What is the proper way to wear a baseball glove? Wearing a baseball glove properly means ensuring it fits snugly but comfortably on your non-dominant hand, allowing for quick transfers and secure catches. This guide will walk you through every step, from selecting the right size to perfecting your grip. We’ll cover everything you need to know to feel like a natural on the field.
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Selecting Your Baseball Glove
Choosing the right baseball glove is the first step to wearing it correctly. A glove that’s too big or too small will hinder your performance and can even lead to injury. Think about the position you play, as this significantly impacts the type and size of glove you’ll need.
Glove Size Matters
The size of your baseball glove is crucial for optimal performance. A glove that fits well allows for better control and quicker reactions. Generally, gloves are measured from the tip of the index finger to the heel of the glove. Different positions require different glove sizes.
Baseball Glove Size Chart
Here’s a general guide to baseball glove sizes. Remember, these are approximate, and personal preference plays a big role.
| Position | Youth (Ages 5-8) | Youth (Ages 9-12) | Teen/Adult (Utility) | Infielders (2B, SS, 3B) | Outfielders | Pitchers | First Basemen | Catcher |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glove Size (in) | 9″ – 10.5″ | 10.5″ – 11.5″ | 11.5″ – 11.75″ | 11″ – 11.75″ | 12″ – 13″ | 11.75″ – 12″ | 12.5″ – 13″ | 32″ – 34″ |
- Youth: Younger players need smaller gloves that are easier to control. As they grow, they’ll transition to larger sizes.
- Infielders: Typically use smaller, shallower gloves. This helps with quick transfers of the ball from glove to throwing hand.
- Outfielders: Prefer larger gloves with deeper pockets to help snag fly balls and prevent them from popping out.
- Pitchers: Use gloves with closed webbing to hide their grip on the ball, making it harder for batters to read their pitch.
- First Basemen: Use mitts, which are larger and have more padding to scoop throws and catch line drives.
- Catchers: Use mitts, which are heavily padded and have a deep pocket to receive pitches.
Outfield Glove vs. Infield Glove
The differences between an outfield glove and an infield glove are significant and designed for their specific roles on the field.
- Outfield Gloves:
- Size: Generally larger (12-13 inches) to cover more ground and secure fly balls.
- Pocket Depth: Deeper pockets help cradle the ball and prevent it from bouncing out.
- Webbing: Often feature an open web (like a basket or I-web) for better visibility and less drag when tracking fly balls.
- Infield Gloves:
- Size: Smaller (11-11.75 inches) for quicker transfers.
- Pocket Depth: Shallower pockets allow for faster ground ball fielding and easier ball-to-hand transitions.
- Webbing: Often use an I-web or H-web, which are also open but can help with scooping grounders.
Pitcher Glove Characteristics
Pitcher gloves have unique features tailored to the demands of pitching.
- Closed Webbing: The most distinctive feature is often a closed web (like a two-piece closed or a basket web). This hides the pitcher’s grip on the ball, making it difficult for the batter to anticipate the type of pitch being thrown.
- Size: Typically in the 11.75 to 12-inch range, offering a good balance of control and reach.
- Flexibility: Pitchers often prefer gloves that are somewhat flexible to allow for a quick release.
Preparing Your Baseball Glove
A new glove often feels stiff and unwieldy. Breaking in a baseball glove is essential to make it conform to your hand and improve its performance. This process takes time and patience but is well worth the effort.
The Art of Breaking In a Baseball Glove
There are several methods to break in a glove. The goal is to soften the leather and create a natural pocket.
Methods for Breaking In:
- Playing Catch: The most natural way is to simply play catch. The repeated impact of the ball will help mold the glove.
- Glove Oil or Conditioner: Apply a small amount of specialized glove oil or conditioner to the leather. This softens the leather, making it more pliable. Be careful not to over-apply, as this can make the glove heavy or greasy.
- The “Glove Wrap” Method:
- Place a ball (or several) in the pocket of the glove.
- Wrap the glove tightly with rubber bands, string, or a glove wrap.
- Leave it wrapped overnight or for a few days. This helps create a consistent pocket shape.
- The “Oven/Microwave” (Use with Extreme Caution): Some people use low heat in an oven or microwave. This is generally NOT recommended by glove manufacturers as excessive heat can damage the leather, making it brittle or even causing it to crack. If you choose this method, use the lowest setting for very short periods and always check the glove frequently.
Baseball Glove Lacing Adjustments
Sometimes, the lacing on a glove can be adjusted to improve the baseball glove fit.
- Tightening: If the glove feels too loose, you can tighten the laces, particularly in the finger stalls and wrist strap.
- Loosening: If the glove feels too restrictive, you can carefully loosen certain sections of the lacing.
- Relacing: Over time, laces can wear out or break. Replacing them can restore the glove’s integrity and adjust the fit. This is a more involved process but can significantly improve your glove.
Putting On Your Baseball Glove
The correct baseball glove hand placement is fundamental to using your glove effectively.
The Dominant Hand Rule
In baseball, the glove is always worn on the non-dominant hand. This is because your dominant hand is used for throwing the ball. If you are right-handed, you wear the glove on your left hand. If you are left-handed, you wear the glove on your right hand.
Securing the Fit
Once you’ve chosen the right size and broken in the glove, putting it on correctly ensures optimal performance.
- Insert Your Hand: Slide your hand into the glove. Your fingers will go into the individual finger stalls, and your thumb will go into its separate stall.
- Finger Placement:
- Most players place their index finger in the first finger stall.
