Finding the best baseball glove tailored to your specific position can seem overwhelming at first, given the wide array of web types and materials to consider. Fear not, however, as we've put together a list of top picks, considering factors such as price, reviews, and unique features to upgrade your current mitt.
In the world of baseball, where exit speeds can soar past 100mph when striking with one of the best baseball bats, a high-quality glove isn't just an accessory; it's a crucial piece of safety and performance gear. Whether you're a nimble infielder or a steadfast catcher, we've got all bases covered with the likes of the Rawlings Renegade and All Star Pro Elite.
What sets these two apart are their shapes and padding. A catcher's mitt typically boasts a larger, heavily padded design to shield the hand from blistering fastballs, whereas an infielder's glove is smaller and features a shallower pocket, making it effortless for players to swiftly retrieve and transfer the ball.
To simplify your decision-making process, we've also taken the liberty of addressing some frequently asked questions. This way, whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, you'll find all the essential information you need to make a well-informed choice about the perfect glove for your position. Let's dive right in.
Best baseball gloves
- Wilson A2000 - a well-rounded option for all
- Rawlings Renegade - a great choice for infielders
- All Star Pro Elite - top pick for catchers
- Rawlings Heart Of The Hide - best for outfielders
- Mizuno Select 9 - an excellent choice for pitchers
1. Wilson A2000
Best baseball glove overall
Size: 11" - 34"
The Wilson A2000 stands out as an exceptional choice for players across various positions. Whether you're in the infield, outfield, or behind the plate as a catcher, this glove caters to your needs with distinct sizes and shapes, enhancing catching ease regardless of your position on the field.
Crafted from Pro Stock leather, the A2000 guarantees robust durability and an unparalleled tactile experience. Additionally, the glove incorporates SuperSnakeSkin, a microfibre element that bolsters moisture resistance, contributing to the glove's longevity. This feature makes the A2000 a well-rounded choice, combining durability, comfort, and performance for players seeking an edge in their game.
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2. Rawlings Renegade
Best baseball glove for infielders
Size: 12" - 32.5"
The Rawlings Renegade is another great option, although this one is tailored specifically for infield play. It's particularly ideal for first-base players seeking a glove designed to suit their needs.
Focused on durability, the glove boasts a leather palm ensuring longevity and resilience throughout rigorous gameplay. Complementing this, its lightweight Pro Mesh back offers a well-balanced design, enhancing agility and shape retention, crucial for precise catch control on the field.
An additional layer of protection is provided by high-density cushioned palm and index finger pads, offering players increased safety and comfort upon impact with the baseball. As a result, the Rawlings Renegade proves to be a standout option for infield play, offering a blend of durability, agility, and protection, all for a relatively inexpensive price.
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3. All Star Pro Elite
Best baseball glove for catchers
Size: 33.5"
A catcher's glove is undeniably one of the most crucial pieces of equipment on the field. Therefore, investing in a high-quality option, such as the All Star Pro Elite, can significantly enhance your ability to secure every pitch.
This particular glove stands out as an excellent choice as it boasts a soft leather pocket that not only offers substantial protection, but also delivers that satisfying 'pop' sound cherished by both pitchers and catchers.
Additionally, it features an adjustable hook and loop lock-in system to ensure a customised and comfortable fit for training sessions and actual gameplay. So, when it comes to catching and securing that ball, this All Star Pro Elite is definitely a solid all-rounder to consider.
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4. Rawlings Heart Of The Hide
Best baseball glove for outfielders
Size: 11" - 13"
Rawlings Heart Of The Hide glove is a highly popular choice amongst outfielders as it's made from durable steer hide leather and comes with Pro Grade laces and padded thumb sleeves for extra protection.
Rawlings also says the glove requires little to no break-in as the process is already started within the factory, allowing you to hit the field the exact same day you pick up the glove.
In terms of comfort, the glove's thermoformed hand opening is engineered to deliver a secure lock-in whilst also being incredibly breathable for longer sessions.
On the whole, Heart Of The Hide glove looks to be a standout pick for outfielders that we feel is well worth taking into consideration.
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5. Mizuno Select 9
Best baseball glove for pitchers
Size: 11.5" - 12.5"
This pre-broken-in Mizuno Select 9 glove looks to be a great pick for pitchers as it features minimal webbing to conceal the ball as you throw. Moreover, it's made from bio-soft leather that is said to combine the perfect balance of oil and softness for an exceptional feel as well as firm control.
