A baseball glove needs to fit snugly, like a second skin, offering control and protection without hindering your movements. A glove that’s too big will feel sloppy, making it hard to catch the ball. A glove that’s too small will be uncomfortable and might not fully close around the ball. The goal is a glove that feels like an extension of your hand, allowing you to snag line drives and scoop ground balls with confidence.
Choosing the Right Baseball Glove
The journey to a perfectly fitting baseball glove begins with smart choosing a baseball glove. This isn’t just about brand or price; it’s about finding a glove that matches your position, your hand size, and your playing style. A glove that feels right off the shelf is the first step toward a glove that feels perfect after some break-in.
Position-Specific Needs
Different positions on the field require different glove designs. A fielder needs agility and a quick transfer, while a catcher needs a sturdy mitt to absorb fast pitches.
Infield Gloves
For the infield, speed and responsiveness are key. You need a glove with a shallow pocket to facilitate a quick transfer from glove to throwing hand.
* Size: Typically range from 11 to 11.75 inches.
* Pocket Depth: Shallower, allowing for faster ball retrieval.
* Webbing: Often open or closed mesh to reduce weight and improve visibility.
* Best Baseball Glove for Infield: Look for models designed for second base, shortstop, or third base, depending on your primary position. These are often lighter with a flexible feel.
Outfield Gloves
Outfielders need a glove with a deeper pocket to securely catch fly balls and protect against hard-hit balls. They also benefit from a larger glove to extend their reach.
* Size: Typically range from 12 to 12.75 inches, and sometimes larger.
* Pocket Depth: Deeper, providing a secure cradle for the ball.
* Webbing: Often features closed webbing (like a H-web or I-web) to create a more contained pocket and hide the ball from the batter.
* Best Baseball Glove for Outfield: Consider gloves with a larger pattern and a deep, secure pocket.
Catcher’s Mitts and First Baseman’s Mitts
These are specialized pieces of equipment.
* Catcher’s Mitts: No individual finger stalls, designed to create a large, padded target for pitchers. They are very stiff and require significant break-in.
* First Baseman’s Mitts: Longer and wider than infield gloves, with a deeper pocket and a more flexible design to scoop errant throws.
Glove Material
The material of your glove significantly impacts its feel, durability, and break-in process.
* Leather: The most common and preferred material.
* Full-Grain Leather: High quality, durable, and develops a great feel over time. It requires the most break-in time.
* Top-Grain Leather: Also good quality, slightly less durable than full-grain, and breaks in a bit faster.
* Cowhide: A standard, reliable leather that offers a good balance of quality and price.
* Synthetic Materials: Lighter and often require less break-in, but may not be as durable or offer the same classic feel as leather. They can be a good option for younger players or recreational leagues.
Hand Orientation
This is crucial: ensure the glove is made for your dominant hand.
* Right-Handed Thrower (RHT): Wears the glove on the left hand.
* Left-Handed Thrower (LHT): Wears the glove on the right hand.
Measuring for Glove Size
Getting the right baseball glove sizing is fundamental. A glove that’s too small is impossible to fix, while one that’s slightly large can often be adjusted.
How to Measure Your Hand
- Extend Your Hand: Lay your dominant hand flat on a piece of paper, palm down.
- Trace Your Hand: Trace around your fingers and palm.
- Measure Your Palm: Measure from the crease at the base of your wrist to the tip of your longest finger. Add about an inch to this measurement for a comfortable fit.
- Measure Your Palm Width: Measure across the widest part of your palm.
- Compare to Glove Sizing Charts: Most glove manufacturers provide sizing charts that correlate hand measurements to glove sizes. Remember that glove sizes are typically measured from the tip of the index finger to the heel of the glove.
The “Feel” Test
While measurements are a guide, the ultimate test is how the glove feels on your hand.
* Slip Your Hand In: Put the glove on your non-dominant hand (if you’re a right-handed thrower, put it on your left hand).
* Check for Space: Your fingers should extend to the end of the finger stalls, but not so far that they bunch up uncomfortably. There shouldn’t be excessive space at the fingertips.
* Palm Fit: The palm of the glove should feel snug and form-fitting. It shouldn’t be so tight that it restricts circulation or so loose that your hand slides around inside.
* Thumb and Pinky Fit: Your thumb and pinky should feel comfortable and able to grip the glove’s sides.
