Description

Purpose: Essential equipment for catching, fielding, and securing the ball in baseball and softball.
Material:
High-quality gloves are made of leather for durability, flexibility, and break-in ability.
Synthetic gloves are lighter, more affordable, and easier to maintain.
Some gloves feature mesh or hybrid materials for enhanced breathability.
Webbing:
Different web styles (open, closed, modified) affect visibility, flexibility, and ball control.
Open web (H-web, I-web) allows better visibility and quicker ball transfers.
Closed web (basket, trapeze) provides more support and concealment.
Padding:
Extra cushioning in the palm and fingers to reduce sting from hard hits.
Catcher’s mitts and first baseman’s gloves have the most padding for impact absorption.
Size:
Measured in inches, ranging from youth (9–11 inches) to adult sizes (11–13 inches).
Smaller gloves offer better control for infielders, while larger gloves provide more reach for outfielders.
Lacing:
Leather laces provide structural integrity and long-lasting durability.
Different lacing patterns affect glove flexibility and shape retention.
Pocket Depth:
Shallow pockets enable quick ball transfers (ideal for infielders).
Deep pockets help secure fly balls (preferred by outfielders and first basemen).
Wrist Adjustments:
Velcro, D-ring, or lace-up wrist straps allow a customized and snug fit.
Break-In Period:
Leather gloves require a break-in process using oil, steam, or manual shaping.
Synthetic gloves typically require little to no break-in time.
Hand Orientation:
Right-hand throw (RHT) – worn on the left hand for right-handed players.
Left-hand throw (LHT) – worn on the right hand for left-handed players.
Durability:
Higher-end gloves made from full-grain or premium steerhide leather last longer.
Lower-end models may wear out faster due to weaker materials.