Softball Glove Prices
Manufacturer's prices range from $35 to $140.
How to Measure a Glove
Softball gloves are measured by starting at the top of the index finger of the glove and measuring down the finger, along the inside of the pocket and then out to the heel of the glove. Use a flexible tape and allow it to "lay" in the pocket as you measure. For first base mitts (which have no fingers) simply measure from the highest point on the mitt in the same fashion as a fielders glove. All gloves are referenced for size by inches. Typically softball gloves have a range from 11 inches to 14.75 inches. Catchers mitt sizes while expressed in inches are measured by circumference. Typically a softball catchers mitt will measure in circumference from 30 inches (youth size) up to 34.5 inches with .5 inch incremental sizes in this range. Please note that youth ball gloves generally have smaller wrist openings and finger stalls
than adult ball gloves.
Glove Size & Common Use by Position
Size
Baseball Position
Softball Position
14 inch
----
Outfield
13.5 inch
----
Outfield
13.25 inch
----
Utility
13 inch
----
Utility
12.75 inch
Outfield
Utility
12.5 inch
Outfield
Infield
12.25 inch
Utility
Middle Infield
12 inch
Utility, Pitcher
Middle Infield
11.75 inch
Infield
2nd Base
11.5 inch
2nd Base
----
11.25 inch
2nd Base
----
11 inch or less
2nd Base
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Gloves vs Mitts
The main difference between gloves and mitts is that gloves have fingers and mitts don't. Mitts tend to do a better job of controlling balls that don't hit in the pocket and can aid scooping ground balls and short hops. 1st base and catcher are the only positions which use mitts.
Youth Gloves
Perhaps the most important point in this section is to avoid the temptation to buy a glove that is too "large" for the person using it with the thought in mind "they will grow into it". What will actually happen is the player will get discouraged and want to quit after the glove falls off his hand a couple of times or you'll get discouraged and either go buy another glove the right size or wonder why "little Johnny" can't keep his glove on like the rest of the guys. Either way its a lose-lose proposition. Buy the right size the first time and avoid needless pain.
First Base Mitts Most first base mitts are designed for softball use and measure between 12 and 13 inches. First base mitts usually have a thin but stiff pad that runs around the circumference of the mitt with little or no padding in the palm or finger area. First base mitts made specifically for youth players generally will measure 11 to 11.5 inches.
Catcher's Mitts
Softball catcher's mitts usually have a thick pad around the circumference of the mitt with thick padding in the finger area and less padding in the palm area. The pocket in a modern catchers mitt is somewhat larger but more shallow than it used to be with the modern catchers glove being more flexible and evolving towards a first base mitt look alike as the quickness of the ball to hand transfer for a catcher is critical. Catchers mitts range in circumference from 31 inches to 34 inches with .5 inch incremental sizes in this range. Youth catcher mitts most typically are in the 31 to 32 inch range and if made specfically for youth players will have a smaller hand opening and finger stalls with some type of wrist adjustment.
Open vs Closed Web
Open Web: Most typically preferred by middle infielders, first basemen and some outfielders. An open web helps get the ball out of the glove quicker.
Closed Web: Preferred by pitchers, third basemen and most outfielders. Pitchers like the closed web to help hide the ball from the batter while third basemen and outfielders like the additional support a closed web provides.
Conventional or Open Back vs Closed Back Mainly a matter of style and personal preference.
Conventional back gloves leave a space open across the back of the glove and tends to be somewhat lighter.
Some closed back gloves have a wrist adjustment which allows you to adjust how tight or loose the glove fits.
Conventional or Open back: Preferred by infielders and catchers because of the flexibility.
Closed back: Mostly preferred by outfielders and first basemen. Many outfielders closed back gloves have a "finger hole" which adds additional support.
Break-In & Care
The first thing to bear in mind is we are talking about "leather" and regardless of what you may have heard or read in the past there are some absolute don't (s) when it comes to caring for your newly purchased softball glove. Lets start with the break-in process.
Break-In:
Depending on the type of leather your glove is made of the length of time will vary between several days and a couple of weeks. The more you play catch with your new glove the quicker it will break-in. We've read of one person who actually took his new glove to the batting cages, purchased a couple of buckets of balls and rather than hitting them he caught them, repeating this process over several days helped speed up the process. Some people think prior to using the glove for the first time you should apply a small amount of Glove Oil to the glove, if you choose to do this that's okay. Use a Glove Oil or Conditioner made specifically for softball gloves, here is a list provide a list of some generally well accepted products.
Start with the palm of the glove and work out from this point until you have covered the entire glove (on the outside). Do NOT saturate the glove, just lightly coat it. Let the Glove Oil or Conditioner dry thoroughly before using it. Remember the more you catch with it the faster the process will be. Some believe putting a ball in the pocket after using the glove and then closing it tightly with a strong rubber band when not in use will help form the pocket more quickly. It's okay to do this, you can use a softball or a baseball depending on the size of pocket you're trying to develop. While this is an acceptable method for outfield, utility, third baseman's and first baseman's gloves you probably don't want to do this with a glove intended for a shortstop or second baseman whose gloves are typically flat with little if any pocket. Depending on conditions once your glove is broke-in you should plan on conditioning it at the beginning of the season and the end of the season before you put it away. If you decide to buy a so called pre-broken-in or game-ready glove be aware these gloves generally will not last as long.
Do's & Don't (s):
Don't use a hair dryer or any other source of heat on your glove
Don't submerge or put your glove in water
Don't beat the leather with a hammer or bat
Don't leave your glove in the trunk of a car when not in use
Don't use anything on your glove other than an oil or conditioner made for baseball gloves or fine leather
Don't use any oil or conditioner that contains silicone regardless of who made it
Don't saturate your glove with any glove conditioner - use sparingly
Some important Do's:
Play catch every day during break-in process
Check and tighten the laces routinely as needed
Wear a batting glove on your fielding glove hand - protects the inside from moisture
Store the glove away from extreme heat when not in use
Let it dry naturally should the glove get wet
Off Season Storage
First, inspect your glove carefully to determine if it needs any repair work including relacing. If so now is the time to get the work done. Using a very "small" amount of glove conditioner start at the palm and work outward until the entire surface of the glove is "lightly" coated. Apply a very small amount of conditioner to a clean cloth and wipe out the inside of the glove including the finger stalls. Once you've completed this process you can place a ball in the pocket if you wish, place the glove in a clean cloth bag and store it in a well protected area such as the top shelf of your bedroom closet.
