Buying Guide | Types of Baseball Gloves

Types of Gloves

As your player advances, they will likely begin to play a primary position. This will not impact younger players, but rather older, more experienced players. However, once your player has a primary position, we can start to look at a specific size of the glove to fit that position. Gloves are often designed specifically for a particular position, so make sure that the ones you look for match your player’s specialty. See exactly what kind of glove fits each position with our Gloves by Position guide.

Glove Fit

Finding the correct fit for a glove is extremely important. After all, it is an extension of your hand while on the diamond. Manufacturers have noticed the importance of finding the correct fitting glove and have started to make adjustments to produce gloves for hands of all sizes.

• Youth gloves. A youth glove is created to fit a smaller, younger hand. They will often have shorter finger stalls, tighter wrist openings, and sometimes even shorter break-in periods.

• Tapered fit. A tapered fitting glove is made for an older player but is designed for a smaller hand. They will occasionally have shorter finger stalls, but their primary allure is a tighter wrist opening for better control. You may also see this described by Wilson as a Pedroia Fit.

• If a glove does not have a determinant term, be sure to check out the Features as they can still be produced to fit a specific size of a hand.

Finding the Right Size

As many types of gloves there are, there are even more sizes. Finding the correct glove size can be really tricky. However, here at JustGloves we try and make it as easy as possible. There are two main factors that help determine the correct glove size. The first thing to look at is the age of your player. If a player is younger than the age of 10 they probably don't have a primary position. Therefore, they can look at something in the range between 9" - 11" in size. This will allow them to develop more confidence because a smaller mitt is easier to control, while still allowing them to play all the positions comfortably.

Determining Features

Along with size, there are various features that can be adjusted to provide the perfect glove for every player. The pocket depth, web type, wrist adjustments, and back type can all be chosen based on player preference or needs.

Pocket Depth

When choosing a glove you may want to take the specific pocket into consideration. The deeper the pocket, the easier it is to have consistent catches, especially with fly balls and longer throws. The more shallow the pocket, the easier it is to retrieve the ball from the mitt, and the faster a player can catch and release. For quick plays, a shallow pocket can be valuable.

Web Types

Determining the correct web type for you or your player will come down to both primary position and player preference. Web styles often look like their names state, for example, the I-web is shaped like an "I" with openings around it so the ball can be picked out of the glove easier. Another style of web is the Six Finger web, which in theory adds a sixth finger in the pocket between the thumb and the fingers.

Let's break down a couple of the more common web types across the sport.

An I-web will have a vertical leather strip to provide for a shallow, yet consistent pocket for middle infielders to take full advantage of.

An H-web is an ideal web type for third basemen and outfielders. The web is constructed from two vertical strips connected by one horizontal strip.

Typically used by utility players and pitchers, a Closed web provides flexible closure while also shielding any onlooking hitter from spotting the upcoming pitch.

Small leather laces connect to a vertical leather strip to provide incredible stability. As a result, a Modified Trap is a perfect web type for infielders, outfielders, and pitchers.

A Single Post web type is primarily used by first basemen. The construction creates a deep, consistent pocket for receiving the ball.

Wrist Adjustments

Some gloves come with a wrist adjustment. Wrist adjustments keep the glove snug to your hand. An example is a Velcro strap that offers the convenience of pulling and adjusting to your comfort level. Another wrist adjustment is an adjustable leather strap to allow you to pull on the lacing and make the glove tighter.

Backs of a Glove

A player can choose either an open or closed back glove. This portion of the glove can be found above the wrist, on the backside of the glove. An open back will leave a space open across the back by your wrist. This is a purely personal preference, but some backs fit certain positions better.

Glove Quality

Unlike bats, gloves make it really easy to determine quality. The more you're willing to invest in a glove, the better overall durability and consistency it will provide. Lower-end gloves are going to have a shorter time to break them in, so they're going to be more game ready. However, they're going to last fewer seasons over the long haul. A higher-end glove will easily last for multiple seasons but may require a more intense break-in period.

Other Glove Resource Guides

Glove Care Products

Breaking In A Glove

Selecting a Glove

Glove Sizing

Custom Gloves

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 1-866-321-4568. And remember, when you order from JustGloves, you'll always receive free, fast shipping. That's JustGloves, from click to catch!