Baseball gloves are an essential piece of equipment for any player— the right glove can help you be a better player and have more fun. However, it's important to know what to look for when choosing one. Let's get started.
What Are the Different Web Designs of Baseball Gloves?
The major difference between baseball gloves is their webbing design. The webbing refers to the area between the thumb and index finger in a baseball glove that helps you catch the baseball rather than let it fall through. There are four different types of webbing designs in baseball gloves: closed, basket, dual post, and I-web.
Closed
This type of baseball glove allows for less movement, and baseballs are less likely to get stuck in this type of glove than other webbings. This baseball glove is typically used for outfielders and catchers.
Basket
This type of baseball glove is designed with horizontal stripes that run across the baseball glove, providing more flexibility when catching baseballs. They are often used by infielders.
Dual post
Baseball gloves with dual post webbings have two string-like pieces of material between the thumb and index finger, making it difficult for balls to get through this type of webbing design. They are very popular among baseball players as it helps to catch baseballs with a lot of ease.
I-web
The I-web baseball gloves design is very similar to the dual post-baseball glove design; they both have two pieces of string-like material attached between the index finger and thumb. However, there is no gap in the webbing; rather, it's completely connected, making it difficult for balls to get through. They are most commonly used by outfielders and third basemen because they receive more fly balls than ground balls.
How Do You Choose a Perfectly-Fitted Baseball Glove?
Material
Baseball gloves are available in a variety of materials, from leather to synthetic. Leather baseball gloves are more expensive than baseball gloves made from synthetic materials, but they give you a better grip and also protect your palm from some injuries. Just focus on leather baseball gloves— anything else just won't provide you with much-needed protection or functionality.
Size and Fit
With baseball gloves, fit and size are everything. Obviously, you want baseball gloves to fit you well, but they must be the right size for your hand. A baseball glove that is too small will obviously be difficult to use; a baseball glove that is too big may not only feel uncomfortable but also hinder your performance in baseball. This is why it is important to get a perfectly-fitting glove. Later in this guide, we will tell you how to pick the right size glove according to your needs.
Webbing
As we have discussed above, there are different web designs available. Although all these webbings provide unique benefits, you should select your baseball glove based on how you plan to play baseball. For example, if you are an infielder, it would be much more beneficial to have baseball gloves with basket webbings because they offer more flexibility than any other design. Some players prefer gloves without webbing between the thumb and forefinger on the left hand for more flexibility. So choosing the gloves with webbing or without webbing is totally up to you.
Position
Every position has its nuances and skillsets, so find out your role before deciding on a glove. For pitchers and catchers, it's better to get a lighter, thinner glove but with a lot of padding that enhances the grip and helps you handle the ball. However, you might need a stronger glove as an outfielder. If you're unsure of your position, go ahead and play in each position during practice to see which one feels the most comfortable. If it doesn't help, ask someone who plays at your level for help.
Wrist Adjustments
Different baseball gloves come with different wrist adjustments, which help give the person wearing them a better grip. There are two types of wrist adjustments: hook and loop closures and Velcro closures.
Hook and loop closures consist of laces that criss-cross each other on the backside or underside of your baseball glove that will go around your wrist.
On the other hand, Velcro closures are strips of Velcro sewn on either side, which you can use to tighten baseball gloves around your wrist. You should choose the one that is easy to adjust and doesn't hinder your playing ability.
Brand
The brand of baseball gloves for baseball players is also a key factor to consider before buying baseball gloves. It is important to buy baseball gloves from baseball equipment manufacturers like Mizuno or Wilson, ensuring quality and craftsmanship. However, this will likely increase the cost.
How to Pick the Right Size of Baseball Glove
The baseball gloves come in all sizes. It depends on where you position yourself in baseball; the infielder's baseball gloves are much smaller than the outfielder's gloves.
To correctly measure for baseball gloves, hold your hand out palm up and measure from the base of the index finger to the bottom edge of the baseball glove; this will typically be 11 inches or more depending on how big your hand is.
If you have a smaller hand, an 11-inch baseball glove is sufficient but if you have a larger hand than average, try for at least 12-12.75 inches.
How Much Do Baseball Gloves Cost?
The price range of a baseball glove typically goes from $25 for an affordable beginner model to $300 for an elite model that is customized to your hand size, skillset, and preferences. For many professional players who spend thousands each year on equipment, gloves are an investment instead of a purchase. You should look at your budget and decide accordingly.
Baseball Glove FAQ
Q: Is there any difference between baseball mitts and gloves?
A. The terms baseball mitt and glove are often used interchangeably, but these two pieces of equipment do have some differences. Baseball gloves are smaller and more compact, whereas baseball mitts are larger to handle the size of a baseball.
Q: Is it safe to play baseball without a glove?
A. Playing baseball without gloves is dangerous. Baseball players use gloves to protect their hands and enhance catching, throwing, and fielding ability. So, it is recommended to wear gloves to stay safe during the game.
Q: Which size of baseball glove is best for teens?
A. Baseball gloves for teens are typically smaller than adult baseball gloves because teens need a glove that is proportionate to their size. Try getting 11.5-12 inches gloves for kids between 12-14 years.