How to Measure a Baseball Glove: Your Perfect Fit

What is the correct way to measure a baseball glove? The correct way to measure a baseball glove is by measuring from the tip of the index finger to the heel of the glove. This is the most common method used by manufacturers and players alike.

Finding the right baseball glove can feel like a treasure hunt. You want one that feels like an extension of your hand, not a bulky oven mitt. But with so many sizes and styles, how do you find that perfect fit? This comprehensive baseball glove measurement guide will walk you through everything you need to know about baseball glove sizing. We’ll cover how to measure a baseball glove, deciphering glove size charts, and what makes a great baseball glove fit.

How To Measure A Baseball Glove
Image Source: dac8r2vkxfv8c.cloudfront.net

Why Glove Size Matters

Choosing the correct glove size isn’t just about comfort; it’s crucial for performance. A glove that’s too big can make fielding ground balls and catching fly balls difficult. You might fumble the ball, costing your team an out. A glove that’s too small can also be a problem, making it hard to close the glove around the ball. It can also be uncomfortable and even lead to hand fatigue. Proper baseball glove sizing ensures you have control, confidence, and a quicker transfer from glove to throwing hand.

Deciphering Baseball Glove Sizing

Baseball glove sizing can seem like a secret code, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you know the key. Manufacturers use specific measurements to categorize their gloves, and understanding these helps you narrow down your choices.

Baseball Glove Length

The primary measurement for a baseball glove is its length. This is typically measured from the top of the glove’s index finger down to the heel. The heel is the very bottom part of the glove where the pocket starts to form.

How to Measure Baseball Glove Length:

Lay the glove flat. Ensure it’s fully open and the palm is spread out.
Use a flexible measuring tape. A cloth measuring tape works best.
Measure from the tip of the index finger. Place the beginning of the tape at the very end of the index finger stall.
Stretch the tape down to the heel. Run the tape along the outer edge of the glove, through the pocket, and down to the bottommost point of the heel.
Record the measurement. This measurement will be in inches.

Baseball Glove Width

While less commonly the primary measurement, the width of the glove’s palm can also be a factor, especially for infielders. A slightly wider glove can offer a larger pocket for catching. The width is usually measured across the widest part of the glove’s palm.

How to Measure Baseball Glove Width:

Lay the glove flat. Open the glove as much as possible.
Identify the widest part of the palm. This is usually just below the finger stalls and above the heel.
Measure across the palm. Use your measuring tape to get the distance from one side of the palm to the other at its widest point.

Baseball Glove Size Chart: A General Guide

Every manufacturer has its own glove size chart, but there are general ranges that apply to different positions and age groups. This table offers a typical guideline. Remember, these are averages, and personal preference plays a significant role in how to fit a baseball glove.

Position	Typical Glove Size (Inches)	Age Group (General)	Notes
Pitcher	11.5 – 12	Youth/Adult	Closed webbing, less flashy, allows for hiding pitch grips.
Catcher	32 – 35	Youth/Adult	Mitts, no individual finger stalls, rounded shape, heavily padded. Size is circumference.
First Baseman	12 – 13	Youth/Adult	Longer and wider than infield gloves, designed for scooping low throws.
Infield (2nd/SS)	10.5 – 11.5	Youth/Adult	Smaller, shallower pocket for quick transfers.
Infield (3rd)	11.5 – 12	Youth/Adult	Slightly larger than SS/2B gloves for snagging hard-hit balls.
Outfield	12.5 – 13.5+	Youth/Adult	Longest gloves with deep pockets to help secure fly balls.
Youth Baseball	7 – 10	4-8 years	Very small, often more flexible for young hands.
Youth Baseball	9.5 – 11	8-12 years	As players grow, sizes increase. Focus on ease of closure.
Teen/Adult Transition	10.5 – 12	12-15 years	Bridges the gap between youth and adult sizing, often dependent on hand size.
Adult Baseball	11 – 12.75	16+ years	Varies greatly by position and player preference.

Youth Baseball Glove Size

For young players, youth baseball glove size is critical. A glove that’s too big will hinder their ability to catch and throw. It’s better to start a little smaller and grow into a glove than to have them struggle with an oversized one.

Ages 4-8: Look for gloves in the 7 to 9-inch range. These are typically very flexible and easy to close.
Ages 8-12: Glove sizes will generally fall between 9.5 and 11 inches. This is where position starts to become more relevant.
Teenagers (12-15): This age group often bridges youth and adult sizes. Hand size and position are key factors. Gloves in the 10.5 to 12-inch range are common.

