Choosing the right glove for your child can be difficult. There are many different types of gloves, each with different features that may or may not fit the needs of your family and player.
In this blog post, we will give you a few tips on how to choose the best youth baseball glove for any age!
What are the Best Youth Baseball Gloves?
Youth baseball gloves are designed for children ages 5 to 10. Kids’ gloves have smaller wrist openings and tighter finger stalls than adult gloves, with glove sizes ranging from 9.00 inches to 13.00 inches.
1. Rawlings R9 Youth Baseball Glove Series
The glove is more costly than most alternatives, but it makes up for it with its outstanding construction. The Trapeze pattern, often referred to as a six-finger glove design, is found on this gamer glove. The web is integrated into the glove rather than being a separate piece.
Rawlings produces both left-hand and right-hand throw gloves, with an 11.25-inch length. The interior is constructed of soft full-grain leather, as well as “Tennessee Tanned” professional grade lacing. For new players, Rawlings provides a 9-inch glove.
Highlights:
- Pro-style patterns
- Durable all-leather shell
- Pro taper design with reduced finger stalls and a smaller hand opening
- Reinforced palm pad to absorb impact
- A thumb-length sleeve of padded material keeps the hand warm.
2. Wilson Advisory Staff Game-Ready All-Leather Shell
Wilson’s Advisory Staff Baseball Glove is ready for your young athlete to use. The 11-inch is the best size for both left and right-handed throwers, and it’s available in both right-handed and left-handed options. The leather shell is entirely built and has two welts, providing a strong and dependable pocket.
Highlights:
- Dual post web
- All positions
- Game-Ready all-leather shell
- Dual welting for a durable pocket
- Inspired by David wright’s game wta04lb17dw5 glove
3. Mizuno Prospect PowerClose
Another high-quality glove from a well-known maker of sports equipment is the Mizuno Prospect Youth Ball Glove. Mizuno is a popular brand among first-time mitt users.
Highlights:
- The leather is excellent quality due to its full grain. It’s highly durable and long-lasting.
- Butter soft palm liner: The PU palm lining provides a more cushioned, durable experience.
- The MZo lining helps to keep the skin dry by removing perspiration from it.
- Back: ventilated mesh for improved flexibility and breath-ability
4. Louisville Slugger 2019 Genesis
This leather baseball glove is available in a wide range of sizes. Louisville Slugger has been in operation for more than 120 years, and it continues to be one of the finest manufacturers. The design of this glove was created for young baseball players, with ballistic nylon mesh added to the back construction for easier closure and opening.
Highlights:
- 11.5 inches outfield glove
- Closed channel web
- The palm and web are made of leather, along with a ballistic nylon shell.
- Grey, black and White
5. Rawlings Players Glove Series
The Players Youth Glove is made of synthetic leather and has a Neo-Flex traditional back and a Velcro strap for comfort. It is also comfortable to use right out of the box, thanks to its soft inside lining.
Highlights
- This players series youth tall/baseball 9 inch glove was designed as a utility glove for any position and is a lightweight and dependable option for first-time defenders learning the fundamentals of defensive play.
- Ideal for young tball and baseball players aged 3-5
- The soft, bendable shell and interior materials make catching easy.
- The main pocket has a basket web pattern and velcro straps for a personalized fit, while the soft shell is designed for a deeper wallet.
- 1 glove and 1 soft rubber practice ball are included.
6. Easton Scout Flex
The gloves are held in place by two elastic straps on each palm. The 10 or 11-inch size of the Scout Glove may be obtained. The Scout series glove is made of ultra-soft leather, so you can’t go wrong. For those who are new to the game, Easton’s also offers a 9-inch glove option.
This will outperform the cheap plastic toys you can get at a toy shop while still staying within your budget.
Highlights:
- With a leather shell made of Ultra soft Hog Hide, you’ll be able to catch in comfort.
- The Flex Notch technology makes pocket closure easier.
- The three-piece palm construction cuts weight while also enhancing durability.
7. Franklin Sports Baseball
This is a fantastic first glove for young players at an incredible price. You’re getting a glove that will last the entire season without breaking the bank.
