How to choose a baseball glove is something that anyone wanting to play baseball will ask initially. And for good reasons. This is because when you want to play a baseball game, you will need a good baseball glove.
You need to look for many criteria for how to choose a baseball glove since the glove you pick up can either help you or hinder you.
When I first started playing baseball recreationally, I didn’t know too much, so I just picked one that fit my position. However, after a few games, I noticed that my hand was hurting badly, and I wasn’t catching fly balls that well.
These issues were because I picked a glove of the wrong size and style, which did more harm than good for me.
That is why I am here to help you learn how to choose a baseball glove by mentioning some of the factors that I look for myself. I also picked up criteria from my seniors in my local team and from the internet through interviews and research.
How to choose a baseball gloves?: Some Criteria to Look for
As I said, I will mention some factors that can help you narrow down your search, for example, top rated outfield baseball gloves. As I mentioned above, some of these factors come from my own research and some things I learned from others.
Overall these factors should be more than enough for you to get a baseball glove.
So here are some factors to remember for how to choose a baseball gloves:
1. Price:
As you have easily guessed, when it comes to choosing a baseball glove, price is one of the first things you should look at. Without having a budget, you won’t know what to look for.
Obviously, the higher your budget, the greater the chance of getting the best baseball gloves in the market.
2. Material:
Your skill level can help you determine the type of material your gloves should be made from. For example, those that are 10-year-olds and just starting to play baseball should pick a glove with synthetic leather.
A more experienced player getting something that is treated and softer is a better choice. Finally, those that are playing at a higher level should only be getting gloves from the pro series. Gloves made using pro leather are more exclusive but well worth it.
3. Size:
Like any other sports equipment getting something that matches your size is paramount. Since ill-fitting gloves will only hinder you in the field.
Something like a baseball glove isn’t any different and, as such, has a sizing chart unique to it. In fact, when choosing a baseball glove, you need to be particular about the size of your hand.
4. Position:
Baseball is a team sport and has multiple positions, all of whom play together. And each of these positions does something different. So to do those different tasks, their gloves are made in a specific manner.
Therefore, when you choose a baseball glove, you need to consider which position you are playing for since your particular position will determine what type of gloves you should be choosing.
For example, as an outfielder, you should more often be choosing a baseball glove with a modified or trapeze web. On the other hand, a catcher will need a glove with a closed web pattern.
5. Fit & Feel:
Simple as it sounds fit and feels is very much important when it comes to something like a baseball glove. In terms of fit, baseball gloves should fit snugly on your hands, and if it’s a bit larger, immediately change it. Many people make the mistake of thinking youth baseball batting or fielding gloves will grow into it.
On the other side, Feels is all about how flexible it is on your hand and how easily you can open and close it. Something like that is very much important to those that fields or is a catcher.
Conclusion
By following these factors, you should have an easier time choosing a baseball glove. All of these factors are quite simple to understand but are rather critical when buying baseball gloves.
Hopefully, these factors will help you out next time you go to the sporting goods store.