Greatest Guide to Choosing the Perfect Baseball Glove

Despite what some may think, there is a difference in softball & baseball gloves. A lot of things are similar, but there are subtle differences. So here is another great guide for finding the best baseball glove. Enjoy!

How to Measure a Glove


Baseball gloves are measured by starting at the top of the index finger of the glove and measuring down the finger, along the inside of the pocket and then out to the heel of the glove. Use a flexible tape and allow it to "lay" in the pocket as you measure. For first base mitts (which have no fingers) simply measure from the highest point on the mitt in the same fashion as a fielders glove. All gloves are referenced for size by inches. Typically baseball gloves have a range from 9 inches (youth starter size) to 12.75 inches for adult outfield play. Catchers mitt sizes while expressed in inches are measured by circumference. Typically a baseball catchers mitt will measure in circumference from 30 inches (youth size) up to 34.5 inches with .5 inch incremental sizes in this range.

Glove Quality


The highest quality gloves are usually made of heavy leather that will need some time to break-in, provide a "snug" fit on your hand right "off the shelf" and typically do not have palm pads or VELCRO® brand adjustable wrist straps which are excellent features to have if one is buying a youth or recreational type glove.


* Top-grain and generally will be imprinted by the manufacturer on your glove. These are typically heavier gloves requiring a longer break in time and are used almost exclusively in "top of the line" gloves.


* Kip leather (Kipskin) has recently started being used by some glove manufacturer's in some of their high end gloves. Kip leather (Kipskin) hide is from younger cattle producing a softer leather easier to break-in. Whether durability is the same as with traditional hides remains to be seen. The next grade is Premium Steer Hide which tends to produce a stiff glove with a longer break-in time and is sometimes pre-oiled to reduce this time. Next is

* Cow Hide which is usually medium weight, produces a wide range of quality, breaks in faster and wears out faster than steer hide. This grade usually comes pre-oiled or treated to reduce break-in time.This is an excellent grade for a youth glove ages 10 and up.


* Kangaroo Skin, a newcomer to the baseball glove market, is being used by some manufacturer's. While stronger and lighter than steer hide its too early to tell how good an investment gloves made of Kangaroo are.


* Pigskin, which is far less durable than cowhide. It does however, break in far quicker and easier than cowhide. Gloves made of Pigskin are inexpensive and are great for younger players who will grow out of their glove in a season.

Baseball gloves are also available in a variety of synthetic materials which produce a lighter glove requiring little if any break-in, are less expensive than leather and can be a good choice for a youngster's "starter" glove. The downside of these gloves is they are considerably less-durable than leather and simply will not withstand the wear and tear leather will.

Gloves vs Mitts


The main difference between gloves and mitts is that gloves have fingers and mitts don't. Mitts tend to do a better job of controlling balls that don't hit in the pocket and can aid scooping ground balls and short hops. 1st base and catcher are the only positions which use mitts.

Youth Gloves


Perhaps the most important point in this section is to avoid the temptation to buy a glove that is to "large" for the person using it with the thought in mind "they will grow into it". What will actually happen is the player will get discouraged and want to quit after the glove falls off his hand a couple of times or you'll get discouraged and either go buy another glove the right size or wonder why "little Johnny" can't keep his glove on like the rest of the guys. Either way its a lose-lose proposition. Buy the right size the first time and avoid needless pain.

First Base Mitts


Most first base mitts are designed for baseball use and measure between 12 and 13 inches. First base mitts usually have a thin but stiff pad that runs around the circumference of the mitt with little or no padding in the palm or finger area. First base mitts made specifically for youth players generally will measure 11 to 11.5 inches.

Catcher's Mitts


Baseball catcher's mitts usually have a thick pad around the circumference of the mitt with thick padding in the finger area and less padding in the palm area. The pocket in a modern catchers mitt is somewhat larger but more shallow than it used to be with the modern catchers glove being more flexible and evolving towards a first base mitt look alike as the quickness of the ball to hand transfer for a catcher is critical. Catchers mitts range in circumference from 31 inches to 34 inches with .5 inch incremental sizes in this range. Youth catcher mitts most typically are in the 31 to 32 inch range and if made specfically for youth players will have a smaller hand opening and finger stalls with some type of wrist adjustment.

Open vs Closed Web


* Open Web: Ideal for quickly getting the ball out of the glove. Thus, it's usually the choice of middle infielders, first basemen and even outfielders.


* Closed Web: Provides more support & ball coverage. Typically used by pitchers, third basemen and most outfielders.

Conventional or Open Back vs Closed Back


* Conventional back gloves leave a space open across the back of the glove and usually are a bit lighter.


* Some closed back gloves have a wrist adjustment so you can designate how tight or loose your glove fits.


* Conventional or Open back: Infielders & catchers are drawn to the flexibility of the conventional glove.


* Closed back: Used mostly by outfielders and first basemen. Some players prefer the extra support from closed backs which even sometimes include a back "finger hole" to further support even more.

Break-In & Care


There are some very specific rules for breaking in the leather on a new baseball glove. So be sure to note all these tips to ensure you're taking the right steps!

Break-In


Depending on the type of leather your glove is made of the length of time will vary between several days and a couple of weeks. The more you use your new glove the quicker it will break-in. It's also fine to use a Glove Oil or Conditioner made specifically for baseball gloves, but follow the instructions exactly as you don't want to oversaturate your new glove.

Do's & Don'ts


Don't use a hair dryer/any other source of heat on your glove


Don't submerge or even put your glove in water


Don't beat the leather with any accesory


Don't leave your glove in the trunk of a car or any other under ventilated location when you aren't using it


Don't use anything on your glove other than an oil or conditioner made specifically for baseball gloves


Don't use any oil or conditioner that contains silicone, even if it claims to made for baseball gloves


Don't saturate your glove with any glove conditioner; use sparingly

Essential Do's


Use your glove daily during break-in process


Check/tighten the laces on a regular basis


Wear a batting glove on your glove hand (provides support & protects the glove's inside from moisture)


Store the glove away from excess heat


Dry the glove naturally should it get wet

I personally think this guide is concise, yet thorough and it's the best I've found. I hope you found it useful!