Highlights:
- The soft synthetic leather material is light and responsive, making the glove simple to break in, allowing it to be ready for baseball or teeball in no time.
- This glove has an adjustable wrist strap and a contour fit system to allow players to obtain a personalized thumb position.
- The thicker premium synthetic leather used in this mitt simulates the performance and durability of a real leather mitt without requiring weeks of breaking in.
- The hand-formed pocket enhances comfort and precision in scooping and catching without drops, thanks to its unique shape.
8. Franklin Sports Kids Baseball Gloves
The Recreational Series Fielding Glove is a beginner-friendly glove that is light, soft, and pleasant to wear. It’s soft and stretchy as soon as you take it out of the package, making it simple to close with very little practice. It comes in bright colors and is adjustable for both left-handed and right-handed throwers.
You’ll find everything you need to get started with this fun game in the box. A baseball is included as a bonus, so you may begin playing catch right away!
Highlights:
- For young gamers, this version is constructed of lightweight PVC for maximum comfort and convenience.
- It’s made of incredibly soft materials for quick fielding and no-break-in time!
- This glove comes with a soft foam baseball for throwing and catching indoors or outdoors, so you’ll have everything you need to practice!
- This is the ideal first glove for any young teeball player to learn how to catch and throw.
9. Rawlings Renegade Baseball
The Renegade SeriesTM is designed to provide high-end performance at a low price. The series offers game-ready performance right out of the box. The first set of characteristics are designed for slower pitch and recreational play, with a leather palm and lightweight Pro Mesh back for durability and shape retention, and a deep, flexible pocket for sure catch control.
Comes with straps for a custom fit and palm pads for enhanced impact protection. Games that are graphically superior also provide a distinct contrast to the game’s visuals, giving you more options for developing your game.
Highlights:
- The pocket is deep and flexible, making it perfect for baseball or softball.
- Leather Shell Palm Construction with Long-Lasting Materials
- Back is made of lightweight Polyester. Pro Micro lining
- High-Density Cushioned Palm and Index Finger Pads
- Right out of the box, it has a gaming-ready vibe.
10. NOKONA Cobalt
The Supersoft Series is a smooth, soft leather line composed of the finest grade top-grain Steerhide for an exceptionally smooth feel. The Supersoft glove is unlike any other; it’s soft and ready to go, yet it maintains its structure and durability.
Highlights:
- Color: Colbalt Blue
- 11.75 Inch
- H Web
Important Information Before Buying Quality Baseball Gloves
When it comes to sports, the two that come into mind are football and baseball. These two sports have been famous for years now, with a lot of people taking part in them. In today’s society, the people who get paid for their involvement in these sports are called athletes. Athletes make a living from playing games and getting endorsements.
Now let us talk about the equipment used in these sports—the baseball gloves. A lot of players are seen wearing them while playing on the field. People who are into collecting memorabilia also have one or two lying around somewhere at home, but some people even buy multiple pairs, for different reasons.
Before you decide to buy a pair, you need to know what it is, and the benefits of buying a quality pair.
What is a Baseball Glove?
Simply put, a baseball glove or mitt is a piece of equipment that players use to catch the ball and prevent it from bouncing away and getting lost. They can also use their glove as protection if they get hit by the ball. Generally, they are made of leather or nylon.
It is used by players wearing a baseball glove on one hand so that they have another free hand to take off their cap, wipe their brow and wave at parents in the bleachers.
The History of Baseball Gloves
Baseball gloves were invented during the early 1850s by players who would wrap pieces of leather around their hands before playing a match. This helped them get better catches and to avoid injuries from the ball hitting their fingers or their palms.
In 1875, gloves were used by fielders for the first time in a tournament—by then it had become an official part of the uniform worn by players.
How to Find the Best Youth Baseball Gloves
Choosing a baseball glove is an important decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. A good glove will last three or more years and can also help you play your best game.
Whether your child is just learning the game of baseball, playing in his/her first season, or moving up to the next age group, it’s important to choose a glove that fits your kid’s hand-size and position.
