Choosing a Glove - Youth Baseball Tips
Choosing a youth baseball glove is hard for a beginner.
With so many different gloves, choosing the right one can be a daunting task.
Knowing the different gloves, price range, and position it's used for, will greatly help you in your search for a glove.
Different Positions There are a few different types that are made for a certain position.
Using the correct glove for the position the player plays, will greatly increase the player's chance of being a solid fielder.
Each glove is specifically designed with a position in mind.
First Base Gloves First base mitts are larger than all of the other gloves.
They are generally 12" - 13" in size.
Using a first base mitt for any other position is illegal in baseball.
First base mitts are bigger than other gloves to help out the first baseman when scooping and catching.
Infield Gloves Infield gloves are smaller than other baseball gloves.
They are generally 11" - 12" in size.
Middle infielders tend to use 11" gloves while the third baseman typically uses a 12" glove.
Infield gloves have small pockets to help with a quick transfer and throw to get the base runner out.
Outfield Gloves Outfield gloves are larger than infielders'.
They are generally 12" - 12.
75" in size.
Youth outfielders should get a smaller glove however.
A glove that big would be detrimental to the youth baseball player.
Outfield gloves have large pockets to help with catching fly balls.
Catcher Mitts Catcher mitts are heavily padded and are also very large in size.
This helps to withstand the force from the pitcher.
Catcher's mitts are a must for anyone playing this position including youth players.
Without a catcher's mitt, being a catcher would hurt.
Price Range The typical price for a glove is $25 - $200.
I would not recommend buying a mitt for a youth player for $200.
When players are around 8, I recommend a $25 glove.
When they reach the ages of 10-12 a more expensive one should be purchased depending on their skill level and competitiveness.
Also, make sure your youth baseball player is interested in the game before you buy him a $200 one.
With so many different gloves, choosing the right one can be a daunting task.
Knowing the different gloves, price range, and position it's used for, will greatly help you in your search for a glove.
Different Positions There are a few different types that are made for a certain position.
Using the correct glove for the position the player plays, will greatly increase the player's chance of being a solid fielder.
Each glove is specifically designed with a position in mind.
First Base Gloves First base mitts are larger than all of the other gloves.
They are generally 12" - 13" in size.
Using a first base mitt for any other position is illegal in baseball.
First base mitts are bigger than other gloves to help out the first baseman when scooping and catching.
Infield Gloves Infield gloves are smaller than other baseball gloves.
They are generally 11" - 12" in size.
Middle infielders tend to use 11" gloves while the third baseman typically uses a 12" glove.
Infield gloves have small pockets to help with a quick transfer and throw to get the base runner out.
Outfield Gloves Outfield gloves are larger than infielders'.
They are generally 12" - 12.
75" in size.
Youth outfielders should get a smaller glove however.
A glove that big would be detrimental to the youth baseball player.
Outfield gloves have large pockets to help with catching fly balls.
Catcher Mitts Catcher mitts are heavily padded and are also very large in size.
This helps to withstand the force from the pitcher.
Catcher's mitts are a must for anyone playing this position including youth players.
Without a catcher's mitt, being a catcher would hurt.
Price Range The typical price for a glove is $25 - $200.
I would not recommend buying a mitt for a youth player for $200.
When players are around 8, I recommend a $25 glove.
When they reach the ages of 10-12 a more expensive one should be purchased depending on their skill level and competitiveness.
Also, make sure your youth baseball player is interested in the game before you buy him a $200 one.