- Some players prefer to extend their index finger along the outside of the glove for extra cushioning and control. Experiment to see what feels best for you.
- Your middle, ring, and pinky fingers go into their respective stalls.
- Thumb Placement: Your thumb goes into the thumb stall.
- Adjusting the Wrist Strap: Most gloves have an adjustable wrist strap. Tighten it so the glove feels snug and secure, but not so tight that it restricts blood flow or movement. It should feel like an extension of your hand.
- Checking for Movement: Shake your hand. The glove should move with your hand without excessive flopping or slipping. If it feels loose, tighten the wrist strap or consider re-lacing if it’s a persistent issue.
Mastering the Glove Pocket
The glove pocket depth is where the ball actually gets caught. A well-formed pocket is key to securing catches and preventing fumbles.
Creating a Usable Pocket
The pocket is typically formed between the index finger and the thumb. When you close your glove, these two sections should come together to trap the ball.
- Ideal Pocket Shape: The pocket should be deep enough to cradle the ball securely but not so deep that it makes quick transfers difficult. It should create a “shelf” for the ball.
- Using the Glove: When a ball comes towards your glove, the goal is to position the pocket to meet the ball. As the ball enters the pocket, close your glove with your fingers and thumb to trap it.
The Proper Baseball Glove Grip
Your grip on the glove and how you use it to catch the ball is just as important as how you wear it. This is often referred to as the proper baseball glove grip or fielding technique.
Securing the Catch
A good grip ensures the ball stays in the glove.
- Palm Up, Glove Open: When fielding, your glove should be open, palm facing the incoming ball.
- “Two Hands” Philosophy: While the ball is caught in the glove, your bare hand plays a crucial role in securing the ball. As the ball hits the pocket, immediately bring your bare hand over the glove to cover and secure it. This “two-hand catch” is vital for preventing errors.
- Flexibility and Control: Your grip on the glove itself (how you position your hand inside) should allow for flexibility. You want to be able to snap your glove shut around the ball. Avoid a death grip that makes your hand stiff.
Glove Maintenance for Longevity
Proper care will extend the life of your baseball glove and maintain its performance.
Cleaning and Conditioning
- Wipe Down: After each use, wipe down your glove with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt and sweat.
- Conditioning: Apply a small amount of glove conditioner periodically (every few weeks or as needed) to keep the leather supple. Rub it in evenly, and then wipe off any excess.
- Avoid Excessive Moisture: Don’t soak your glove in water or leave it in extreme heat or cold, as this can damage the leather.
Storage
- Glove Guard: Store your glove in a cool, dry place. Using a glove guard or a dedicated glove bag can help maintain its shape.
- Avoid Heavy Objects: Don’t place heavy objects on top of your glove, as this can flatten the pocket.
Batting Gloves vs. Baseball Gloves
It’s important to distinguish between a baseball glove (worn on the field) and a batting glove (worn while hitting).
Batting Glove Fit
A batting glove fit is very different from a baseball glove fit.
- Purpose: Batting gloves are designed to improve grip on the bat, reduce vibration, and prevent blisters.
- Fit: They should fit snugly, like a second skin, with no excess material bunching up. The fingers should be fully extended, and the velcro strap at the wrist should secure the glove without being too tight.
- Material: Often made of leather or synthetic materials.
Common Issues and Solutions
Even with proper care, you might encounter some issues with your glove.
Glove is Too Stiff
If your glove remains too stiff after initial attempts at breaking it in, continue playing catch and applying small amounts of conditioner. Be patient; it can take weeks or even months for a glove to reach its optimal feel.
Glove Feels Too Loose
If the glove feels loose even with the wrist strap tightened, you might have too much space in the finger stalls. Sometimes, wearing a thin batting glove inside can help snug it up. In more extreme cases, relacing might be necessary.
Pocket is Too Shallow or Too Deep
- Shallow Pocket: If your pocket is too shallow, try putting a ball or two in it and wrapping it tightly overnight. Continued use will also help deepen it naturally.
- Deep Pocket: If your pocket is too deep, it might be difficult to transfer the ball. Try to focus on keeping your glove open and ready to receive the ball more towards the base of the pocket. You can also try to “flatten” the pocket slightly by placing a thin object like a paperback book inside and wrapping it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use my brother’s old glove if it’s a different size?
While you can try, a glove that’s significantly different in size than recommended by the baseball glove size chart might not fit properly and could hinder your game. It’s best to use a glove that’s sized for you.
Q2: How often should I condition my baseball glove?
This depends on how often you play and the climate you’re in. Generally, conditioning every few weeks to a month is good. If the leather feels dry or stiff, it’s time for some conditioner.
Q3: Is there a “best” way to break in a baseball glove?
The “best” way is often a combination of methods that works for you and your glove. Playing catch regularly is always the most effective. Gentle conditioning and the glove wrap method are also highly recommended. Avoid harsh methods like excessive heat.
Q4: How do I know if my baseball glove fit is correct?
Your baseball glove fit is correct if it feels snug and secure on your hand without being uncomfortable. You should be able to move your fingers and wrist freely, and the glove should move with your hand, not shift around loosely.
Q5: Should my glove feel like a part of my hand?
Ideally, yes. A well-worn and properly fitted glove should feel like an extension of your hand, allowing for natural movements and quick reactions.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your baseball glove is worn correctly, enhancing your fielding abilities and making your time on the diamond more enjoyable and successful. Remember, practice and patience are key to mastering the use of your glove.