How To Pick The Right Baseball Glove?

It is often said that choosing the right baseball glove is more important than choosing the right bat. Here is a guide on how to pick the right baseball glove for you.

Picking the Right Glove

There are a few key things that you need to keep in mind when picking a baseball glove. The size of the glove, the type of leather, the webbing, and the extra features. Picking the right glove can help you play your best and can make a big difference in your game.

Consider the Position You Play

One of the first things to consider when picking a baseball glove is the position you play. Infielders need a glove that is smaller and lighter so they can quickly transfer the ball from glove to hand to make a throw. Outfielders need a glove that is larger and heavier so it can help them secure fly balls.

Determine the Type of Glove You Need

There are four types of baseball gloves: infielder, catcher, pitcher, and outfielder. Each type of glove is designed for a specific position on the field.

Infielder gloves are smaller and have thinner padding to give you a better feel for the ball. Catcher gloves are larger and have more padding to protect your hand from the high speeds of a pitch. Pitcher gloves have extra padding on the thumb and index finger to protect your hand from getting hit by a batted ball. Outfielder gloves are larger than infielder gloves to give you a better chance of catching the ball.

No matter what position you play, it is important to choose a glove that fits your hand well. A glove that is too small will be uncomfortable and will not provide enough protection. A glove that is too large will be difficult to control and will not offer the same level of protection. It is also important to choose a glove that matches your playing style. If you are a power hitter, you will want a glove with more padding. If you are a contact hitter, you will want a lighter glove.

Once you have determined what type of glove you need, it is time to choose the right size. To do this, measure the circumference of your palm at its widest point and compare it to the size chart below. If you are between sizes, it is better to choose the larger size so that your fingers have enough room to move around in the glove.

Extra Small: 6 inches or less
Small: 6-7 inches
Medium: 7-8 inches
Large: 8-9 inches
Extra Large: 9 inches or more

Consider the Material of the Glove

Not all baseball gloves are made from the same material. In fact, there are several different materials that are commonly used to make baseball gloves, each with its own set of pros and cons. The most common materials used in the construction of baseball gloves are listed below.

Leather: Leather is the traditional material used in the construction of baseball gloves. It is durable and provides a good level of protection for the hand. However, leather can be expensive and may require some breaking in before it is game-ready.

Synthetic Leather: Synthetic leather is a good alternative to traditional leather gloves. It is usually more affordable than leather and often requires less break-in time. However, synthetic leather is not as durable as leather and may not provide as much protection for the hand.

Mesh: Mesh is a breathable material that is often used in the construction of baseball gloves. It is lightweight and provides good ventilation for the hand. However, mesh does not provide as much protection for the hand as other materials and may not be as durable.

Breaking in Your Glove

A baseball glove is not only an essential piece of equipment for the game, but it can also be a big investment. You want to make sure you pick the right glove for your position and playing style, but you also want to make sure you take care of it so it lasts. Breaking in your glove is an important part of making sure it is comfortable and ready to use.

Soften the Leather

One of the most important things to do to a new baseball glove is to soften the leather. This will make the glove more flexible and easier to close. Leather conditioner is applied to the glove to help protect it and also soften the leather.

There are a few ways that you can soften the leather on your new baseball glove. One way is to put some leather conditioner on a soft cloth and rub it into the glove. You can also buy a glove mallet, which is a tool that is specifically designed to soften baseball gloves. Another way to break in your glove is to place a ball in the palm and then slowly bend the glove inward until the ball touching the webbing.

Form the Pocket

To form the pocket, grip the ball in your glove hand and squeeze it tightly. Next, use your other hand to apply pressure to the back of the glove. Doing this will help mold the pocket to better suit your hand size and shape. You may need to repeat this process a few times before the pocket is fully formed.

Break in the Laces

One of the most important things you can do to your baseball glove is break in the laces. The laces on a new glove are usually very stiff, which can make it difficult to close the glove. To break in the laces, rub them between your thumb and forefinger and work them back and forth. You can also rub them against a leather surface to help soften them up. Once the laces are broken in, they will be much easier to work with and will help you get a better grip on the ball.