In the world of baseball and softball, a fielding glove is an essential tool for success on the field. Whether you’re making a diving catch in the outfield or stopping a line drive down the third base line, having the right glove can make all the difference. But with so many different sizes and materials available, how do you know which glove is right for you? In this guide, we will break down the factors to consider when selecting a glove and provide sizing charts for baseball, fastpitch softball, and slowpitch softball gloves.

Baseball Gloves Sizing Chart by Position and Age

Before we delve into the specifics, let’s take a look at a sizing chart to give you a general idea of the glove size you should be aiming for based on your age and position:

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Fastpitch Softball Glove Sizing Chart by Position and Age

For those playing fastpitch softball, here’s a sizing chart specifically tailored to your needs:

Slowpitch Softball Glove Sizing Chart by Position

For slowpitch softball players, here’s a sizing chart to help you find the right glove for your position:

Measuring a Baseball/Softball Glove Properly

Now that you know what size glove you should be aiming for, let’s discuss how to measure a glove properly.

To find out the length of the glove, check the thumb or pinky finger area. You should see the size etched in the leather there, ranging from 8 to 15 inches for regular gloves and up to 35 inches for catcher’s mitts. If your glove does not have a size indication, you can use a fabric tape measure to measure from the top of the index finger, down along the glove, to the center of the heel.

Now that you know how to measure your glove, you can use that measurement and refer to our sizing charts to determine the appropriate size for your position and age group. If you’re looking for sizing guidance for youth baseball gloves, you can follow the same charts listed above.

Understanding the Parts of a Baseball/Softball Glove

Before we move on, let’s familiarize ourselves with the different components of a baseball or softball glove:

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   Webbing: The webbing connects the thumb of the glove to the fingers and aids in catching balls securely. There are various styles and sizes of glove webs, depending on personal preference and position.

2. Fingers: The fingers of a glove are typically the same in most gloves, but the length may vary to cater to different player preferences and positions.

3. Palm: The palm, also known as the pocket, works in tandem with the webbing to secure the ball in the glove after a catch. It also provides padding to reduce stings when catching balls in the palm area.

4. Heel: The heel of the glove, located below the palm, provides structure and padding to the lower part of the hand and upper wrist. It is usually the stiffest part of a new glove.

Guidelines for Selecting a Glove

When purchasing a glove, it’s important to consider a few key factors:

Pocket Size

The size of the pocket you choose will depend on the position you play. Outfielder’s gloves typically have a larger pocket to facilitate catching fly balls, while middle infielders (such as shortstops and second basemen) often prefer a shallower pocket that allows for quicker ball transfers on double plays.

Webbing

The webbing of a glove plays a crucial role in the player’s control and visibility. Different positions require different types of webbing. For example, infielders may prefer a looser stitch webbing that allows for quicker ball release, while outfielders often opt for open webbing to shield their eyes from the sun. There are various types of webbing, including closed/basket web, H-web, I-web, trapeze web, modified trapeze web, and two-piece closed web.

Padding

The amount of padding on a glove depends on the position. Catcher’s mitts, for instance, feature extra padding to protect against hard throws from pitchers. First and third basemen may also require additional padding. Additionally, wrist padding has become increasingly popular, especially for corner infield positions.

Wrist Adjustments

Some gloves come with wrist adjustments that allow players to achieve a snug fit. These adjustments can be in the form of Velcro straps, buckle systems, laces, or D-ring fasteners, making it easier to put on and take off the glove.

Material

Gloves can be made from various materials, including leather, synthetic materials, mesh, and treated leather. Leather is the preferred choice for most players due to its durability and comfort. Treated leather gloves are also popular as they are pre-conditioned with oils for a quicker break-in period. Younger players may opt for synthetic gloves, which are lighter and more affordable.

Baseball Glove Web Design Chart by Position

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Here’s a handy chart that shows the recommended webbing for each position:

Fastpitch Softball Glove Web Design Chart by Position

For fastpitch softball players, the recommended webbing varies slightly:

Youth vs. Adult Gloves

Youth gloves are specifically designed for younger players with smaller hands. They are typically more affordable than adult gloves and easier to close. Youth gloves have smaller, narrower fingers and should be used for players under 10 years old. They can potentially be used up to age 12, but beyond that, players should transition to adult gloves. To fit an adult glove onto a younger player’s hand, the back of the wrist can be tightened with a Velcro strap or through re-lacing for baseball gloves.

Differences Between Gloves by Position

It’s important to note that different positions require different glove styles and designs. Let’s take a closer look at the variations:

Catcher’s Mitts

Catcher’s mitts, also known as catcher’s gloves, do not have separately cut fingers like other gloves. They are specially designed to withstand constant use and provide protection from fastballs. Catcher’s mitts tend to be very stiff initially and require a break-in period. It’s common for catchers to buy a replacement mitt in advance to allow for ample break-in time. Catcher’s mitts have closed pockets and are measured based on circumference rather than length, ranging from 29.5 to 34.5 inches for baseball and 29.5 to 35 inches for fastpitch softball.

First Basemen’s Gloves

First basemen’s gloves are similar to catcher’s mitts in terms of design but are longer and have less padding. They are primarily used for scooping throws out of the dirt and feature open web designs for deeper and lighter pockets. The typical size range for both baseball and fastpitch softball first basemen’s gloves is 11.5 to 13 inches.

Pitcher’s Gloves

Pitcher’s gloves are lighter and less padded than other gloves. They offer comfort and flexibility to accommodate grip variations and hide hand movements from batters. Pitchers should prioritize comfort when selecting a glove, as they will be frequently catching and may need to stop line drives hit back through the middle.

Infield Gloves

Infield gloves are typically smaller and shallower to allow for quick ball transfers during double plays. Infielders generally prefer open pockets for easy ball release. The size range for baseball infield gloves is 11.25 to 12 inches, while fastpitch softball infield gloves range from 11.5 to 12.5 inches.

Outfield Gloves

Outfield gloves are larger to facilitate catching fly balls and making diving plays. They feature deeper pockets and extra finger support. Baseball outfield gloves typically have open pockets, while fastpitch softball outfield gloves may have closed pockets due to the larger ball size. The typical size range for baseball outfield gloves is 9 to 15 inches, and for fastpitch softball, it is 9 to 15 inches.

Conclusion

Selecting the right size and style of glove is crucial for any baseball or softball player. By using the sizing charts provided, measuring your glove correctly, and considering factors such as pocket size, webbing, padding, and materials, you can ensure that you have the perfect glove for your position and age group. Don’t forget to check out our recommendations for web designs and explore Baseball Monkey’s wide selection of gloves. With the right glove, you’ll be ready to make those game-changing plays on the field.

Source: https://t-tees.com
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