5 Things to Look for When Buying a Baseball Glove

There are a variety of different baseball gloves available on the market today. During the selection process, you will need to select a glove that fits your needs. Finding the right glove comes down to your preferences and the position you play. Here are 5 suggestions on what guidelines to consider when purchasing a baseball glove:

Proper Fit

Knowing your size is key to selecting the proper glove that fits. Be sure to check the correct measurements starting from the top of your index finger to the beginning of your wrist. Gloves are generally measured using inches. Once you have the correct measurement for your hand size, use a sizing chart to choose the glove that measures slightly larger than this. Selecting a glove with ample room is ideal. The proper fit should not feel overly tight, but it should feel comfortable and snug. Make sure your glove can be adjusted easily for the most accurate and proper fit.

Proper Materials

Baseball gloves can be made from a variety of materials, and it is best to choose materials that offer the best feel and texture. Although leather is the preferred material, treated leather, mesh and synthetic leather are also types of materials used to make gloves. Leather offers craftsmanship, comfort and durability, while treated leather comes preconditioned with beneficial oils. Mesh gloves are lightweight and synthetic leather is more cost-efficient. It is best to take these factors into consideration when purchasing the best glove for your situation. The type of materials can also determine how effectively or quickly the glove can be broken in.

Related: How to Break-in A Baseball Glove

Position

To achieve maximum potential, it’s best to select the right glove for the position you choose to play. If you hold a position as a catcher, you should select a fingerless mitt with enough padding to combat the impact of balls thrown from the pitcher. Pitchers often used gloves with closed webbing to effectively conceal the ball before it’s thrown. Pitchers should also select gloves with less padding. First baseman mitts are usually wider, longer and have deeper pockets which allows them to effectively scoop balls off the ground. Infielders use baseball gloves with shallow pockets while outfielders tend to require a deeper pocket to capture fly balls.

Price Range

Shopping for a glove that works with your budget is one of the most important factors when looking for the best fit. Compare prices and research the best suggestions for you. Pricing can correlate with material quality, so you will want to keep this in mind. Universal and one size fit all gloves offer the best deals but may not be the best for you. Remember to take these factors into consideration.

Choose Versatility

Versatility is vital when selecting the right glove, and it depends on your personal preferences. You can hinder performance by not having the best fit, feel and correct glove style. Gloves should offer slight resistance and enough flexibility to guide responsiveness and keep control of the flow of the ball.

It can take time to find the perfect baseball glove for your needs. With the necessary information and practical knowledge, your purchase will be a great choice for many years to come.