Here are some features to consider when looking for the right youth baseball glove:
Position
First of all, you need to determine what position your child will be playing most often. Different positions require different types of gloves. For example, catchers need gloves that are much bigger so they can still catch fastballs thrown at 60 to 70 mph. Shortstops need smaller, more maneuverable gloves.
First baseman have big mitts so they can scoop balls out of the dirt. Second baseman’s gloves are designed for quick movements and snagging grounders.
Wrist Adjustability
Consider whether you want a strap or buckle on your child’s glove. Buckles are more traditional, but some players find the straps to be more comfortable and supportive. Latches are also another type of wrist adjustability that will help keep your glove closed so it doesn’t dangle open after catching a pop fly.
Hand Adjustability
Some youth baseball gloves are adjustable with Velcro straps. This is the best choice because it allows you to really customize how tight or loose you want your glove to fit. It also lets you adjust how easily your hand moves in and out of the glove.
Pocket Depth
How deep should a baseball pocket be? Some players like their gloves to be very stiff and rigid, while others want flexibility that will let them catch the ball in the webbing. Deep pockets are important for outfielders since they need to catch fly balls above their heads.
For infield positions like first base or shortstop, shallow pockets are generally preferred because it’s difficult to dig out long throws from deep in the outfield.
Width
Some players prefer to have a wider pocket that provides more stability between the thumb and forefinger. Other players like their gloves to be slightly narrower, which let’s them close their glove easily over the ball for short throws.
Fastening Mechanism
You can choose whether you want a lacing-based fastening mechanism, which is the traditional favorite, or Velcro straps. Lacing provides a snug and comfortable fit that also allows for personalization by adjusting tension as it tightens.
A secure closure will help keep your glove from flapping open after catching a pop fly. Velcro is much more adjustable, but you must make sure to choose a model that doesn’t wear out over time.
Color
The color of your child’s glove shouldn’t be the determining factor in your purchase because it won’t affect how well they play, but many youth baseball players like to have personalized gloves that match their own style.
Price
You don’t necessarily have to spend $100 or more on a youth baseball glove, but you should avoid buying the cheapest models. One of the main advantages of youth baseball is that players can use older and larger gloves as they grow so it’s okay to start out with something pre-sized or one size too big.
Material
Most gloves are made from high-quality leather. Try to avoid models that have “synthetic” materials because the synthetic won’t break over time and your child will be stuck with a glove that is too rigid. Break-in periods should be short, but it still takes a while for a leather glove to become flexible enough to provide an ideal fit.
Don’t be discouraged if your child’s first glove doesn’t work out as expected. A baseball glove is a long-term investment and it will probably take them a couple of tries before they find the right one that provides maximum comfort and support for their position and style of play.
Caring For Your Youth Baseball Glove
Avoid exposing your leather glove to bleach, which will break down the fibers. You can clean dirt and mud out of your glove with a wet sponge or cloth, but don’t use any solvents that might damage the leather. If you’re not using your glove for an extended period of time, stuff it with newspaper to keep its shape.
Don’t leave it in direct sunlight for an extended period of time either, which will dry it out and crack the leather.
Choosing A Youth Baseball Glove By Position
Infield Gloves
First base mitts are smaller and stiffer because they must close easily over a short hop on a hard grounder where there is little to no bounce. Outfielders also use small, lightweight gloves that provide more flexibility because they can easily catch fly balls even on windy days.
Third Base mitts are larger and less stiff than first base models since infielders need to make longer throws on harder ground balls. You must also consider the position of the wearer when choosing a third base glove because make sure it fits nicely in line with the forearm.
Outfield Gloves
Outfielders need a larger, more flexible glove that provides a deeper pocket to quickly snag balls hit far from where they’re standing. Its leather must be light enough for outfielders to easily move their hands but the gloves also need to be sturdy because they are constantly exposed to the sun.
Pitchers
The mound is one of the most isolated positions in all of sports, which means pitchers must have a glove that provides maximum comfort and protection without limiting their performance or hindering their ability to throw accurately. Pitcher’s gloves are larger than any other glove on the field to allow for maximum reach, but they are lighter because pitchers don’t need extra weight slowing them down.
