Mizuno Prospect GPL1202 Youth Baseball Glove (12-Inch) review

Amazon.com Baseball and Softball Glove Guide
Playing the Field
Baseball and softball gloves have been developed specifically to match the needs of a given field position, with each style of glove boasting unique features to enhance a player's performance at his / her position. The following can be a brief summary of each one glove's characteristics:
Catcher: No finger channels, with heavy palm padding and overall reinforcements to cut back the sting of repeatedly catching pitchers' throws
First Base: Also lacks finger channels, however with less padding that a 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 creating a deeper pocket to just accept the bigger ball
Second base players require smaller gloves to balance control with the need to generate quick throws
Shortstops use a mid-sized glove for ground balls and quick throws
Third base players have to have a larger glove for maximum catching power
Outfield: Glove is longer to provide extended reach, with a deep pocket to deal with high-lofting balls, and sizes range between 12 inches or more for adults and 11 inches for youth players
Softball Gloves: The characteristics, by position, of softball gloves are usually much like their baseball counterparts, with softball gloves having more length and deeper pockets to deal with the greater ball
Anatomy of an Glove
Gloves were created to do a somewhat simple task--catch a ball. The quality of materials and craftsmanship that will go into a developing a glove, however, may be surprising. Below is definitely an overview of your 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 throw the ball, and outfielders' pocket depth aiding in capturing a ball about the fly. Softball players likewise require deeper pockets to catch the greater ball.
Webbing: The preferred webbing pattern is partly determined by 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 hide the ball through the batter.
Backs: The back of a glove, or perhaps the part that goes over the top of your hand, can either be closed or open, that is largely a a few player preference. Some infielders find a wide open back to get more flexible and forgiving, while outfielders may just like a closed back with finger hole for added support.
Wrist Adjustment: Some gloves include fit systems, or wrist adjustments, to help you keep the glove tightly affixed to a player's hand. The most used 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 started to add padding with other position gloves to lessen "palm shock."
Materials: By and large, gloves are constructed using considered one of three materials--leather, treated leather, or synthetic--with the differences concerning feel and durability.
Leather: Most high-end gloves are made from leather, that provides 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, minimizing maintenance
Synthetic: A lower-cost substitute for leather that provides reduced durability and responsiveness, and can be a good selection for beginning players
Fits Like a...
As mentioned above, age and position include the most significant factors in selecting a proper 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 select infield gloves that are slightly greater than standard, yet smaller than average shallow enough for rapid fielding and throwing. Most younger players will benefit from youth-sized gloves that assistance with control, and it's a good idea to face up to the temptation to buy a bigger 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 GPL1202 can be a 12.00" youth glove featuring Mizuno's PowerClose2 technology, so that it is easier for younger players to close the glove and catch the ball.




Price: $44.95 - $54.99


Product Features
12.00" 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 GPL1202 Youth Baseball Glove (12-Inch)