Baseball is America’s pastime, and every player needs a glove or mitt.
These leather accessories are essential for catching, fielding, and protecting players’ hands during the game.
We’ve spent countless hours on the diamond, testing and analyzing different gloves and mitts to help you find the perfect fit for your position and playing style.
Gloves and mitts come in various sizes, shapes, and styles, each designed for specific positions on the field.
Infielders typically use smaller gloves for quick transfers, while outfielders prefer larger ones for extended reach.
Catchers and first basemen use specialized mitts with extra padding to handle hard-thrown balls.
The right glove can make a significant difference in a player’s performance and comfort on the field.
When choosing a baseball glove or mitt, it’s crucial to consider factors like the webbing style, pocket depth, and leather quality.
The break-in period is also important, as a well-broken-in glove will conform to your hand and improve your catching ability.
We’ve put numerous gloves through their paces to identify the ones that offer the best combination of durability, comfort, and performance for players of all levels.
Best Baseball Gloves and Mitts
We’ve curated a list of top-notch baseball gloves and mitts to elevate your game.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, our selection caters to various positions and skill levels.
Let’s explore the finest options to help you make the catch of your dreams.
Franklin Field Master Glove
We recommend this glove for its quick break-in period and comfortable fit, making it ideal for casual players and beginners.
- Easy and quick to break in
- Adjustable wrist strap for custom fit
- Durable synthetic leather construction
- May not satisfy advanced players
- Limited color options
- Synthetic material feel
The Franklin Field Master Glove offers a great entry point for those new to baseball or softball.
Its soft synthetic leather makes breaking in the glove a breeze, allowing players to get on the field faster.
We appreciate the contour fit system, which lets users adjust the thumb area for a snug, personalized fit.
Durability is a key feature of this glove.
The premium synthetic leather mimics the performance of genuine leather without the lengthy break-in time.
This makes it an excellent choice for casual players or those who need a reliable backup glove.
The hand-formed pocket provides a responsive feel, enhancing comfort and improving catch reliability.
While it may not meet the standards of professional players, we find it more than sufficient for recreational use and practice sessions.
The 12-inch size is versatile, suitable for various positions on the field.
Franklin Girls’ Pink Softball Glove
We think this glove is a great choice for young softball players looking for comfort and style on the field.
- Lightweight mesh design for comfort
- Adjustable wrist strap for custom fit
- Soft pocket for easy break-in
- May be too small for older players
- Limited color options
- Some users report ties coming undone
This Franklin Sports softball glove stands out with its eye-catching pink color.
It’s perfect for young players who want to express their personality on the field.
The lightweight mesh construction keeps hands cool during long practices or games.
We appreciate the adjustable wrist strap, which allows for a customized fit as players grow.
The soft pocket material is a nice touch, making it easier to break in the glove and catch balls with confidence.
This feature is especially helpful for beginners still developing their skills.
At 12 inches, this glove is ideal for youth players but may not suit older teens or adults.
The polyurethane material offers durability, though it might not match the longevity of higher-end leather gloves.
Overall, we find this Franklin glove to be a solid choice for young softball enthusiasts starting their journey in the sport.
GloveWrap Shaper
We recommend this innovative glove shaper for players looking to quickly break in and maintain their baseball or softball gloves.
- Easy to use and effective
- Versatile for different glove types
- Helps form a perfect pocket
- May not be suitable for all glove materials
- Some users report durability issues
- Could be considered pricey for a simple tool
The GloveWrap Shaper offers a convenient solution for breaking in new baseball and softball gloves.
This product, featured on ABC’s Shark Tank, promises to shape and store gloves effectively.
It’s designed to work with various glove types, including baseball, softball, and even hockey goalie gloves.
Players will appreciate how the GloveWrap can help form the perfect pocket in their gloves.
By wrapping the glove and letting it sit, the tool works to create an ideal shape for catching.
This process can significantly reduce the time needed to break in a new glove, getting players game-ready faster.
One of the standout features of the GloveWrap is its versatility.
Not only does it aid in breaking in gloves, but it also serves as a storage solution.
This dual functionality can help maintain the glove’s shape between games and during the off-season.
While some users have reported issues with durability, many find the GloveWrap to be a valuable addition to their baseball gear.
Wilson A1000 Infield Glove
We believe this Wilson A1000 infield glove is a solid choice for young players looking to up their game.
- Game-ready right out of the box
- Soft, high-quality full-grain leather
- Comfortable DriLex wrist lining
- May be pricey for casual players
- Limited color options
- Might be too large for very young children
The Wilson A1000 12″ infield baseball glove is a top-notch option for aspiring young infielders.
Crafted with full-grain leather, this glove offers a soft feel that molds to the player’s hand without requiring a lengthy break-in period.
It’s perfect for those who want to hit the field running.
We appreciate the attention to detail in this glove’s construction.
The dual welting integrated into the liner provides excellent support and helps maintain the glove’s shape over time.
This feature is especially beneficial for young players who are still developing their skills and need a reliable glove that can keep up with their growth.