You also get professional-grade lacing all over this glove for a traditional look that should also increase this glove's lifespan.
Overall, this Select 9 looks as though it's a well-constructed glove that can take your pitching game to the next level.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With a huge variety of gloves to choose from, you probably have a few questions about what makes a top baseball glove. Don't worry though because we've answered some of the most common queries right here.
Why do baseball players wear gloves?
The primary purpose of a baseball glove is to minimise your risk of injury by providing a protective layer between the ball and your hand during impact. However, a baseball glove can also make catching a ball a bit easier as it provides a wider area for you to receive the baseball.
Wearing a baseball glove is also in the official MLB rules alongside the size restrictions to ensure nobody is gaining an unfair advantage.
Why are there different baseball gloves for different positions?
Although a pitcher's glove can be used by an outfielder, for example, it's widely recommended that you select a glove for your specific position as there are a few subtle differences between them to suit certain needs.
For instance, Dicks Sporting Goods states that a pitcher’s glove will usually feature closed webbing to conceal the ball, plus a little less padding as a pitcher's main role is away from fielding.
By comparison, an infielder will typically use a five-fingered glove with a shallow pocket for a quick transfer and release, whereas outfielders tend to require deeper pockets to catch baseballs from great heights.
Ultimately though, the right baseball glove for you is the one you feel most comfortable using, so it can sometimes be worth testing a few out to find the perfect glove.
What size baseball glove do you need?
The size of your baseball glove also varies depending on your position as well as age.
Generally speaking, catchers wear gloves around 33" or more to give the pitcher a larger target to aim at. The rest of the field will then typically wear a glove between 11" and 13" in the adult game.
Youth-level gloves typically range from 8.5" to 12.5", with a catcher's glove coming in around 29.5" to 32.5".
If you're unsure what size you need, then most manufacturers will have a handy size guide on their website to help you come to the right decision.
How can you tell if a baseball glove fits?
To know what size baseball glove you need, measure from the tip of the index finger along your palm right the way to the back of the glove.
Once you've determined the size, it's worth keeping in mind that your glove should fit relatively tight, but not too tight that you feel uncomfortable whilst wearing it.
Also, make sure you don't opt for a glove that's too big for your hand as it could hinder your performance, for example, causing you to drop catches.
How much should you spend on a baseball glove?
As a beginner or a young player, it's often recommended you start with something relatively inexpensive to get a feel for the sport and to make sure you don't outgrow your glove too quickly leading to you needing a new one.
As you grow and become accustomed to the sport though, you may decide to spend a little extra to pick up a higher-quality glove which, in theory, should last longer and be more beneficial to your game.
It really depends on your budget though, and there are some gloves out there, like this Rawlings Renegade, that are relatively inexpensive and yet don't appear to sacrifice in terms of quality.
How long does a baseball glove last?
The lifespan of a baseball glove can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the glove, frequency of use, and how well it is maintained.
Generally, a good quality leather glove that is well taken care of can last for many years. With regular use and proper care, a glove can last anywhere from two to 10 years or even longer.
However, if a glove is not properly cared for or if it is exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as rain or extreme heat, it may not last as long. Additionally, if a glove is used frequently or for extended periods of time, it may wear out more quickly.
To extend the lifespan of a baseball glove, it is important to clean and condition it regularly, avoid exposing it to extreme weather conditions, and store it properly when not in use. Additionally, replacing laces and repairing any damage as soon as possible can help prolong the life of the glove.
Can you use a baseball glove in cold or wet weather conditions?
Baseball gloves are primarily designed for use in dry weather conditions, so it's not recommended to use them in extremely cold or wet weather. This is because the leather of a glove can become stiff, making it more difficult to close properly. It may also absorb water, making the glove heavier and less effective in catching and gripping the ball.
If you do have to use a baseball glove in wet weather though, we'd highly recommend drying it with a towel during breaks in play. This may also sound a little out there, but consider applying a sneaker protector spray to your glove as these sprays usually provide an element of waterproofing if applied correctly.
It's worth noting as well that there are baseball gloves built for colder weather, coming with an element of water resistance in most cases. So, if you frequently play in wet conditions, we'd highly recommend considering one of these gloves.