It is vital to get into the game field with the utmost confidence to perform better during the game. If your baseball glove is about the perfect size that fits you ideally, is properly broken in, and is comfortable, you will perform the best. It might make the new players wonder what size baseball glove I need. Your hand’s size, style of playing, and position in the game determine the glove size that you will need. Even if you are looking for the ideal baseball glove for yourself or your children, or any younger player, you will have to consider certain factors, including the size, to make the purchase worth the money.
Different baseball glove sizes are required for different positions in the game. Therefore, before choosing any baseball glove, you will have to get enough information on baseball mitt sizing and how it works. To help you get the most appropriate and efficient baseball glove for you, we have mentioned all the necessary glove sizes below. And we assure you once you have gone through the information below, you will be able to get the ideal baseball glove for you.
Measuring a Baseball Glove
Before getting into any final decision regarding the baseball glove, it is essential that you have a basic understanding of measuring the glove and should know how to measure baseball glove size. The size of all baseball and catcher gloves is usually measured in inches, but that differs in both cases. The size mentioned for baseball gloves is typically the measurement of its length, while in the case of catcher gloves, the circumference of the glove is measured.
How to measure a baseball glove?
To measure a baseball glove, you will have to start with the top of the index finger all along the palm till the very end of the heel of the glove. The size might vary from glove to glove, but most of them do not exceed 12 or 12.5 inches.
How to measure a catcher’s mitt?
As mentioned above, unlike baseball gloves, the catcher mitts are measured from the circumference. The size of these mitts ranges from 32.5 inches to 34 inches.
Glove Size Chart for Youth
Below is the youth baseball glove size chart as well as catcher’s mitt size chart;
| Age | Baseball Glove Size |
| Five and under | 9” – 10” |
| 6 – 7 | 10” – 10.5” |
| 8 -10 | 10.75” – 11.5” |
| 11 – 12 | 11.5” – 12” |
Catcher’s Mitt Size
| Age | Catcher’s Mitt Size |
| Under 7 | 29.5” – 30” |
| 8 – 10 | 30” – 32” |
| 11 – 13 | 31” – 32.5” |
Choosing Baseball Glove Size According to the Position
Now that we have mentioned the youth baseball glove size chart, it is time to discuss the adult ones. For adults ranging from twelve years to professional players, the size of the baseball glove dramatically depends upon their position in the game field. Therefore, you will have to choose your baseball glove, considering in what position you might play. Below is the baseball glove size chart following the placement of players.
| Position of the Player | Common Glove Size |
| Infield | 11” – 12.25” |
| Outfield | 12.5” – 12.75” |
| Pitcher | 11.5” – 12” |
| Catcher | 32.5” – 35” |
| First base | 12.25’ – 12.75” |
| Second base | 11” – 11.5” |
| Third base | 11.5” -12” |
Outfield Glove Size
Outfield gloves are the least complicated ones as they can be used whether you are playing left, center, or right side of the game field. These gloves might range from 12.25-inches to 12.75 inches in size, and it is entirely dependent on the players what size they want. Some players like to have an extra half-inch to themselves as they feel comfortable this way.
While the other players like to have less glove that fits them more tightly to get rid of the ball quicker on throws to bases. Moreover, the outfielders also prefer deeper pockets, especially if they have to dive or contact the wall. For this purpose, the outfielders stick their pinky and ring finger of their glove hand into the glove hole made explicitly for the pinky.
Catcher’s Mitt Size
Catcher’s mitt also comes in various sizes, some more significant than others. Again it is dependent on the player what baseball mitt sizing they are most comfortable in. If you are confused about what size might be the best for you, you can try on different gloves to analyze. Smaller catcher mitts make it easier to get the ball out of the mitt quicker. But if you have a wild pitcher in front of you, the chance is that the catching will become more authoritarian, in this case with smaller mitts.
Therefore, it is entirely dependent on you what catcher’s mitt size enables you to perform efficiently in the field and is the most comfortable one. It is necessary to be kept in mind that these mitts are usually very stiff and require effective breaking in. Breaking in a catcher’s mitt might be a little time-consuming, but that ensures that the glove is of high quality.
Pitcher’s Glove Size
Pitchers tend to use gloves of almost all sizes, from the tiny ones to the outfielder ones. The one factor that differentiates the pitcher’s glove from the other ones is its closed web. This secure web ensures that the movement of fingers is not visible to the hitter that is necessary as it ensures that the pitcher’s throw remains invisible and unpredicted. This invisibility is very important as all the hitters are trying to find something that will tell them what the pitcher will throw a pitch.
At present times, many of the pitchers are using gloves that possess finger sleeves. Some pitchers expose their index finger from there, moving that finger in some instances to give away the pitch they are about to throw. The pitchers usually do this to disguise the throw that they are about to make. So, these catcher mitts help the players make their moves efficiently, which adds to their performance.
