Fastpitch Glove Breakdown

If you’ve ever taken a moment to look around the diamond during a fastpitch game, you’ve likely noticed that gloves look different at each position. It’s not because players don’t want to confuse their gloves with their teammates, but rather because each glove serves a unique purpose. We are going to break down each of the gloves/mitts used in fastpitch softball and the reasons for their unique sizes and shapes.

Let’s get started with a brief introduction and analysis of infield softball gloves.

Infield Gloves

Fastpitch gloves, like baseball gloves, are the smallest on the infield. Manufacturers intentionally make infield gloves smaller to give players better control and faster hands during transfers. 

What size glove should I get to play infield in softball?

In softball, infielders like second base, shortstop, and third baseman's gloves will range in size between 11” and 12.5” in size. Middle infielders should have the smallest gloves on the field as they are typically involved in all relay plays. Third basemen will have slightly larger gloves than middle infielders to help secure hot shots down the line, while still remaining small enough to make quick transfers on throws to first. Start younger infielders with a smaller glove to give them better control and more confidence.

What is a good web type for an infield glove?

The right web type for a softball infield glove delivers a consistent, shallow pocket. The web types that best achieve this include I-Webs, H-Webs, Basket, and Fully Closed. We want to emphasize that the right web type for someone else, might not be the best option for you or your player. Focus on finding your preferred web type to secure the right infield softball glove.

If you are interested in trying multiple different gloves and looking to shop online, head over to JustGloves and take advantage of the Glove Assurance Program today!

Outfield Gloves

When shopping for an outfield glove for softball it is important to focus on size and quality. Nothing is worse than taking the perfect route to a ball in the gap only for it to be ever-so-slightly out of your reach, or worse, have it fall out of your flimsy web. To avoid this dreaded occurrence, we recommend that all serious fastpitch softball players shop for leather gloves. This is even more important for softball than baseball considering the size and weight of the ball used. If you are hesitant to pull the trigger on a leather glove because of the costs and break-in requirements, JustGloves offers closeouts on softball gloves and the Trusted Glove Prep service at checkout.

How to find the right-sized outfield glove for softball?

The recommended size for an outfield glove for fastpitch softball ranges between 12” and 13+”. Smaller, younger players should use a glove that allows them to comfortably run and catch. Older, more experienced outfielders will develop a preference in glove size which makes shopping for an outfield softball glove much easier.

First Base Mitts

You may have watched softball in the past and thought to yourself, why does a first base mitt have a rounded edge? The reason a first base mitt has a rounded edge is to help scoop balls thrown in the dirt. The rounded edge serves as a funnel to secure even the wildest throws from across the diamond. 

What’s a good size for a fastpitch first base mitt?

You basically have two different sizes to choose from when shopping for a softball first base mitt. The first size is a 12.5” mitt which is better suited for smaller players and those looking for better glove control. The second is a more expansive, 13” mitt constructed for more experienced first basemen and those wanting a larger pocket to receive throws.

Where is the best place to shop for a new first base mitt?

JustGloves is a great place to shop online for a brand-new first base mitt. We offer a large selection from all of the game’s biggest brands, along with free, fast shipping on every order, full personalization options, Trusted Glove Prep, and Glove Assurance which provides players with an industry-leading 100-day glove trial period. 

We recommend that all players that primarily play first base invest in a quality first base mitt.

Catcher’s Mitts

Fastpitch catcher’s mitts must be able to hold up to the rigors of receiving hundreds of pitches in a day while also protecting the hand of its catcher. It’s a tough combination, but some of the game’s leading brands have figured out the correct way to build a dependable softball catcher’s mitt.

What is the difference between a fastpitch catcher’s mitt and a baseball catcher’s mitt?

Softball catcher’s mitts provide deeper pockets and thinner walls than baseball mitts to best receive the bigger, heavier ball. Most baseball catcher’s mitts will have standard closed webs, while it is common for softball mitts to utilize open pockets like an H-Web.

How is the size of a catcher’s mitt determined?

Unlike all other softball gloves, the size of a catcher’s mitt is determined by measuring the circumference of the mitt rather than the length. The standard size of a softball catcher’s mitt will range between 30” and 34” in size. The smaller the catcher’s mitt is, the better control players will have and the quicker their transfers will be. Larger mitts provide a bigger target for pitchers and a better tool to use for blocking balls in the dirt. 

Like all other gloves, we recommend younger players use a smaller mitt and older players use the size of the mitt that they prefer. 

We hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any specific softball glove questions, our Glove Experts are available via telephone at 866-321-4568, email at experts@justgloves.com, or you click here to live chat. We’re JustGloves and we’re with you from click to catch!