Baseball Glove Buying Guide
The baseball glove may be the most beloved piece of equipment a ballplayer ever has. It is with you for every game and is right by your side every time you take the field. And with so many color choices, web types, and sizes, the baseball glove has become an extension of a player’s personality and style. But all of these choices can make choosing the right glove feel a little overwhelming. If you’re not sure what you need or not even sure where to start, check out our glove buying guide to help you through the process.
What to Consider When Buying a Glove
Choosing the right glove involves thinking about your position, playing frequency, break-in preferences, and budget. Youth players often need lighter gloves with smaller hand openings, while advanced players may prioritize materials and web styles based on position and feel.
Glove Size Charts
Baseball Glove Size Chart
| Level | Age | Position | Glove Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Ball | 3 to 6 years old | All Positions | 8.5" – 10" |
| Youth | 7 to 12 years old | 1st Base | 11.5" – 12" |
| Youth | 7 to 12 years old | Infield | 10.25" – 11.5" |
| Youth | 7 to 12 years old | Outfield | 11.5" – 12.25" |
| Adult | 12+ years old | 1st Base | 12" – 13" |
| Adult | 12+ years old | Infield | 11.25" – 12" |
| Adult | 12+ years old | Outfield | 12" – 12.75" |
Softball Glove Size Chart
| Level | Type | Position | Glove Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth | Fastpitch | Infield | 10.5" – 11" |
| Youth | Fastpitch | Outfield | 11" – 11.5" |
| Adult | Fastpitch | Infield | 11.5" – 12" |
| Adult | Fastpitch | Outfield / 1st Base | 12" – 13" |
| Adult | Slowpitch | Infield | 12" – 13" |
| Adult | Slowpitch | Outfield | 12.5" – 14" |
Find the Right Fit
Youth Fit
This fit, as the name suggests, is meant for younger players. The finger stalls are usually shorter and the wrist openings tighter.
Standard Fit
This type of fit is what a large majority of gloves come with. Usually called a "regular" fit, this glove is meant for adult players.
Tapered Fit
Called the “Pedroia Fit” by some manufacturers (named after former MLB player, Dustin Pedroia) this is a glove that is meant for an adult level player that has a smaller hand. The finger stalls are traditionally a standard adult size, but the wrist opening will have a tighter fit.
Adjustable Fit
Primarily used in softball, adjustable fit gloves will have a strap the player can use to make the glove fit looser or tighter depending on their own needs and preferences.
Glove Web Types
I-Web
Named because of the “I” shape the leather makes, an I-web glove has a singular leather strip to create the pocket. I-webs have shallower pockets, making for faster transitions.
H-Web
H-Webs are noted by two vertical strips and one horizontal strip. H-webs form deeper pockets making it easier to catch fly balls, snag hot grounders, and make diving plays.
Trapeze
This web consists of a thin leather strap connected to either side with interwoven laces. Trapeze webs provide shade from the sun while searching for a fly ball, but still allow a fielder to see through it to track balls all the way into the glove.
Modified Trap
Modified trap webs are similar to traditional trapeze webs but with one significant change: It has a section of leather added to the top of the web to help bring more stability to the glove. This web type is a popular choice among both infielders and outfielders, and even some pitchers, making it a good choice if you play different positions.
Closed Web
Closed webs are exactly as they sound, webs that either nearly or completely close off the glove. Closed webs come in different forms, primarily in a woven basket form or two solid pieces of leather. Since the glove is closed off, it makes it difficult, if not impossible to see the ball inside the glove if it isn’t facing you, making this the preferred web type for pitchers.
Single Post Web
This web is formed by one horizontal and one vertical strip of leather worn together. The single post offers both visibility and flexibility and is primarily found on middle-infield gloves.
Single-Post Double-Bar
This web is very similar to a single post web but has one vertical strip and two horizontal strips. This web is most commonly seen on first base mitts.
Position-Specific Gloves
Pitcher
Closed web and deeper pocket to conceal your grip and deliver confidently.
Shop Pitcher Gloves
Infielder
Shallow pocket and quick-transfer web types for fast plays in the dirt.
Shop Infielder Gloves
First Base
Wider design with curved edge for scooping and stability at first.
Shop First Base Gloves
Breaking in a Glove
If you ask ten people how to properly break in a glove you will probably get ten different answers as everyone has their own methodology. Check out this video from Rawlings on their preferred way to break in a glove, along with some tips on how to do it if you have preferences for wear you want the pocket to develop, rolled or straight fingers, and even how you want the glove to close.
Breaking a glove in properly can take time and we advise patience over trying ways to speed up the process. Avoid soaking your glove in water. While many professional players will do this to break in their glove faster, this significantly breaks down the leather of your glove and limits the amount of life it will have. Professional players get a new glove every year so they can afford to do this, but if you want your glove to last for multiple seasons, take the time to break it in properly and avoid taking shortcuts.