First Base Glove Size
If you plan on playing first base glove, you will require a glove between the size of a catcher’s mitt and an outfield glove. The first base gloves have a greater length than these gloves. The size of these gloves usually ranges from 12-inches to 12.75-inches. Like the catcher’s mitts, these gloves always feature a scooped end without the padding that helps the player scoop balls in the dirt. Also, the first base glove can only be used for this one position and is illegal for other positions in the field.
The extended length of these first base gloves assists the first base players when the throw is not online. This is when the first baseman will need all the 0.25-inches to either catch the ball or knock it down. But it is also essential to get a glove that is not too long because that might get floppy, causing the ball to fall out of webbing. So, choose long enough to assist you in your game but not too long that might hinder your performance.
Second Base or Middle Infield Glove Size
The second base gloves, also referred to as middle infield gloves or shortstop, are relatively smaller than all other gloves for different positions. These gloves range in size from 11-inches to 11.5-inches. Also, these gloves are the smallest ones because they are responsible for fielding the ball and getting rid of it quickly. Also, the size can vary from player to player as each player has their comfort zone and size.
These gloves can be worn with two fingers in the pinky hole or with each finger in its spot. Even though you might feel a lot more comfortable, controlled, and have a deeper pocket with your pinky and ring finger in the same hole, it might cause you a problem with getting balls stuck in the glove. If the infielders put their fingers in different spots, they will get a much flatter pocket that might provide better ball control.
Third Base Glove Size
As mentioned in the baseball glove size chart, the third base gloves are slightly larger than those used for shortstop and second base gloves. It is because the balls hit very hard, and the thicker the leather, the easier it will be to knock the ball down. Moreover, you don’t have to get the ball out quickly in this position, as is the case for middle infielders.
The size range of the third-base glove is from 11.5-inches to 11.75-inches. You might also see many players using a 12-inches glove for this position, but it is rather too large to play infield. Also, it is solely dependent on the players what size they feel most comfortable in and what size helps them increase their performance in the field.
Other Factors that Affect the Fitting of a Glove
The appropriate baseball glove size is significant to guarantee an ideal fitting, but this doesn’t stop here. Certain other factors are responsible for the perfect fitting and for maximizing your performance in the game. Below we have mentioned some factors that affect the fitting of a glove;
Pocket is a significant factor to consider while choosing a glove. Each position requires a different size of pocket of the baseball glove. As shallow pockets are preferred by the middle infielders as they help them quickly catch and throw the ball. At the same time, the outfielders prefer deeper pockets as they help them shag down fly balls.
Webbing
You can find various webbings in the market that can help you fit your glove better or assist you in a particular position in the field. The players who want to hide their balls usually prefer a closed web, while middle infielders prefer an open web because they help them quickly catch and throw the ball. Outfielders and third basemen also like using a closed webbing to get that extra support.
Padding
Padding is also a factor that might affect your performance and fit great and also tends to vary from position to position in the game field. For example, a catcher’s mitt has more padding in its pocket to bear the hard throws made at it. The padding also helps to protect the players from the sting of hard-hit balls. Also, the padding is being done in the wrist area to make the glove more comfortable and fit.
Material of the Glove
You can see a variety of baseball gloves in the market with different materials. The baseball gloves are usually made out of leather, treated leather, or other synthetic materials. The pure leather ones tend to be more challenging and require breaking in but are comfortable and durable. The gloves made out of treated leather are usually easier to break in. The ones made out of synthetic materials are less expensive and usually less durable therefore are majorly used for youth baseball gloves.
FAQs of Choosing Right Baseball Glove
Q: What size baseball gloves do adults use?
Although the glove sizes differ from player to player and from position to position, most adults use baseball gloves ranging from 11-inches to 11.75-inches. Some of the places in the field require more giant gloves, while others are effectively functional when smaller.
Q: Is a 14-inches baseball glove too large?
A 14-inches baseball glove might be too large as most of the players and positions prefer the size range of around 10.75 to 12.75 inches. 12.75 is also rare as most of the players prefer a maximum 12.5-inches glove.
Q: What size baseball glove should an eight years old use?
A seven to eight years old child might require a baseball glove ranging from 10.5-inches to 11-inches.
Conclusion
With the variety of gloves and their sizes in the market, you might always get confused about what size baseball glove I need. We have provided the baseball mitt size chart that you might need if you plan to buy a baseball glove for the first time. Also, we have provided enough information on various baseball glove sizes for different positions in the game field. It will help you choose the best one according to your age and position, which will enhance your game performance. So, now it’s your turn to determine what might suit you the best.
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