The Best Baseball Gloves by Position
Wether you’re toeing the rubber to pitch a game, or roaming the grass in the outfield, you want to make sure that the glove you are using fits the position that you play. Your main field position should determine the size and type of glove that you use. With so many different types of gloves on the market, it's hard to figure out which one will be best for your needs. In this post we break down some of the most popular glove types and styles in order to help you decide what glove is right for any position on a baseball diamond.
Most pitcher’s gloves will be 11.75” to 12” in size and have a closed or trapeze style web. The extra length allows the pitcher to field their position on bunts and come-backers, but also gives the pitcher enough room to grip the baseball to throw certain pitches. The closed web acts as a shield to prevent the pitcher from “tipping” his pitches to the batter. Pitcher’s gloves have three main web types; closed or two piece web, basket weave, and modified trapeze. When choosing a pitcher’s glove preference is paramount. If you like lighter feeling gloves with a smaller pocket then we would recommend an 11.75” or a 12” model with a modified trapeze web. If you throw a lot of off speed pitches, we would recommend going with a pitching glove that has a deeper pocket like a 12” closed or two piece web. Below you will find some of the most trusted pitching gloves in the game.
Wilson A2000 D33 Glove 11.75 Inch WBW100392
Wilson A2K B2 12.0 Inch Pitching Glove WBW100065
Wilson A2000 Clayton Kershaw Glove CK22 11.75 Inch WBW100236
Designed for short hops and turning two, there are a lot of glove options for infielders. Typically the smallest glove on the field is usually found on the hand of the second baseman. Usually, second base gloves are as small as 11” and as large as 11.75” but most of the time are 11.5”. Shortstop gloves are usually 11.25”-12” but again most of the time are 11.5”. As with all fielding gloves preference is key. If you prefer a short lighter model then stick with a 11.25” or a 11.5” glove. If you like a glove with a deeper pocket and more length to snag the balls that are hit into the hole, then try the 11.75” mitts. For the hot corner, or third basemen, we would recommend 11.75” - 12” models. The deeper pocket on these gloves gives you a better chance to make plays on hot shots hit down the line.
Wilson A2000 1787 11.75 Inch Baseball Glove WBW100089
11.75 Rawlings Infield Glove - Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRO205W-2BG
Wilson A2000 Infield Glove DP15 11.5 Inch WBW100108
If you are holding a runner on first, or picking errant throws in the dirt, you want to make sure your first base mitt fits your hand and style of play. Firstbase mitts start at 12” and go up to 13”. The larger the mitt the deeper the pocket. A deep pocket prevents balls from hitting the mitt and bouncing off or out. The lighter first base mitts (12”-12.5”) are easier to control and are useful for players with quick hands and reflexes to make plays around the bag.
Jose Abreu Wilson A2K 12.5 Inch First Base Mitt WBW100232
Wilson A2000 1620 Spin Control 12.5 Inch First Base Mitt WBW100123
Outfield gloves are the largest on the field and for good reason. They need to be able to catch hard hit line drives and track down fly balls. Outfield mitts come in a variety of sizes and webs. Most start out at 12” but can be as large as 12.75”. Larger mitts are great for making plays in the gaps, and make it easier to filed ground balls and come up throwing.
Rawlings Pro Preferred Glove 12.75" PRS3039-6TN
Wilson A2000 12.75 Baseball Glove: 1799SS
Wilson A2000 1800 12.75 Inch Outfield Glove
The heaviest glove and usually the hardest to break-in is the catcher’s mitt. They run in sizes of 31” at the smallest youth level to 35” at the adult/pro level. If you prefer a mitt that won’t weigh down your hand through 7-9 inning then go with a lighter 32”-33” mitt. If you prefer a glove that has a deeper pocket for catching higher velocity pitches then we would recommend a 33.5”-35” model. Most catchers mitts come with a similar closed web or half moon design to ensure ball hit the pocket and stay in the mitt.
All Star Catchers Mitt 33.5 Inch Pro Elite CM3000SBT
Wilson A2000 CM33 33 Inch Catchers Mitt WBW100115
Wilson A2000 M1D 33.5 Inch Catchers Mitt Super Skin
Utility Gloves
If you are a player who plays multiple positions and doesn’t want to carry around two gloves, then we would recommend going with a utility mitt. These gloves are usually 11.5”-12” models. Pitcher’s who also play middle infield usually go with a modified trapeze web as this style can perform well at both positions. If you are an outfielder who also plays in the infield then consider going with a 12” H or trapeze style web. If you are constantly being moved around the field in multiple positions an 11.75” or 12” mitt should do well at multiple positions on the diamond.
Wilson A2000 D33 11.75 Inch Glove WBW100090
Wislon A2000 A12 12 Inch Glove
