by Chris Mader posted 12/01/2011
Choosing a Baseball Glove
One of the most common mistakes parents make is to choose the wrong size glove for their child. Too big and they cannot use it properly. Too small and they may miss the ball.
A number of factors are involved in choosing a baseball glove to meet your childs needs, including size, their position in the field and your budget. Anyone looking to buy a baseball glove should make the following considerations:
Position: Baseball Gloves come in different shapes and sizes based on the position they will be used for. Most kids in Little League will play various infield and outfield positions. But if you know your child will most likely play infield or outfield more frequently, then lean towards that size glove.
For example, pitchers gloves and infield gloves are generally smaller than an outfielder's glove, and first baseman's gloves and catchers mitts are unique unto themselves. If you will be playing multiple positions, a utility glove (which is larger than an infielder's glove) may be your best bet.
Your Budget: Baseball gloves range in price from under $15 for base models, to over $200 for high end gloves from manufacturers such as Mizuno or Rawlings. Quality baseball gloves generally cost a bit more, but will likely last longer. If you expect to get heavy use out of your baseball glove, it may be less expensive in the long run to spend a few dollars more on a glove that will last. Additionally, younger players who may quickly outgrow their baseball glove may not want to invest in a high end model.
The Feel: Make sure to choose a baseball glove that feels right for your child. If the glove is uncomfortable, it may affect their performance in the field.
Your Age / Size of the Glove: Gloves are measured by their "pattern size", a measurement from the heel of the glove (by your wrist) to the top of the glove on the palm side (near your fingers). Youth gloves range from 8" (very small) to about 12". Adult gloves usually fall in the 12"-13" range.
Youths:
Youth baseball gloves should be chosen carefully - a common mistake is to buy a big glove for a little kid. This often results in a younger child with a huge glove on their hand that they can't even close. Youth sizes range from 9"-11". 8 year olds can often use 11" gloves, while teenagers often may fit into 12" gloves.
Types of Webs & Backs
Open Web: Preferred by Outfielders and Third Basemen
Closed Web: Preferred by Middle Infielders and Pitchers
Open & Closed Back: Individual Preference, though middle infielders like open back.
Gloves By Position:
Catchers Gloves: More of a mitt than a glove, they are heavily padded (needed when catching fastballs all game long) and are not used at any other position.
First Base Gloves: First basemen's gloves resemble a catchers mitt in that they are heavily padded (as first basemen spend their days catching balls thrown very hard). They are also longer in order to help the first basemen more easily field balls and are specific to this position.
Infield Gloves: Infield gloves are smaller gloves so that the fielder can easily pull the ball out of the glove and throw it. Too large of a glove would result in increased time needed to retrieve the ball and throw it to base - very important when a game can be decided by a tenth of a second or one stride by a runner.
Outfielders Gloves: Outfielders gloves are larger and longer to provide fielders with the greatest possible advantage at catching fly balls.
We hope this helps, but if you have any questions about what glove is right for you...contact a board member or seek out a retailer that specializes and carries a myriad of Baseball equipment.
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