Comfort is key in any baseball glove, and the A1000 doesn’t disappoint.
The DriLex wrist lining keeps hands dry and comfortable during long practices or intense game situations.
We also like the bold Wilson logos, which give the glove a sleek, professional look that’s sure to boost any young player’s confidence on the field.
Franklin Kids’ Meshtek Glove Set
We recommend this glove set for young beginners looking for a lightweight, ready-to-use option with a practice ball included.
- Lightweight and easy to use
- No break-in time required
- Includes a soft foam baseball
- May be too small for older children
- Limited durability for intense play
- Only available for left-hand throw
The Franklin Kids’ Meshtek Glove Set is a fantastic choice for introducing young players to the game of baseball.
Its lightweight design makes it incredibly easy for small hands to maneuver, reducing fatigue during practice sessions.
One of the standout features of this glove is its immediate playability.
Unlike traditional leather gloves that require extensive breaking in, the Meshtek glove is ready to use right out of the box.
This means less frustration for kids who are eager to start playing catch right away.
The set comes with a soft foam baseball, which is perfect for young players still developing their catching skills.
It’s safer than a regular baseball and helps build confidence as they learn.
The glove’s bright black and gold color scheme adds a fun element that kids will love.
At 9.5 inches, this glove is ideally sized for most young children.
It’s important to note that it’s designed for left-hand throwers, so make sure it matches your child’s throwing hand before purchasing.
While it may not stand up to intense, competitive play, it’s an excellent starter glove for casual games and practice sessions.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right baseball glove or mitt is crucial for optimal performance on the field.
We’ll guide you through the key factors to consider when making your selection.
Position-Specific Gloves
Different positions require specific glove types:
- Infielders: Shorter gloves with shallow pockets
- Outfielders: Longer gloves with deeper pockets
- Catchers: Heavily padded mitts with minimal fingers
- First basemen: Large mitts with extra padding
Size Matters
Proper fit is essential for comfort and control.
Measure from your wrist to the tip of your middle finger to determine the right size.
Material Options
- Leather: Durable and long-lasting
- Synthetic: More affordable and easier to break in
Web Styles
Choose a web style based on your position and personal preference:
- Closed web: Ideal for pitchers
- Open web: Great for infielders and outfielders
Break-In Period
New gloves need time to soften and conform to your hand.
Consider pre-broken-in options for quicker use.
Padding and Protection
Look for gloves with adequate padding in key areas to reduce impact and prevent injuries.
We recommend trying on multiple gloves to find the perfect fit and feel.
Remember, a well-chosen glove can significantly improve your game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baseball gloves and mitts are essential gear for players.
We’ve compiled answers to some common questions to help you choose and care for your glove.
How do you determine the correct size of a baseball glove for different ages?
Glove size varies by position and age.
For young players aged 8-10, a 10-11 inch glove works well.
Older kids and teens typically use 11-12 inch gloves.
Adult infielders prefer 11.5-12 inch gloves, while outfielders use 12-13 inch gloves.
Catcher’s mitts are sized differently, ranging from 30-32 inches for youth to 32-34 inches for adults.
It’s best to try on different sizes to find the most comfortable fit.
What are the distinguishing features between different brands of baseball gloves?
Each brand has unique characteristics.
Wilson gloves are known for their durability and classic designs.
Rawlings offers a wide range of models for all skill levels.
Mizuno gloves feature high-quality leather and excellent craftsmanship.
Nokona makes handcrafted gloves in the USA with premium leathers.
Louisville Slugger provides affordable options for casual players.
Try different brands to find your preference.
What’s the difference between a glove and a mitt in baseball?
Gloves have individual finger slots, while mitts have a single pocket without finger separation.
Catchers and first basemen use mitts for easier ball catching.
Mitts have more padding and a larger pocket than gloves.
Infielders, outfielders, and pitchers use gloves.
Gloves offer more flexibility and control for fielding and throwing.
The choice between glove and mitt depends on your position and playing style.
Can you customize a baseball glove, and how would you go about it?
Many manufacturers offer customization options.
You can choose leather type, color, webbing style, and add personal touches like your name or number.
Some brands have online customization tools to design your glove.
Local sporting goods stores may offer custom fitting services.
Professional players often work directly with manufacturers to create specialized gloves tailored to their needs.
What are the best practices for breaking in a new baseball glove?
Start by applying glove conditioner to soften the leather.
Play catch regularly to form the pocket naturally.
You can also use a mallet to pound the pocket area gently.
Avoid shortcuts like excessive heat or soaking in water, as these can damage the glove.
Be patient – a properly broken-in glove can take several weeks of consistent use.
What should you consider when choosing a baseball glove for a youth player?
Look for a glove that fits comfortably and isn’t too heavy.
Synthetic materials can be good for younger players as they’re easier to close.
Consider a glove with an adjustable wrist strap for a secure fit.
Choose a size appropriate for the player’s age and position.
Prioritize comfort and ease of use over expensive pro-level features.
As the player grows and improves, they can transition to more advanced gloves.