Breaking In Your Baseball Glove
Once you’ve chosen your glove, the real work begins: the baseball glove breaking in process. This is essential to mold the glove to your hand and create a functional pocket. A stiff glove is not a playable glove.
The Goal of Breaking In
The primary aims of breaking in a baseball glove are:
* Flexibility: To make the leather supple and easy to close.
* Pocket Formation: To create a defined area where the ball will consistently land.
* Comfort: To mold the glove to the unique shape of your hand.
Methods for Breaking In
There are several effective methods, often used in combination, to break in a new baseball glove.
1. The “Play Catch” Method (The Best Way)
This is the most natural and often the most effective method.
* Consistency is Key: Play catch regularly for short periods (15-30 minutes) over several days or weeks.
* Focus on the Pocket: Try to catch the ball in the intended pocket area of the glove. This helps shape the pocket correctly.
* Gentle Pressure: As you catch, use your non-gloved hand to apply gentle pressure to the pocket.
2. Glove Mallets and Shaping
- Glove Mallets: These are typically made of wood or rubber and are designed to mimic the impact of a ball. Gently pound the pocket and the sides of the glove to soften the leather.
- Shaping: Fold the glove in half along the pocket line and apply pressure. You can even use a rubber band or glove strap to keep it folded when not in use.
3. Glove Conditioners and Oils
Applying the right products can significantly speed up the break-in process and protect the leather.
How to Oil a Baseball Glove
- Choose the Right Product: Use specialized baseball glove oil or conditioner. Avoid petroleum jelly or cooking oils, which can damage the leather. Mink oil, neatsfoot oil, or specialized glove conditioners are good choices.
- Apply Sparingly: Too much oil can make the glove heavy and greasy. Apply a thin, even layer with a clean cloth or your fingers.
- Focus on Key Areas: Apply oil to the pocket, the lacing areas, and the main panels of the glove. Avoid over-oiling the hinges or fingertips, as this can make the glove too floppy.
- Work It In: Gently rub the oil into the leather.
- Allow It to Soak: Let the glove sit for several hours or overnight to allow the oil to penetrate.
- Wipe Off Excess: Use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess oil.
- How to Condition Baseball Glove: Conditioning is similar to oiling but often uses creams or lotions that also help restore moisture and suppleness to the leather.
4. The Oven/Microwave Myth (Avoid This!)
You might hear about using an oven or microwave to speed up break-in. Do not do this. Extreme heat can dry out, crack, and permanently damage the leather, ruining your glove.
5. The “Stuff It” Method
- Wrap it Up: Roll the glove into a ball, with the pocket facing inwards.
- Secure it: Use rubber bands, glove straps, or even a large towel to keep it tightly rolled.
- Store it: Keep it in a warm, dry place overnight. This helps the glove retain its shape and softens the leather.
Baseball Glove Pocketing: Creating Your Sweet Spot
Baseball glove pocketing is about creating a comfortable and reliable place for the ball to sit. A well-defined pocket makes catching easier and reduces the chance of errors.
What is a Glove Pocket?
The pocket is the area in the glove where the ball lands and is held. It’s the transition zone between the webbing and the palm.
Techniques for Pocket Formation
- Consistent Catching: As mentioned, playing catch and ensuring the ball lands in the same spot is crucial.
- Glove Mallet: Gently pounding the pocket area with a mallet helps soften the leather and create a more defined crease.
- Folding and Securing: Folding the glove and using straps or bands to keep it in that shape overnight helps set the pocket.
- Using a Ball: Place a baseball (or two) in the pocket and wrap the glove tightly to compress the area. Leave it overnight.
Maintaining Your Pocket
Once formed, you can help maintain your pocket by:
* Storing your glove properly (folded or rolled with a ball inside).
* Continuing to play catch regularly.
* Re-oiling or conditioning as needed to keep the leather supple.
Baseball Glove Adjustments: Fine-Tuning the Fit
Even with careful selection, some baseball glove adjustments might be needed to achieve that perfect, custom fit.
Adjusting the Lacing
The baseball glove lacing is your primary tool for making size adjustments.
* Tightening: If the glove feels a bit loose, you can carefully tighten the laces. Start with the thumb and index finger loops, then move to the other finger stalls. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can restrict blood flow or make the glove too stiff.
* Loosening: If the glove feels too tight, you can loosen the laces slightly.
* Re-lacing: In some cases, you might need to re-lace a section of the glove, especially if a lace breaks or if you want to significantly alter the glove’s shape. This is a more advanced technique.
