Baseball and Softball Glove Buying Guide

Throwing hand vs glove hand

• Players wear the glove on the non-throwing hand so the dominant hand stays free to throw the ball quickly.
• If the player throws with the right hand, they need a glove worn on the left hand, usually labelled "Right Hand Throw (RHT)" or "Regular."
• If the player throws with the left hand, they need a glove worn on the right hand, labelled “Left Hand Throw (LHT)” (see carousel below for specific styles in a left hand throw variety).

Hand fit and glove cut

• The glove should match the actual size of the player’s glove hand, with finger stalls and wrist opening that aren’t too loose or too tight, so they can open and close the glove easily.
• Players with smaller or slimmer hands (many youth and some adults) often do better with “narrow”, “contour”, “youth”, or “pro taper” style fits that have smaller wrist openings and tighter finger stalls.

Comfort, control, and age

• The glove hand should feel secure when the glove is tightened. On the other hand, if the hand is swimming inside the glove, the player will struggle to control catches and transfers.
• Younger players generally need smaller, lighter gloves they can close fully with their glove hand strength, even if a bigger glove might seem more protective at first glance.

Position and handedness limitations

• Certain positions in baseball (like catcher, first base, and sometimes infield) have more limited options for left-handed throwers, so left-handers may need to check that a suitable LHT model exists before deciding on a specific glove style.
• In softball, especially fastpitch, many lines are designed for female hand shapes, so a first-time buyer should look for gloves marketed as fastpitch or women’s fit if that better matches their glove hand size and shape.

Below are lists of position specific factors to take into consideration when deciding on what glove to use.

CATCHER

• Catchers have a unique glove which is a fingerless mitt with much more padding than other gloves to withstand the repeated impacts from pitches.
• Range in size from 31" to 34".
• Closed webbing for added support.

FIRST BASE

• First Base is another position with a unique glove, it is a fingerless mitt with less padding than the catchers, 
• Larger than most infield gloves, generally around 12.5" to help reach for throws from the base.
• It has a shallow pocket to allow for quick transfer from the glove to your hand.
• Open webbing to aid in a quicker transfer.

PITCHER

• As a pitcher you should look for a glove between 11"-12" to allow quick transfers from your glove to your hand.
• You should consider using a closed web glove to hide the ball and your grip from the bat.

INFIELD

• You should consider a smaller glove for the infield to allow for quick transfers, generally between 11"-12".
• For a Softball infielders glove look at something between 12"-13" to accomodate the larger ball.
• An open web style would be best for middle infielders to help with quick transfers.
• Third base could consider using a closed web for added support from any balls hit hard down the baseline.
• Due to being closer to the plate a player at third base could consider a ball to the larger end of the scale. This will give you extra reach on any fast-moving balls.

OUTFIELD

• Use a larger glove for as much reach as possible tracking down flyballs, generally between 12"-13".
• For Softball outfielders look between 13"-14".
• An open web is best suited here to see through the glove while blocking out sunlight.

The Core Parts of a Glove

Every baseball or softball glove is built from the same basic anatomy, with each component playing a specific role in catching, securing, and transferring the ball.

• Web (webbing) – the laced section between the thumb and index finger that traps the ball and supports the pocket.
• Pocket – the area of the palm where the ball settles on a clean catch; depth and shape vary by position.
• Finger stalls – the individual finger sleeves inside the glove.
• Heel – the lower portion of the glove that shapes the bottom of the pocket and affects how easily the glove closes.
• Hinges (breaks) – flex points between the thumb and pinky that let the glove snap shut.
• Palm & heel pad – padded leather that cushions the sting of a hard-hit ball.
• Back – the outer side of the glove, which can be open, hybrid, or closed.
• Wrist strap/opening – adjustable closure (Velcro, lace, buckle, or D-ring) that secures the fit.

The Webbing — And Why Position Matters

Webbing is the most position-specific element of a glove. There is no official rule pairing a web with a position, but certain patterns suit certain jobs better.

The Pocket — Depth Drives Performance

The pocket is essentially the "living room" of the glove where every ball needs to settle comfortably. Deeper pockets help outfielders trap line drives and fly balls, while shallower pockets let infielders pull the ball out fast for a quick throw. Web choice and pocket depth work together — for example, an H-web naturally produces a deeper pocket than an I-web.

Finger Stalls & the Index Finger Question

Finger stalls are the individual sleeves your fingers slide into, but how you use them is a personal choice that affects feel, pocket depth, and sting reduction.

• Traditional fit – one finger per stall; offers the most direct control.
• Index finger out (on the back) – the most common alternative; dramatically reduces sting on hard catches, and many pros wear it this way.
• Two in the pinky – shift all fingers down a stall so two fingers share the pinky slot; deepens the pocket and keeps the index finger clear of the sting zone.
• Three in the pinky – an extreme version of the above, used by some players for an even larger effective pocket.

To support the index-finger-out style, many gloves include a finger hole on the back of the glove — a dedicated loop so the exposed finger has a secure resting place.

Glove Backs — Open, Hybrid, or Closed

The back of the glove is one of the most overlooked choices, but it meaningfully changes how the glove feels and flexes.

• Open back – knuckles exposed; most flexible and cooler in hot weather. Preferred by middle infielders (SS, 2B) who want quick reaction.
• Hybrid back – a shaped wrist strap exposes one or two knuckles; commonly built into youth gloves for 8–10 year olds learning to catch.
• Closed back (with finger hole) – more rigid and supportive; favoured by outfielders who want wrist stability on long catches.

Other Details Worth Knowing

A few smaller components quietly shape how a glove performs over its life.

• Bridge – the small leather piece connecting the web to the top of the index finger stall, stabilising the web under impact.
• Finger pad & finger hood – reinforcements along the fingertips that protect against sting and help shape the glove.
• Lacing – the rawhide that ties the whole glove together; relace-able when it wears out, which extends glove life significantly.
• Thumb & pinky loops – interior straps that keep the outer fingers locked in so the glove responds with your hand.

Pulling It Together for New Players

When a new baseball or softball player is choosing their first glove, size is only half of the decision — web style, pocket depth, back type, and how they plan to wear their fingers all matter too. A middle infielder will gravitate toward a smaller I-web, open-back glove for speed, while an outfielder will favour a longer H-web or Trapeze with a closed back and finger hole for support and reach. Encouraging new players to try the "index finger out" option from day one can also reduce sting and build confidence on harder catches.

 

For Baseball Gloves

LEVEL	POSITION	GLOVE SIZE (Inches)
Youth (7 - 12)	1st Base	11.5" - 12"
Youth (7 - 12)	Infield	10.25" - 11.5"
Youth (7 - 12)	Outfield	11.5" - 12.25"
Adult (12+)	1st Base	12" - 13"
Adult (12+)	Infield	11" - 12"
Adult (12+)	Outfield	12" - 12.75"

For Softball Gloves