Catchers
Catcher’s mitts are extremely large and shaped more like a trapezoid than any other type of glove in order to provide more protection around the entire hand area. They must also have enough flexibility to move easily and quickly, but the inside should be padded for impact.
Hitting Gloves
Some batters prefer a full-fingered glove that allows them to form a “pocket” with their hand while others like using batting gloves alone to give them more grip on the bat. Batting gloves shouldn’t be too cumbersome since players need to maintain their sense of feel around the plate.
Sliding Gloves
Pitchers, catchers and middle infielders use sliding gloves that come up over the wrist because they provide extra protection during a slide. Some players also wear them just to protect themselves from getting cut by their opponent’s spikes. They should only cover half way up the forearm to provide the most mobility and flexibility.
Be sure to keep your child’s baseball glove in great shape by protecting it from water and excessive sun exposure, and always store the glove properly when not in use. Learning how to care for a youth baseball glove is well worth the effort because it will ensure they get maximum performance out of their equipment.
Different Materials Used in Baseball Gloves
The baseball glove is one of the most important pieces of equipment for any baseball player. It has to be comfortable, durable and effective in protecting the hand. There are several different types of materials that can be used when making a glove.
Some gloves are made completely out of leather while others contain some synthetic material in addition to leather. Each material has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. In the following article, we will compare some of these materials as well as discuss which types of players benefit from each type of material.
Leather
The most popular material used in a baseball glove is leather. Most quality gloves are made out of full-grain leather hides.
- Full-grain leather is known to be the toughest and most durable type of material. As a result, these gloves can last many seasons if they are properly taken care of. This makes them the perfect glove for players on a budget who need a good quality glove without paying top dollar.
- In addition to being tough, full-grain leather is also very flexible which means that the glove will be comfortable and conform to your hand easily. This also makes these gloves very easy to break in which is why they are popular with players that need to break in a new glove before using it for games.
- It does not take long at all to break one of these gloves in and make it game ready, usually only a couple of days. The biggest drawback of using leather is that it cannot provide players with the kind of grip that some other materials are capable of providing.
Since the surface area of your hand is larger than normal, you’ll get better grip out of a material like latex which conforms very nicely to your hand and provides more surface area for you to grip onto.
Latex
There are several glove manufacturers that make quality gloves out of latex. A lot of players prefer the grip and feel that a good latex provides over leather because it molds very nicely to your hand and is soft against your fingers.
- Latex is also slightly less expensive than some other materials so some players find these gloves to be ideal for their game.
- Unfortunately, players who prefer leather over latex do have some good arguments in favor of their position. For one, latex is not very durable and it can wear out rather quickly which means that you may find that you need to go through several gloves before finally finding one that works for you.
- One reason for this is because latex is very thin and not as strong as other materials. The flexibility of latex also means that it will not provide much protection when catching the ball which means you’ll have to play a bit more carefully with these gloves.
In addition, players who take a lot of hard slides may find that a latex glove simply doesn’t provide enough padding in the palm.
Composite Materials
There are also gloves that feature a blend of materials.
- Composite material baseball gloves typically combine leather with latex in order to provide players with the grip and durability of leather while incorporating the softness of latex. These gloves tend to be slightly more expensive than traditional leather or latex gloves so you’ll need to weigh your options carefully.
- If you are on a budget, it is probably best to stick with either leather or latex because they are significantly cheaper than composite material gloves. However, if you are willing to spend a bit more than this type of glove may be worth looking into as it does provide the best qualities of both materials in one package.
- Something to keep in mind is that there are several manufacturers out there who make quality gloves and it is important to find a manufacturer that you can trust. This means doing some research on glove manufacturers before committing to buying a new pair of gloves. You may also want to check with your teammates or friends if they have any suggestions for brands that make good quality baseball gloves.
Depending on your budget and how often you plan on using them, there is a glove out there that will work for you. And as long as the glove is of good quality, it should provide you with many seasons of use if it is properly maintained. As always, do some research before choosing equipment to make sure that your choice fits well into your budget and needs.