Thumb and Pinky Stall Adjustments
- Thumb: Some gloves have adjustable thumb loops or padding. You can sometimes reposition this to make the thumb stall feel more snug or accommodate a larger thumb.
- Pinky: Similar to the thumb, the pinky stall can sometimes be adjusted. Many gloves have a two-finger or one-finger slot for the pinky. Experiment with which feels most comfortable and secure for you.
Adding or Removing Padding
While less common, some players might add thin padding to the palm or finger stalls for extra comfort or to subtly change the glove’s shape. Removing factory padding is generally not recommended unless you have a specific reason and know what you’re doing.
Common Glove Fitting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with the best intentions, glove fitting can go awry.
Mistake 1: Buying Too Big, Hoping to Break It In
- Why it’s bad: A glove that’s significantly too big will never truly fit well, even with extensive break-in. It will feel clunky and hinder your ability to control the ball.
- Solution: Prioritize getting the correct size from the start. It’s better to have a glove that’s slightly snug and can be loosened than one that’s excessively large.
Mistake 2: Over-Oiling or Using the Wrong Products
- Why it’s bad: Too much oil makes the glove heavy and greasy, potentially damaging the leather and making it harder to grip. Incorrect products can lead to premature cracking or stiffness.
- Solution: Use specialized glove oils and conditioners sparingly. Follow the instructions for application and only apply what the leather can absorb.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the Break-In Process
- Why it’s bad: A brand-new, stiff glove is nearly impossible to use effectively. Balls will bounce out, and catching will be painful.
- Solution: Commit to a consistent break-in routine. Play catch, use conditioning products, and shape the glove regularly.
Mistake 4: Not Considering Position-Specific Needs
- Why it’s bad: Using an outfielder’s glove for infield play will make transfers slow. Using an infielder’s glove for outfield play might not provide enough reach or pocket depth.
- Solution: Choose a glove designed for your primary position, considering factors like pocket depth, size, and webbing.
Mistake 5: Forgetting About Hand Size
- Why it’s bad: Glove sizes are often based on age or general player type, but individual hand sizes vary.
- Solution: Always try to measure your hand and, if possible, try on the glove before buying. This ensures the finger stalls and palm fit correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to break in a baseball glove?
The time can vary greatly depending on the type of leather, the glove’s stiffness, and the break-in methods used. It can take anywhere from a few weeks of consistent play to several months for very stiff, high-quality leather gloves.
Can I use shaving cream to break in my baseball glove?
Some people use shaving cream, but it’s generally not recommended for serious glove care. While it can soften the leather, it doesn’t provide the same conditioning benefits as specialized glove oils and conditioners, and it could potentially dry out the leather over time.
How often should I oil or condition my baseball glove?
This depends on how often you play and the climate. If you play frequently, especially in dry conditions, you might need to oil or condition every few weeks. For less frequent use, once or twice a season might be sufficient. Always check the leather for dryness or stiffness.
My glove feels too stiff. What can I do?
Continue playing catch, use a glove mallet to work the pocket, and apply a small amount of glove oil or conditioner. Leaving a ball inside and wrapping the glove overnight can also help.
My glove feels too loose. How can I tighten it?
You can try tightening the lacing, particularly around the finger stalls. If it’s still too loose, you might need to look for a smaller glove next time, as major adjustments to looseness are difficult.
Is it okay to have my glove professionally broken in?
Yes, some specialty sports stores offer professional glove breaking-in services. This can be a good option if you’re short on time or prefer an expert touch.
What is the best way to store my baseball glove?
Store your glove in a cool, dry place. It’s best to store it folded with a ball in the pocket, secured with a glove strap or rubber band, to help maintain its shape. Avoid leaving it in extreme temperatures, like a hot car.
How do I know if I have the right size glove?
Your fingers should reach the end of the stalls without being too cramped, and the palm should feel snug. You should be able to close the glove around a ball with a reasonable amount of effort.
What’s the difference between a baseball glove and a softball glove?
Softball gloves are generally larger and have deeper pockets to accommodate the bigger softball. The finger stalls are also often wider.
Can I adjust the web on my baseball glove?
While you can’t typically change the type of web (e.g., from an I-web to an H-web), you can adjust the lacing around the web to make the pocket deeper or shallower, or to influence how the glove closes.
By following these steps, you can ensure your baseball glove fits perfectly, becoming a reliable extension of your game on the field. Happy catching!