How to Buy The Right Baseball Glove

Find out how to choose the perfect glove for your position.

The Anatomy of Your Glove

Web or Pocket: Connects the fingers and thumb for control of the ball on impact. Features a tightly woven piece of leather that allows fielders to close their hand on the ball to maintain possession. Most fly balls, pop-ups and line drives are caught in the web or pocket.

Palm: Padding beneath the leather offers impact protection.

Heel: The lower portion of the glove on the palm side. Provides protection and determines the break of your glove.

Lacing: Provides shape to the glove. Leather is the preferred lacing material, allowing laces to break in as the glove does.

Hinge: Allows the glove to open and close easily.

Wrist Adjustment: An optional feature that allows for an adjustment. Common in youth baseball, fastpitch and slow pitch softball. Includes D-ring fasteners, Velcro&reg; fasteners and buckle systems.

Pro Series leather is the highest quality leather, offering the elite player unparalleled craftsmanship, durability and comfort.

Fit, Feel & Style

Although selecting the correct glove for your specific needs depends on two critical factors, your age and field position, it also depends on your personal preferences. The following are simple guidelines to follow:

Fit: Choose a glove that fits snugly. Do not to purchase a glove too big for your hand, as it could hinder player performance.

Feel: Your glove should be stiff enough to give strength, yet offer the flexibility to provide control and quick response.

Style: Choose a look and color that fits you.

Finding A Glove For Your Position

To achieve your ultimate potential, choose a baseball glove that’s appropriate for your position on the field. Here are a few things to look for:

Catchers should use a fingerless mitt with heavy padding to reduce the sting from the pitcher’s throw. A claw-like shape helps properly catch the pitch. This special design also helps to provide a target for the pitcher.

The pitcher’s glove often has closed webbing to better conceal the ball.

First basemen use a long, wide glove to scoop up grounders from the dirt. A longer construction helps the first basemen field throws from infielders. A shallow pocket allows them to quickly retrieve the ball.

Infielders use a five-fingered glove with a shallow pocket for a quick throw to the necessary base.