Amazon.com Baseball and Softball Glove Guide
Playing the Field
Baseball and softball gloves were created to accommodate the needs of a given field position, with each style of glove boasting unique features to improve a player's performance at their position. These is really a brief summary of every glove's characteristics:
Catcher: No finger channels, with heavy palm padding and overall reinforcements to relieve the sting of repeatedly catching pitchers' throws
First Base: Also lacks finger channels, however with less padding that the catcher's mitt, with added length to aid catch infield throws and shallow pocket, enabling quick ball retrieval
Infield: Five-fingered glove has shallow pocket for fast ball retrieval, with nine- to 10-inch youth sizes and 10.5- to 11.5-inch adult sizes, and softball infield gloves using a deeper pocket to simply accept the bigger ball
Second base players require smaller gloves to balance control with all the need to produce quick throws
Shortstops work with a mid-sized glove for ground balls and quick throws
Third base players need a larger glove for maximum catching power
Outfield: Glove is longer to offer extended reach, with a deep pocket to deal with high-lofting balls, and sizes range from 12 inches or more for adults and 11 inches for youth players
Softball Gloves: The characteristics, by position, of softball gloves are typically much like their baseball counterparts, with softball gloves having more length and deeper pockets to handle the bigger ball
Anatomy of a Glove
Gloves were created to do a somewhat simple task--catch a ball. The quality of materials and craftsmanship that may go right into a developing a glove, however, could be surprising. Below is definitely an overview of an glove's components and how each helps optimize your defensive game:
Pocket: Pocket depth is dependent upon player position, with shallower pockets helping infielders quickly retrieve and chuck the ball ball, and outfielders' pocket depth aiding in capturing a ball for the fly. Softball players likewise require deeper pockets to hook the bigger ball.
Webbing: The most preferred webbing pattern is partly dependant on field position and partly by player preference. Generally, open webbing helps infielders quickly retrieve the ball, closed or tightly woven webbing gives outfielders and third basemen extra support, and closed webbing allows pitchers to cover up the ball in the batter.
Backs: The back of your glove, or even the part that goes through the top of the hand, can be either closed or open, that is largely a a few player preference. Some infielders find an open back being more flexible and forgiving, while outfielders may like a closed back with finger hole for added support.
Wrist Adjustment: Some gloves include fit systems, or wrist adjustments, to assist maintain your glove tightly affixed to your player's hand. Typically the most popular closures are buckles, D-rings, lacing, and Velcro.
Padding: How padded a glove's pocket is is dependent upon position, with catcher being essentially the most heavily padded. In recent years, many manufacturers have did start to add padding along with other position gloves to reduce "palm shock."
Materials: By and large, gloves are constructed using among three materials--leather, treated leather, or synthetic--with the differences relating to feel and durability.
Leather: Most high-end gloves are manufactured from leather, that offers optimal feel and durability, with leather quality being an important cost driver
Treated Leather: Leather material is softened and strengthened during production for quicker break-in, better durability, reducing maintenance
Synthetic: A lower-cost alternative to leather that provides reduced durability and responsiveness, and is often a good option for beginning players
Fits Like a...
As mentioned above, age and position include the most significant factors in selecting a suitable glove size. Outfielders need larger gloves with deeper pockets for optimum "catchability," while infield gloves are smaller and possess shallower pockets for optimal control and speedy ball removal. Some pitchers choose infield gloves which are slightly bigger than standard, yet small, and shallow enough for rapid fielding and throwing. Most younger players will take advantage of youth-sized gloves that assistance with control, and it is a wise decision to face up to the temptation to get a more substantial glove the kid will grow into.
The tables below offer a general guideline for proper glove size by sport, position, and age.
Baseball Glove Size
Age Position Glove Size
Under 8 Infield 9"
Under 8 Outfield 11"
9-13 Infield 9-10"
9-13 Outfield 11-12"
13 and older Infield 10.5-11.5"
13 and older Outfield 12-12.75"
Softball Glove Size
Age Position Glove Size
6 and under All 9-10"
7-9 All 10-11.5"
10-14 Infield 11.5-12.5"
10-14 Outfield 12-13"
15 and older Infield 12-13"
15 and older Outfield 12.5-14"
The Mizuno Prospect GPL1102 is really a 11.00" youth glove featuring Mizuno's PowerClose2 technology, rendering it easier for younger players to seal the glove and catch the ball.
List Price: $55.00
Price: $45.95 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details
You Save: $9.05 (16%)
Product Features
11.00" utility pattern
PowerClose2 technology makes it easier to catch the ball
V Flex Notch is designed to help initiate easy closure
Power Lock closure provides the quickest and most secure fit available
Hi-Low Lacing increases flexibility throughout the web while maintaining structure
More About ___Mizuno Prospect GPL1102 Youth Baseball Glove (11-Inch)
The Mizuno GMVP1277 is a 12.75-Inch outfielder's glove featuring Mizuno's Ultra Soft Palm Liner. Made from perfectly oiled, full grain American Steerhide -InchBio-Retro-Inch leather, this glove is ready for game use.
