Ever feel like your glove just isn’t quite right for your throws? Choosing the perfect fastpitch softball glove can feel like a huge task. You need a glove that fits well and helps you snag every fly ball and grounder. Many players struggle to find that sweet spot in glove size, especially when looking at a 13-inch option.
A 13-inch glove is popular for certain positions, but picking the wrong one can lead to fumbled catches and less confidence in the field. It’s tough to know which features matter most and how to match the glove to your playing style. This can be frustrating when the game is on the line!
This post will break down everything you need to know about 13-inch fastpitch softball gloves. We will look at what makes them special and how to find the best one for you. Get ready to step up your defense with the right gear!
Top 13 Inch Fastpitch Softball Glove Recommendations
- Gender engineered: designed specifically for the female Softball player
- Professional level lace: same durable lace that's offered in our professional-level gloves
- Bio soft leather: professional style smooth leather that has the perfect balance of oil and softness for exceptional feel and firm control that serious players demand
- Right hand Throw= worn on left hand, left hand Throw= worn on right hand
- Right Hand Throw = Left Hand Glove, Left Hand Throw = Right Hand Glove
- Gender Engineered: Mizuno's engineering philosophy to maximize performance by tailoring products to meet the needs of the female athlete
- Professional Level Lace: Same durable lace that's offered in our professional-level gloves.
- Bio Soft Leather: Professional style smooth leather that has the perfect balance of oil and softness for exceptional feel and firm control that serious players demand.
- Center Pocket Designed Patterns: Pattern design that naturally centers the pocket under the index finger for the most versatile break-in possible.
- Parashock plus Palm Pad: Increases impact absorption for less sting.
- FASTPITCH-SPECIFIC DESIGN | Crafted to fit smaller hands and meet the demands of the fastpitch game.
- 13-INCH PRO H WEB | Creates a stable pocket ideal for snagging line drives and making quick transfers.
- GAME-READY OIL-TANNED COWHIDE LEATHER | Soft feel with minimal break-in required.
- QUANTUM CLOSURE SYSTEM | Adjustable open back delivers a secure, custom fit.
- SUPER SOFT PALM LINING & RAWHIDE LACES | Provide comfort, control, and long-lasting durability.
- FASTPITCH FIT: This glove is designed with a narrower wrist opening perfect for the youth fastpitch player!
- LIGHTWEIGHT MESH DESIGN: Constructed from lightweight technical mesh, this glove gives maximum comfort and helps facilitate quick hands out in the field
- ADJUSTABLE WRIST: Designed with an adjustable wrist closure to ensure a comfortable customized fit for all players
- SOFT POCKET: The soft pocket material is designed for a quick, easy break in process and provides a dynamic, responsive feel when catching the ball
- GREAT FOR YOUNG PLAYERS: Adjustable sizing and comfortable fit make this glove perfect for Softball players
- FASTPITCH SOFTBALL SPECIFIC PATTERN | Designed for smaller hands and tailored to fit the fastpitch softball athlete
- EASY BREAK-IN | Game-ready oil-tanned cowhide leather gives an authentic feel that's easy to break-in
- SECURE FIT | Quantum Closure System with an adjustable open back allows for a comfortable and secure fit while playing
- DURABLE | Soft palm lining for enhanced control along with rawhide lace adds durability to the pocket and web
- POSITION | This Left-Hand Throw- 13" H Web glove is perfect for outfielders
- DESIGNED FOR ADULT BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PLAYERS | Perfect for Adults playing recreational baseball or softball
- GAME-READY | Leather shell palm with a lightweight pro mesh back for optimal durability and quickness
- IMPACT PROTECTION | Cushioned palm and index finger pads for added comfort
- BREAK IN | 90% Factory 10% Player
- RIGHT HAND THROW | Glove to be worn on left hand for right hand throwers
- 13 INCH ADULT GLOVE | Perfect for recreational baseball and slowpitch softball
- PRO H WEB | Versatile web that is ideal for outfield positions
- FULL GRAIN LEATHER | Quality material ensures enhanced durability
- ZERO SHOCK PALM PADDING | Provides increased impact protection while catching
- ADJUSTABLE WRIST STRAP | Allows for a customizable fit for maximum comfort
- Designed for the fastpitch Player
- Full Grain Leather Shell & Laced Binding: Premium quality design with great durability.
- Parashock + Palm Pad: Increases impact absorption for less sting.
- V-Flex Notch: Helps initiate easy closure.
- PowerLock: Provides the quickest and most secure fit available.
Choosing Your Perfect 13-Inch Fastpitch Softball Glove: A Buyer’s Guide
Finding the right softball glove makes a big difference when you play. A 13-inch fastpitch glove is a popular size, especially for infielders who need a good mix of reach and quickness, or for pitchers and corner infielders. This guide helps you pick the best one for your game.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, check these important parts of the glove:
1. Pocket Depth and Web Style
- Pocket Depth: Deeper pockets hold the ball more securely. For fastpitch, a medium-deep pocket works well for most positions. A shallow pocket lets you transfer the ball faster.