Adult Baseball Glove Size

Adult baseball glove size varies significantly based on position and player preference.

Infielders: Often prefer smaller, more agile gloves (10.5-11.75 inches) for quick transfers.
Outfielders: Usually opt for larger gloves (12.5-13.5+ inches) with deeper pockets to help secure fly balls.
First Basemen: Need specialized gloves that are longer and wider (12-13 inches) to scoop errant throws.
Pitchers: Prefer gloves in the 11.5-12 inch range with closed webbing to conceal their grip on the ball.

How to Fit a Baseball Glove: The Personal Touch

Beyond the numbers on a glove size chart, the most important factor is how the glove feels on your hand. This is where the “how to fit a baseball glove” part gets personal.

The Hand Test: Your Ultimate Baseball Glove Fit Guide

Slide your hand in. Put your dominant hand into the glove. Your throwing hand is your dominant hand.
Check finger stalls. Your index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers should each fit snugly into their respective stalls. There shouldn’t be a lot of extra room, nor should they feel cramped.
Palm placement. Your palm should rest comfortably in the deepest part of the glove’s pocket.
Thumb placement. The thumb should fit snugly in its stall, allowing for good control.
Glove closure. This is key. With the ball in the pocket, try to close the glove. It should close smoothly without excessive effort. You should be able to “snap” the glove shut. If you have to really squeeze or use your other hand to close it, it might be too stiff or too large.
Comfort and control. The glove should feel balanced and comfortable. You should have good dexterity and feel like you can control the glove. There shouldn’t be any major pressure points or chafing.

Baseball Glove Hand Size Considerations

Baseball glove hand size is an often overlooked, yet vital, aspect of finding the perfect fit. Even with the correct glove length, if the hand stalls are too wide or too narrow for your hand, the glove won’t function optimally.

Narrower Hands: Some players have narrower hands. They might find that a glove with slightly tighter finger stalls or a glove that’s designed with a narrower hand opening provides a better feel and control.
Wider Hands: Conversely, players with wider hands might need gloves with more spacious finger stalls or a wider overall hand opening.
Youth Players: Many youth baseball gloves are designed with wider hand openings and shorter finger stalls to accommodate the developing hands of young players.

Advanced Glove Fit Tips

Once you’ve got the basics down, here are some advanced tips to refine your baseball glove fit.

Pocket Depth

The pocket is where the ball actually rests. A deeper pocket is generally preferred by outfielders and first basemen for securing the ball. Infielders might prefer a shallower pocket for quicker transfers.

How to check pocket depth: Place a baseball in the glove and close it. The ball should sit securely without popping out easily. You should be able to wrap the glove’s fingers and thumb around the ball.

Break-In Period

New baseball gloves are often stiff. The break-in process is essential for shaping the glove to your hand and creating that perfect pocket.

Natural Break-In: Simply playing catch and using the glove regularly is the best way.
Glove Conditioners: Using specialized glove oils or conditioners can help soften the leather. Apply sparingly and work it into the glove.
Glove Mallets/Straps: These can help shape the pocket and make the glove more pliable.
Avoid Oven/Microwave: Never try to speed up the break-in process by using heat. This can damage the leather and ruin the glove.

Webbing Styles

The webbing between the thumb and index finger influences the glove’s function and the size of the pocket.

Open Webbing (e.g., I-Web, H-Web): Common for infielders, allowing for good visibility into the pocket and quick transfers.
Closed Webbing (e.g., Basket Web, Closed Mesh): Preferred by pitchers to hide their grip and outfielders for a deeper, more secure pocket.

Glove Width vs. Finger Stall Width

While glove length is the primary metric, don’t forget the width of the individual finger stalls and the overall hand opening. A glove might be the right length, but if the finger stalls are too loose, you won’t have proper control. If they are too tight, your hand will be uncomfortable.

Choosing the Right Glove for Your Position

Your position on the field dictates specific needs for your baseball glove.

Infield Gloves

Size: Typically 10.5 to 11.75 inches.
Pocket: Shallower to facilitate quick transfers.
Webbing: Open webbing (I-Web, H-Web) for visibility and quick ball retrieval.
Purpose: Designed for snagging ground balls and making rapid throws.

