Key Terms
- Pocket - The area of the glove where the ball lands; shallow for infield, deeper for outfield.
- Webbing - The laced panel between the thumb and index finger; a closed web hides a pitcher's grip.
- Mitt - A glove without separate fingers, used by catchers and first basemen; league rules set where mitts are allowed.
- Break-in - Working a new leather glove until it closes around the ball on its own.
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Baseball Gloves & Mitts FAQs
What Size Baseball Glove Do You Need?
It depends on age and position. Youth gloves run smaller than adult gloves, outfield gloves are usually longer than infield gloves, and catcher's mitts are measured around the circumference instead of by length, so check the brand's size chart for the exact glove.
How Does a Softball Glove Differ From a Baseball Glove?
A softball is bigger than a baseball, so softball gloves are generally made with a larger pocket to secure it. Pick the glove made for your sport before buying, since a glove sized for one ball may not suit the other.
What Does "2 in the Pinky" Mean on Baseball Gloves & Mitts?
It describes a hand position where the ring finger and the pinky share the glove's pinky slot. Some players use it to close the glove with more control, but it is a personal preference, so try both ways when you play catch.
How Do You Clean a Leather Baseball Glove?
Brush off dirt and dust after each use and wipe the leather with a soft, dry cloth. Condition the leather following the manufacturer's care instructions when it starts to feel dry, and let a wet glove air dry naturally, away from direct heat.