- Webbing: The webbing connects the thumb and index finger area. Look for an I-Web or H-Web for infielders because they offer great visibility through the glove. Outfielders often prefer a Closed Web to hide pitches or secure deep fly balls.
2. Fit and Closure System
A glove must fit your hand snugly. A good fit means better control.
- Adjustability: Look for adjustable wrist straps (like a conventional open back or a Velcro closure). This lets you tighten the glove for a secure feel.
- Hand Orientation: Remember to buy the correct glove: Right-Handed Thrower (RHT) means the glove goes on your left hand. Left-Handed Thrower (LHT) means the glove goes on your right hand.
Important Materials Matter
The material dictates how long the glove lasts and how quickly it breaks in.
Leather Quality
Most quality gloves use leather. Different types offer different benefits:
- Premium Steerhide: This leather is very durable and holds its shape well. It takes longer to break in, but lasts for years.
- Oil-Tanned Leather: This leather feels softer right away. It breaks in faster, which is great if you need a glove ready for the season immediately.
- Synthetic Materials: These are lighter and cheaper. They break in almost instantly but usually do not last as long as real leather.
Lacing and Padding
Strong rawhide lacing keeps the glove structure together. Check that the laces are tight and not frayed. Good palm padding protects your hand from hard-hit balls, which is crucial in fastpitch.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all 13-inch gloves perform the same. Quality comes down to construction.
What Boosts Quality:
- Quality Stitching: Strong, tight stitching means the glove won’t fall apart after heavy use.
- Pro-Grade Patterns: Gloves designed by experienced softball players often have better hand slots and pocket shapes.
- Proper Tipping: The index finger “pad” should be reinforced for extra protection when fielding hard grounders.
What Lowers Quality:
- Stiff, Uneven Leather: If the leather feels rough or inconsistent, the glove will be hard to shape correctly.
- Thin Liners: Cheap gloves use thin palm liners, which hurt your hand when fielding fast pitches.
User Experience and Use Cases
A 13-inch glove is versatile. Where you play often decides the best style.
Infielders (2nd Base, Shortstop, 3rd Base)
These players need to field the ball and throw quickly. They often prefer a slightly shallower pocket in their 13-inch glove to help them locate the ball fast. They focus more on a quick break-in time.
Pitchers and Corner Infielders (1st Base, 3rd Base)
Pitchers need a web that hides their grip. Corner infielders appreciate the extra reach of the 13-inch size to snag tough throws or deep grounders. They often look for more structure and durability.
Always try to break in your glove properly. Use glove oil or specialized conditioners, and spend time playing catch. A well-broken-in glove feels like an extension of your hand.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 13 Inch Fastpitch Gloves
Q: Is 13 inches too big for fastpitch softball?
A: Not at all! 13 inches is a great size, especially for pitchers or corner infielders (like third base) who need maximum reach. Infielders sometimes prefer 12 to 12.5 inches, but 13 inches offers good coverage.
Q: Do I need a glove specifically labeled “Fastpitch”?
A: Yes, generally. Fastpitch gloves usually have smaller hand openings and a tighter fit than baseball gloves. This helps female players secure the glove better.
Q: How long does a quality leather glove take to break in?
A: A high-quality steerhide glove might take 4 to 8 weeks of regular use to fully break in. Oil and proper shaping speed up this process.
Q: What is the difference between an open back and a closed back glove?
A: An open back has a gap at the wrist, making it adjustable. A closed back covers the wrist completely, offering a more secure, traditional feel.
Q: Should I oil my new glove immediately?
A: Yes, applying a small amount of high-quality glove oil or conditioner helps soften the leather and protects it from drying out before you start playing catch.
Q: What web style is best for hiding pitches?
A: Pitchers usually choose a Closed Web or Basket Web. These styles hide the ball from the batter right up until the pitch is released.
Q: Is synthetic leather a bad choice?
A: Synthetic is fine for beginners or very young players. It is light and cheap, but it will not last as long as genuine leather, especially with hard use.
Q: How do I know if the glove fits my hand correctly?
A: When you put it on, your fingers should reach the end of the finger stalls comfortably. The wrist strap should allow you to pull the glove tight so it does not shift when you catch a ball.
Q: Can I use my 13-inch glove for slowpitch softball too?
A: Yes, a 13-inch glove works well for slowpitch. Slowpitch balls are larger, so the extra size offers good security when catching.
Q: What causes glove creases near the palm?
A: Creases happen naturally where you close the glove to catch the ball. If the leather is high quality and conditioned, these creases become the “pocket” and do not reduce the glove’s quality.