There are multiple factors to consider when selecting the perfect ball glove. This guide will help breakdown these components, to help provide a foundation of understanding.

WEBBING

One of the most noticeable differences between ball gloves is the webbing, between the thumb and fingers. Closed webbing better conceals the ball from hitters and provides added support when fielding and receiving, while open webbing enables dirt and debris to pass through as well as transferring the ball from glove to throwing hand more quickly. Popular webbing patterns include the following, with names generally describing the look of how leather pieces and lacing are uniquely connected for each.

The size of a ball glove’s pocket, the area of space between palm, fingers and webbing, is another key component. Like open webbing, shallow pockets help with faster transfer of the ball from glove to non-glove hand. Deeper pockets are a bigger help for reeling in fly balls, as well as fielding and receiving softballs because of the size of the balls. The area behind your wrist, a ball glove’s back, may be open or closed (with or without an index finger hole). Each style offers a different fit, better suited to the size of a player’s hand and preference in terms of mobility vs. support. Lastly, ball gloves may offer an option for the player to adjust the fit of the glove around their wrist. For these models, leather straps enable laces to be tightened and/or fastened into place.

Most ball gloves are designed for a specific position, each with a set of characteristics tailored to how each player fields or receives a ball as well as transfers a ball to their throwing hand. Consider which position(s) you play first, when selecting the right ball glove for you.

OUTFIELDERS

Overall size and length of finger stalls tend to be larger with deeper pockets than infielder ball gloves, designed with a greater emphasis on catching and securing a ball than quick transfer.

FIRST BASEMEN

Usually fingerless, looking similar to a catcher’s mitt but with less padding, to help with fielding balls as well as receiving throws in the air and scooping balls thrown in the dirt. Shallow pockets to quickly transfer the ball for quick plays.

MIDDLE INFIELDERS

Generally prefer smaller-sized gloves that are lighter, and with shallow pockets that allow for transferring a ball from glove to hand as fast as possible.

THIRD BASEMEN

May wear ball gloves that are larger than middle infielders, due to their proximity to home plate and to grab balls hit a great speeds down the line.

PITCHERS

Typically, a closed/solid web to hide the ball and fingers from batters. Sizes and pocket depths can vary.

CATCHERS

Oval shape and fingerless craftsmanship with extra padding designed to help provide a solid target for pitchers, keep the glove firm upon receiving pitches at varying velocities and angles as well as protect the catcher’s hand. Most likely will require more time to break-in. Smaller than other infield ball gloves, with shallower pockets to help facilitate faster transfer to the catcher’s throwing hand.

While many of the components to selecting the perfect ball glove are based on function, not all ball gloves fit and feel the same. Fit and feel are very personal components to selecting a ball glove and, ultimately, the right ball glove for you should fit and feel right to you whether it’s broken in or not. Fit the glove on your glove hand; open and close it; pound the palm with your non-glove hand; bend the leather fingers.

Also, a ball glove’s appearance can and usually does elicit an emotional response. The look of a ball glove may be a key, deciding factor when selecting a ball glove.

All ball glove sizes are compared in inches, with catchers mitts being measured by circumference and all others measured by length. In addition to position, experience and personal preference, use your age to determine the right ball glove for you. The following chart is a good starting point.

Ball gloves are made from a variety of leathers. Steerhide, cowhide and hog hide are currently the most widely popular leathers materials, which are also the primary leather materials used to make Easton’s ball gloves.