Like all other games, baseball also needs some specific skills and precision during the gaming session. Baseball players need some specific skills while playing. One of the key elements a baseball player must own is their baseball glove.
From beginners to experienced ones, everyone needs these gloves to overall enhance their performance out there in the field. In this blog, we are going to reveal some of the top secrets on how to choose a baseball glove. Let’s get started!
How to Choose a Baseball Glove
Understanding the Basics of a Baseball Glove
Firstly, it's necessary to have a look at what factors contribute to deciding the right baseball gloves for any athlete. Every glove has some of the essential elements with defined roles. These include:
Webbing: To make contact between the fingers and the thumb, webbing helps the players to create a strong grip on the ball. These webs come in a wide range of styling options, from open to closed and even modified. Every webbing style offers some specific control over the ball.
Pocket: Next comes the pocket. The area where the player keeps the ball once he catches the ball is referred to as the pocket. The room for this ball pocket depends on the position of the ball being played during the game. For infielders, this ball pocket is generally shallow, while the outfielder has a deeper pocket for better retention.
Heel: The lowest part of the glove - the heel; helps in protection and keeps the overall ball’s structure intact.
Hinge: The manufacturers always create a hinge that allows better movability while gripping the ball for smooth motion.
Padding: Last but not least, padding serves to be the insulation that protects the player’s hand from any potential injuries.
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Determine Your Position
Another important factor that plays a key role in finding the ideal baseball glove is your position on the battlefield. For every position, there is a specific category of baseball glove that exceptionally surpasses the requirements:
Infielders: To quickly catch the ball, the glove must be flexible enough to transfer and call catching efficiently. Infielders' gloves offer shallow pockets with a small size varying between 11 to 12 inches for passing on the ball to other players efficiently.
Outfielders: Outfielders are placed in a way on the battlefield for better ball retention. To stop and handle the ball, outfielders' gloves are sized from 12 to 13 inches, with a larger size to hold the ball in the deep pockets.
Pitchers: For pitchers, the gloves are closed so they can easily conceal the ball grip. The size for these gloves is usually between 11.5 to 12 inches.
Catchers: For catchers, the mitts are specifically designed with extra padding. The reason behind designing these gloves is to increase the ball grip due to the fast delivery. The size of the catcher’s mitts varies between 32.5 to 34 inches.
First Basemen: For first basemen, the gloves are somewhat similar to the catcher’s mitt, but the only difference is the first they come with an extra extended design. The glove's size ranges from 12 to 13 inches, with extra padding to absorb the fast delivery effect.
Choose the Right Material
Apart from the sizing, material is another important factor in deciding the right gloves for any athlete. For baseball gloves, the right material is important for improving overall flexibility and comfort. There is a wide range of materials depending on what specific role you are going to play with your gloves.
Leather: From the old times, leather has always been the number #1 choice. From excellent comfort to power-packed durability, leather exceptionally surpasses every challenge! Leather baseball gloves are categorized according to the lather quality used for the glove manufacturing. From full-grain to premium steer-hide, every material has its specific features, comfort level and pricing as well.
Synthetic: If you are looking for some affordable yet comfortable material for your gloves manufacturing, synthetic gloves are a good-to-go option. Baseball coaches suggest that beginners use these gloves for all-day-long practice sessions. But being manufactured from synthetic materials, their lifespan is not ideal as they tear out quickly.
Kip Leather: Kip leather - a specific kind of material that is flexible yet lightweight. Usually, the professionals prefer to have these for their tournaments. It’s one of the most premium materials available for baseball gloves.
Mesh: Mesh is an additional accessory! Some gloves are designed with mesh, while others don’t have it. For less break time and a faster grip, mesh gloves are an excellent choice out there.
Pigskin: Apart from mesh, pigskin gloves are also available in the market. These gloves are so light in weight with affordable prices that most of the beginners love to have these during intense gameplays.
Glove Size and Fit
It's necessary to keenly choose your hand size when following a buying guide on how to choose a baseball glove for a perfect match. If the glove is too short or too long, it might affect your ability to handle the ball grip. To measure your hand size for the glove, you must:
Measure Your Hand: The first thing is that you must measure your hand size accordingly. Start with measuring your index finger to your palm’s base. With this trick, you can measure the comfortable glove size for yourself.
Position-Specific Sizing: For different baseball positions, there are different gloves so it varies with the measurements as well. Always keep your specific field position in mind while choosing your ideal gloves.
Fit: Next comes the fitting of these baseball gloves. Baseball gloves should neither be too fit nor too loose to affect different motions. Keep your position in mind, and then see which glove aligns with your position well.
Youth vs. Adult Gloves: Age, as well, plays a key role in deciding the size of your palm for the ideal glove match. Smaller gloves are for the youth, while adults have an extra padding layer to enhance durability.
Image Source: Generated from Chatgpt.com
Break-In Period
For some new gloves, you must soften the leather through break-in periods. This way, it's easier to mold the gloves. To increase the break-in period:
Playing Catch: Make sure to practice your game on a daily basis to soften your glove’s leather.
Glove Oil: Use some oils or some conditioner to speed up the break-in process for smooth game sessions in the future. Remember, whatever oils you are using must not damage the glove leather.
Steam Treatment: Some athletes switch to steam treatments to increase the break-in process. In this process, players heat up the glove and shape it according to their hand.
Glove Mallet: There are some tools available in the market for glove breaking. One of them is a glove mallet. This helps in heating up the glove to improve the ball-catching speed.
Baking Method: With the baking method, players soften their leather gloves at a low temperature to reduce the chances of glove damage during intense gaming sessions.
Try Before You Buy
Apart from keeping these things in mind, remember you must try any glove you think of as an ideal match for your baseball game. Remember to cross-check the fitness, comfort, and everything before buying gloves.
Comfort: When you wear gloves, they must perfectly fit your hands. There must not be any pinching or sweating while wearing the gloves.
Flexibility: The gloves must be flexible enough to support any movements during gaming sessions. If you feel the gloves are somewhat stiff, it's better to adapt them for a longer break-in period.
Grip: Try to test your ball catch speed with the new gloves you are thinking of buying. Baseball gloves must be strong enough to have a strong grip on the ball.
Brand Reputation: It's better to prefer renowned brands for quality baseball gloves. Renowned brands like Wilson, Easton, and even Rawling offer professional-quality, reliable gloves.
Conclusion
While preparing for your gameplay, it's necessary to follow the guidelines on how to choose a baseball glove. When deciding on the perfect baseball gloves, different factors play different roles, but when combined, an exceptionally great-quality baseball glove comes into creation.
Are you searching for the best baseball gloves maker? What are you waiting for? You can find the best affordable baseball gloves with professional-quality performance at Affordable Uniforms Online to boost your gameplay.
