A first-time glove buyer should mainly make sure the glove matches their throwing hand and that the hand fit (size and cut) is comfortable and secure.
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).”
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.
Check the charts below to see which glove size is best suited for you.
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:
| Level | Position | Glove Size (Inches |
| Adult Fastpitch | Infield | 11.5" - 12" |
| Adult Fastpitch | Outfield/1st Base | 12" - 13" |
| Adult Slowpitch | Infield | 12" - 13" |
| Adult Slowpitch | Outfield | 12.5" - 14" |
