In the last 30 years, baseball and fastpitch have been blessed to see some incredible outfield defense get displayed on their biggest stages. The greatest defender to ever roam MLB outfields came in the 1990s in the form of Andruw Jones. And since he retired, outfielders like Kevin Kiermaier have kept up the high standard of safeguarding the big green ocean. And on the fastpitch front, we’ve seen highlight reel catches from players like former LSU star AJ Andrews and her younger sister and Aliyah Andrews.
And why have we seen such impressive outfield defense since the arrival of the 1990s? In this writer’s opinion, there can only be 1 answer: The Glove.
The modern outfield glove is lengthy and able to tightly secure a ball even when jostled around during a diving catch. In an era where we can more accurately measure defensive performance, it has become extremely important for fastpitch and baseball defenders to have the correct glove when heading out to roam the cavernous outfields on amateur ball fields. Because of that, our team of Glove Experts has put together this comprehensive list of 9 gloves that we believe outfielders must consider for use during 2024. Enjoy!
Best Outfield Gloves For Baseball & Softball
Baseball
- Wilson A2K SuperSkin 1810 12.75" Baseball Glove (WBW1008951275)
- Rawlings Heart of the Hide R2G 12.75" Baseball Glove (PROR3319-6CB)
- Wilson A1000 12.5" Baseball Glove (WTA10RB20KP92)
- Mizuno MVP Prime 12.75" Baseball Glove (GMVP1275P4)
Fastpitch
- Rawlings Liberty Advanced Speed Shell 13" Fastpitch Softball Glove (RLA130-6WSS)
- Mizuno Prime Elite 13" Fastpitch Softball Glove (GPE1300F1)
- Wilson A2000 SuperSkin T125 12.5" Fastpitch Softball Glove (WBW100216125)
Reviews For Best 3 Outfield Baseball Gloves
1) Wilson A2K SuperSkin 1810 12.75" Baseball Glove (WBW1008951275)
The 1810 pattern from Wilson can make an argument for being the most comfortable for use in the outfield. This beautiful Wilson A2K glove is specifically designed with a wider pinky stall and modified wrist strap. The wider pinky stalls allows two fingers to be worn in it much easier when compared to other gloves. And the updated wrist strap ensures that your knuckles are always covered by the strap no matter the manner in which you wear the glove (traditional or with two fingers in the pinky stall). The new strap also improves fit while running, fielding and throwing.
Lastly, the beauty of this glove is enhanced by the black SuperSkin backing that goes extremely well with the tan leather.
Top Glove Features
- Pro Stock Select Leather Is The Best Leather Material From Wilson
- SuperSkin Backing Keeps The Glove Lightweight, Moisture Repellant & Strong
- Single Post Web with the "baseball stitch" lacing is a classy look
2) Rawlings Heart of the Hide R2G 12.75" Baseball Glove (PROR3319-6CB)
The name “Heart of the Hide” is synonymous with baseball glove lore. And this outfield model looks to carry on that strong tradition. It comes in the 12.75 inch length which is nearly the quintessential outfield length. Some might say that 12.5 inches is too small and others might say 13 inches is too big…but 12.75 inches falls right in the middle of those two and gets the job done. We also love the H-Web being added to this glove. An H-Web does not have a ton of lace being strung through it, thus when breaking the glove in, it's extremely easy to pull on the pinky and thumb of the glove to widen the catching surface (this is opposed to a glove with a Modified T-Web which is hard to stretch and make the catching surface wide). When you’re patrolling the outfield you want a glove that is wide and lengthy. This Heart of the Hide does both of those things!
What are customers saying?
“Beautiful glove can tell the leather is of the highest quality. In my opinion nothing beats a rawlings glove.” JustGloves Customer, Michael Usselman
3) Wilson A1000 12.5" Baseball Glove (WTA10RB20KP92)
This A1000 is in the running to achieve GOAT glove status at JustGloves. We’ve carried this glove for a long time and it simply doesn’t disappoint. If you are looking for a glove that will cover some ground in the outfield (12.5 inches…check) and break in within a short amount of time (A1000s have a “soft feel that forms to the player’s hand without a meticulous break-in”...check), then you need to consider picking up this A1000. It is made in the KP92 pattern that was inspired by the late Hall of Famer, Kirby Puckett. This pattern incorporates the Modified T-Web into its design which is a real show-stopper in regard to looks.