Outfield Gloves

Size: Generally 12.5 to 13.5 inches or larger.
Pocket: Deep pocket to help secure fly balls.
Webbing: Closed or deeper webbing (Basket Web) to create a larger, more reliable catching surface.
Purpose: Made for tracking down fly balls and making long throws.

Catcher’s Mitts

Size: Measured by circumference, not length (32-35 inches).
Design: No individual finger stalls, heavily padded for protection, and shaped to provide a large target for pitchers.
Purpose: Absorbing the impact of pitches and framing them for strikes.

First Baseman’s Mitts

Size: 12 to 13 inches.
Design: Longer and wider than infield gloves, with a shallower, more flexible pocket. Often has a hinged appearance.
Purpose: Scooping low throws and receiving difficult transfers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring and Fitting

Making a few common errors can lead to an ill-fitting glove. Here’s what to watch out for:

Relying solely on glove size charts: Always try the glove on. A chart is a starting point, not the final word.
Ignoring hand size: Don’t just look at the glove’s external measurement. How your hand fits inside is crucial.
Buying a glove that’s too big: It’s tempting to get a bigger glove to “grow into,” but this hinders performance and development.
Not considering your position: An outfielder’s glove isn’t ideal for a middle infielder, and vice-versa.
Skipping the break-in: A stiff, new glove won’t perform as well as one that’s been properly broken in.
Forgetting about glove width: Sometimes, the width of the pocket or the hand opening is the differentiating factor.

How to Measure Your Hand for Glove Size

While measuring the glove itself is key, knowing your hand size can also provide valuable insight, especially when looking at gloves designed for specific hand measurements.

Measuring Your Hand:

Use a flexible measuring tape.
Measure from the tip of your middle finger down to the base of your palm. This gives a rough idea of your hand’s length.
Measure across the widest part of your palm. This is usually just below your fingers, excluding your thumb.
Measure your longest finger. This can help determine if individual finger stalls will fit well.

While these measurements aren’t directly used to size most standard baseball gloves (which are sized by the glove itself), they can be helpful for custom orders or when looking at specialized gloves that might specify hand measurements. Some manufacturers do offer gloves with different hand openings that can be better matched to your specific hand size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use my glove for a different position if it’s the right size?

A: While you can technically use a glove of the correct general size for different positions, it’s not ideal. Each position has specific needs regarding pocket depth, webbing, and overall glove shape. Using a glove designed for your position will optimize your performance. For example, an outfielder’s deep pocket glove will make it harder for an infielder to transfer the ball quickly.

Q: How much room should there be in the finger stalls?

A: The finger stalls should be snug but not tight. Your fingers should be able to move freely without excessive extra space. If there’s too much room, you’ll lose control and dexterity. If they’re too tight, it will be uncomfortable and restrict movement.

Q: What does “hand opening” mean in baseball glove sizing?

A: The “hand opening” refers to the area where your hand enters the glove, specifically around the wrist and thumb area. Some gloves are designed with a narrower hand opening, which can provide a more secure feel and better control for players with smaller or more slender hands. Conversely, a wider hand opening might be more comfortable for players with larger hands.

Q: Should I buy a glove that’s too big to grow into?

A: It’s generally not recommended to buy a glove that is too big for a young player to grow into. A glove that is too large will make it difficult to field the ball, develop proper catching techniques, and control the glove. It’s better to buy a glove that fits well now and then purchase a larger size as the player grows and develops.

Q: How do I know if my glove pocket is too deep or too shallow?

A: A glove pocket is typically considered too deep if you have trouble retrieving the ball from it quickly. For infielders, this can slow down transfers. For outfielders, a deeper pocket is usually preferred for securing fly balls. You can test this by placing a ball in the pocket and trying to close the glove. If the ball pops out easily or if it feels difficult to pull the ball out, the pocket might not be ideal for your needs.

Q: How do I break in a catcher’s mitt differently than a fielder’s glove?

A: Catcher’s mitts require a specific break-in process due to their unique construction and the need for a very specific shape. While regular gloves benefit from being played with, catcher’s mitts often need more deliberate shaping. Mitts are typically worked by pounding the pocket with a fist or glove mallet and using lacing techniques to help form the deep, rounded pocket essential for receiving pitches. Avoid using excessive oil, as this can make the mitt too soft and less durable.

By following this comprehensive baseball glove measurement guide and paying close attention to how the glove feels on your hand, you’ll be well on your way to finding that perfect baseball glove fit. Happy fielding!