Overview
There are many factors that need to be considered when choosing a baseball glove. The age of the ballplayer, the type of material the glove is made from, the way the baseball glove is constructed and what position on the field the wearer is going to play must all be taken into account.
Step 1
Consider how much you wish to spend on a baseball glove first. Synthetic materials make for a lighter glove and are less durable, but for a kid first starting out in baseball they make sense as they are inexpensive, often costing less than $25. Leather gloves are much more durable and comfortable, giving the player a better feel. Treated leather is the most expensive material used to make a baseball glove, with the process of treating and softening the leather translating into gloves that may cost upwards to $300. However, such a glove will be extremely durable and need little care to keep it in shape.
Step 2
Decide what kind of wrist fastener system you want your glove to come with. While less expensive gloves do not have such a feature, better models have a Velcro fastener that can easily be pulled and fastened to keep the glove snug on your hand. Other models have what is known as a D-ring fastener, which tightens the glove by pulling on laces.
Step 3
Choose a glove that is the right size. Gloves are measured from the bottom of the heel to the tips of the fingers. Younger children should start out with a smaller glove that can allow them to have solid control over it. Such gloves are anywhere from 9 inches to 11 inches long. As the child grows into a teenager the glove size should also get larger, normally up to 11 inches. Older teens and adults should choose a glove that is 12 to 12.5 inches long. Softball players should have a glove that is anywhere between 12 to 14 inches long to accommodate the larger ball.
Step 4
Select a glove that is appropriate for your position. Catchers and first basemen will opt for the mitts that are specially designed for their positions. The other infielder needs gloves that have shallower pockets so he can grab the ball quickly in order to make a throw. Outfielders, on the other hand, prefer a glove with a much deeper pocket to allow them to catch fly balls more easily.
Step 5
Pick out a glove while taking the web design into account. Baseball gloves have open or closed webs, the area between the thumb of the glove and the first finger. Some players like a closed web so that the ball cannot become lodged in it. Pitchers should always opt for a glove with a closed web so that the batter cannot see where he is placing his fingers on the ball before delivering a pitch; this can give the pitch away and is a distinct advantage for the hitter.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Don't choose a glove for a youngster that is so large she has to "grow into it."
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