Why Buy the Right Size of Baseball Gloves for the Youth
Baseball is an American pastime, and many youth players in our nation hope to one day make it big time. While the Americans are generally bigger than children from other countries, that does not mean that they are fated to play baseball.
Many youth players across the country want to follow in their favorite player’s footsteps, but they don’t always start off on the right foot.
A big part of making it big time is having the proper equipment. Players need to be properly equipped with helmets and other safety gear, but they also need to have the right sized baseball gloves.
A loose fitting glove can be uncomfortable and lead the child to assume the wrong form while playing, so it’s important for parents and coaches to consider this when purchasing a new mitt.
Choosing the Proper Glove Size
The average youth baseball player needs a glove that is about 12 inches long. This means that when you purchase a model for a child, make sure it’s around this size. A quick and easy way to measure a mitt is by standing the child up while they are holding their open palm out in front of them.
- If their hand reaches past the end of the glove, then it’s too big. If they are barely able to get their hand in there, then the mitt is probably small enough.
- Doing this will ensure that children have a comfortable time while playing around with their new mitt. They won’t feel cramped up or awkward when they are in the field, which will help them improve their game.
- A youth baseball player needs to be focused when they’re playing, but there is no need for their hands or arms to be uncomfortable. By keeping this simple rule in mind when purchasing a mitt, parents and coaches can make sure all of the children on their team can properly use their gloves.
- Of course, if a child is very young, then they will wind up growing out of the glove relatively quickly. In these cases, parents can either purchase multiple gloves or invest in a batting helmet with an adjustable chin strap to ensure it fits their head as they grow.
The youth who enjoy baseball need to be properly equipped to enjoy the game, and having an uncomfortable mitt can be discouraging. By taking into consideration the size of the glove before purchasing it, parents are giving their children the best chance to succeed in their new hobby.
Benefits When Choosing Quality Baseball Gloves
The right baseball gloves can be a very valuable asset to any player at any level. The problem for many players is understanding the difference between choosing the right glove and simply buying what they like.
Good quality mitts can make a big difference in both play and health of the hands if misused.
Here are some benefits you get when you buy quality baseball gloves for your youth player:
Durability – Superior quality gloves will provide years of play while less expensive models may need to be replaced. Inexpensive gloves will also begin to stretch and become loose more quickly than a quality glove which can lead to injury by allowing the ball to slip away from the player’s grip.
Quality gloves are made with superior materials that do not stretch as easily. The materials can also be more tightly sewn together, making for a tighter and longer lasting fit on the player’s hand.
Comfort – Youth players who use quality gloves will not experience as much discomfort when using them to play in since they are made to fit the size of their hands better than lower end models and brands. A glove that is too small or too large can cause pain, disfigurement of the hand, and lead to poor performance on the field.
Quality gloves are not only made with quality materials but are also manufactured with precise attention to detail so they fit perfectly. One example of this is the webbing which is designed to provide an opening for the ball to go through as well as a pocket to hold the ball once it has been caught. In a poorly made glove this webbing will not be properly placed and designed, making the glove less effective for catching or holding onto balls.
A proper fitting glove can also help prevent injuries by avoiding repetitive use of the same muscles which can lead to overuse injuries such as tendinitis.
Performance – A quality glove will provide a player with confidence in his or her abilities when using the glove during play. This can help to improve performance and help players avoid choking under pressure since they know their equipment is allowing them to catch the ball correctly every time.
The right gloves also help to prevent hand injuries which can happen more often if players are not using the right equipment. Without a good glove to rely on, players can be more likely to catch balls with their bare hands or use poor technique when gloving which can lead to injuries such as jammed fingers, broken bones and torn ligaments.
Comfort and fit aside, there is also the factor of looks when it comes to baseball gloves. Quality gloves generally look better than lower end ones which makes players proud to show them off and be inspired to play. This can provide great motivation for improving performance since players want others to be impressed with how they look when playing.
Conclusion
The right glove can make all the difference in a player’s game! Anyone who needs a new glove should consider spending a little extra money on purchasing one that is of the highest quality and best fits the hands of the young.
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