Choosing the right baseball or softball glove affects comfort, ball control and speed of play. A young child, infielder, outfielder, pitcher, first baseman and catcher all need different glove characteristics.
Consider the sport, age and hand size, position, glove length, throwing hand, fit, web, pocket depth, material and level of play.
A softball is larger than a baseball, so softball gloves are generally larger and use a deeper pocket. Fastpitch models also often have a narrower hand opening and a fit designed for smaller hands.
Some utility gloves can work for both sports, but regular players should choose a model designed for their sport and position.
Gloves are labeled by the hand the player throws with, not the hand wearing the glove.
RHT – Right Hand Throw: the player throws right-handed and wears the glove on the left hand
LHT – Left Hand Throw: the player throws left-handed and wears the glove on the right hand
For standard fielding gloves, the number is approximately the length from the tip of the index finger to the heel of the glove. It is not the player’s hand size or glove circumference. Catcher’s mitts are the main exception and are traditionally sized by circumference.
You therefore cannot convert hand length directly into 11.5", 12" or 12.75". Position, age and sport determine glove size; hand measurements help determine fit.
Age is only a starting point. For children, the glove should not be too large or heavy and the player must be able to close it. Avoid buying an oversized glove just to “grow into it”.
| Level | Age / type | Position | Glove size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseball T-Ball | 3–6 let | všechny | 8,5–10" |
| Baseball mládež | 7–12 let | infield | 10,25–11,5" |
| Baseball mládež | 7–12 let | outfield | 11,5–12,25" |
| Baseball 12+ | 12+ | infield | 11,25–12" |
| Baseball 12+ | 12+ | outfield | 12–12,75" |
| Softball mládež | fastpitch | infield | 10,5–11" |
| Softball dospělí | fastpitch | infield | 11,5–12" |
| Softball dospělí | fastpitch | outfield / 1B | 12–13" |
Position is often more important than age. Infielders need fast transfers; outfielders need more reach and a deeper pocket.
| Position | Baseball | Softball | Main benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2B / SS | 11,25–11,5" | 11,5–12" | rychlý transfer |
| 3B | 11,5–11,75" | 11,5–12" | více dosahu a jistoty |
| Pitcher | 11,5–12" | 11,75–12,25" | skrytí úchopu, univerzálnost |
| Outfield | 12–12,75" | 12–13" | dosah a hlubší kapsa |
| Utility | 11,75–12" | 12–12,5" | kompromis pro více pozic |
| First base | specializovaný mitt | specializovaný mitt | hluboká kapsa pro příhozy |
| Catcher | catcher mitt | catcher mitt | silné polstrování |
11.5" – compact and quick; a classic baseball infield size
11.75" – a little more reach while retaining good control
12" – a versatile size for pitcher/utility and softball
12.5" – deeper pocket; common in softball and outfield
12.75" – a classic larger baseball outfield size
Bigger is not automatically better. The choice balances reach and pocket depth against quick ball transfer.
The glove should stay securely on the hand without painful pressure. The player must be able to control and close it.
The web is the section between the thumb and index finger. It affects pocket shape, flexibility and how well a pitcher can hide the ball.
Synthetic gloves are light, soft and affordable, making them suitable for young children, beginners and recreational use.
A quality leather glove holds its shape better, lasts longer and can be molded to the player, but a new glove is usually stiffer.
Break-in is the gradual softening and shaping of a glove. Initial stiffness is normal with premium leather and does not necessarily mean the glove is too small. Playing catch and gradual shaping are the safest approach.
Choose a glove that suits the player’s age, position and hand size and that they can comfortably close and control.
It is versatile for pitcher/utility and softball, but may be unnecessarily large for a pure baseball middle infielder.
A player who throws left-handed needs LHT and wears the glove on the right hand.
Send us a few basic details and we can recommend the right size, fit and specific models.