Customer chatter on the A1000:
“My son was told he would be playing the outfield. He only had an infielders glove. Bought the A1000 because it is supposed to be able to be broken in very quickly. It was ready to use in 2 days.” - JustGloves Customer, Brian Hilbert
Reviews For Best 3 Outfield Fastpitch Gloves
Are you looking for something for use in the outfieldthat looks and feels "top-of-the-line", but with a price tag that gives you a bit of a break?
If you answered "yes", then end your search here. You've found your glove.
The Liberty Advanced glove from Rawlings comes with a full-grain, oil treated leather shell that is advertised as coming 70% broken in. Most fastpitch players will get this glove and should be able to take it into the outfield after a fairly short break-in period. And it retails for right around $200.
In addition, the shape of the glove is going to be incredible as it truly looks like a model of glove that professional outfielders would wear. And to add to the "professional feel", Rawlings has placed their Speed Shell backing on the glove. Speed Shell material is a synthetic material put in the place of regular leather on backing of select Rawlings gloves that reduces weight without compromising durability. The material nearly blends in with the cream colored leather of this glove. Further, this material is usually reserved for Heart of the Hide gloves from Rawlings, but Rawlings has put it on this Liberty Advanced model.
Need More Reasons To Buy?
- Built in the 130SB Pattern to be deep pocketed and to close thumb to middle and 4th finger
- Adjustable Pull-Strap wrist backing to give fastpitch players optimal fit and comfort
2) Mizuno Prime Elite 13" Fastpitch Softball Glove (GPE1300F1)
All players want to be proud of the glove they take with them to the outfield. If you settle in on getting this MVP Prime model, then you’ll definitely be proud! The white and gray leather go together extremely well. Add a few grass stains from laying out for some softballs in the outfield and it will have the final touch of character necessary to become your favorite glove of all time!
And Mizuno is very conscious when crafting this glove. A 13 inch glove can get heavy and to reduce the weight they actually perforated the leather on the back of the thumb and pinky to ensure that the weight could be decreased a little as well
A Couple More Reasons To Consider The Prime Elite:
- The UltraSoft Pro Palm Liner allows for a soft feel when catching a ball
- Finger Core Technology improve flexibility and comfort in the finger stalls. Also, it provides a better feel for players who wear 2 fingers in the pinky slot.
3) Wilson A2000 SuperSkin T125 12.5" Fastpitch Softball Glove (WBW100216125)
In most cases, we wouldn’t put a glove on this list that is only available for left handed throwers, but this one is an exception. A Wilson A2000 at this kind of deal needs to be shouted from the rooftops, even if it is only for lefties. Plus, we probably don’t give enough attention to left hand thrower gloves as it is!
This model comes with a length of 12.5 inches, which definitely qualifies it for outfield use. As well, it features Wilson’s SuperSkin backing to it. A knock that you might hear about a lengthier outfield glove (12.5 inches and longer) is that it feels too heavy. Well, the SuperSkin backing on this glove is going to reduce the weight and should make it easier to tote this glove into the big green ocean day after day, month after month, season after season!
Three More Reasons To Buy:
- Pro Stock Leather of A2000s is rugged + has unbeatable feel
- Flat Finger Binding makes it easier to wear your index finger on the outside backing of the glove
- Drawstring Lace Wrist Closure allows for quick and easy wrist size adjustments
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If you’ve made it this far then you can consider yourself an expert on outfield gloves during the year 2024. However, there is always more to learn (even for our Glove Experts). If you have more questions about selecting an outfield glove, please reach out at 866-321-4568, by email at experts@justgloves.com or by chatting with one of our Glove Experts right here.
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