Choosing The Right Baseball Glove

There are 2 key things to consider when you're looking for a new baseball glove; sizing correctly for the position you play and the quality of the glove for your needs and budget. 

We'll start with sizing. Since each position performs a different task, it only makes sense that the glove works a little differently depending on where you are on the field. 

Infield

When playing in the infield, it's important to ensure you are using a smaller glove to help you throw faster. For most adults, 11”-12” gloves will do the trick.

Outfield

When playing in the outfield, however, you need to track down long-hit balls with more ease. A larger 12.75” glove is most commonly used at this position as the transition to throwing is less essential.

A pitcher will want to use an 11.5”-12” closed-pocket glove to hide their grip on the ball to not tip off which pitch is coming.

It might seem like there isn’t much difference between an 11” – 12.75” glove but making sure you have the proper fit will make a huge difference to your game. If you need a little more guidance, our Source for Sports glove experts can help you find that perfect fit.

Glove Materials

Although most are, not all ball gloves are made of leather or strictly leather. More and more gloves are using a synthetic material that is much lighter and easier to break-in compared to leather. These are great choices for a young player's or beginner’s first ball glove, but they don't offer the same feel or durability as a leather glove would.

Not all leather used in gloves is the same. A higher-priced glove typically uses better quality leather which holds its pocket shape longer, allowing the player to get comfortable with their glove without replacing it as often.

Breaking in Your Glove and Maintaining It

It's important to break-in and maintain your glove once you have it to your liking. This means yearly conditioning with an approved glove conditioner, as well as keeping your pocket from getting crushed and misshaped.

How to Break It In

If you have plenty of time to break in a new glove or the glove is already somewhat soft, you can break it in naturally by playing catch. This ensures that it's broken in perfectly for the way your hand closes the glove.

If it's mid-season and you need to speed up the process, consider visiting your local Source for Sports to speak with an expert about using a glove steamer to apply moisture to soften the glove. Once the leather loosens up, they’ll use a mallet to pound the glove to help form the shape of the pocket and work in the most rigid parts of the glove

Keeping That Perfect Fit

There are plenty of glove oils you can apply to help keep your glove soft. Just make sure you are using an approved glove oil and, remember that a little goes a long way. Apply the oil to a cloth, as applying the oil directly to the leather can over-saturate it.

Wrapping your glove with a ball in the pocket postgame can help to form a nice pocket quickly — and keep it. You'll want to start by folding in the pinky, then wrapping it tightly with a glove wrap. There are even bags with a specific glove compartment that helps prevent your glove from getting squished.

Ready to find your perfect fit? You can explore our baseball gear here or speak to your local Source for Sports expert to make sure your baseball glove fits like — well a glove.

For expert advice on baseball gear and equipment that is right for your game, level of play, and budget, come see us at your local Source for Sports baseball store near you. We Fit Your Game.