Gloves vs Mitts
Simply put, gloves have fingers & mitts do NOT. Mitts are optimal for handling balls that don’t hit in the pocket, and are ideal for scooping ground balls and short hops. Mitts are really only necessary for 1st basemen & catchers.
Youth Gloves
It is absolutely CRUCIAL to not buy a glove that is too big for a youth player! The theory of them “growing into it” unfortunately does not apply here as in all actuality, the player will either get frustrated & give up, or you’ll be running out to buy another glove that actually fits. Either way its lose-lose, so get the right size the first time to avoid lost time, money & frustration.
First Base Mitts
Adult first base softball mits usually measure between 12 and 13 inches, while youth mitts generally will measure 11 to 11.5 inches. They have a thin, but stiff pad that runs around the circumference of the mitt with little padding (or no padding) in the palm or finger area.
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. Modernized catchers mitt pockets are somewhat larger but more shallow (as they’re evolving to function more like first base mitts). Adult catchers mitts range in circumference from 31 inches to 34 inches, while youth catcher mitts most typically are in the 31 to 32 inch range (and again, have smaller wrist openings and also smaller finger stalls).
Conventional or Open Back vs Closed Back
* Conventional back gloves leave a space open across the back of the glove and usually are a bit lighter.
* Some closed back gloves have a wrist adjustment so you can designate how tight or loose your glove fits.
* Conventional or Open back: Infielders & catchers are drawn to the flexibility of the conventional glove.
* Closed back: Used mostly by outfielders and first basemen. Some players prefer the extra support from closed backs which even sometimes include a back “finger hole” to further support even more.
Open vs Closed Web
* Open Web: Ideal for quickly getting the ball out of the glove. Thus, it’s usually the choice of middle infielders, first basemen and even outfielders.
* Closed Web: Provides more support & ball coverage. Typically used by pitchers, third basemen and most outfielders.
Break-In & Care
There are some very specific rules for breaking in the leather on a new softball glove. So be sure to note all these tips to ensure you’re taking the right steps!
Break-In
The type of leather used in your new glove will determine how long it will take to break it in. The more you use your glove the quicker it will break-in. It’s fine to use a Glove Oil or Conditioner made specifically for softball gloves, but follow the instructions exactly as you don’t want to over saturate your new glove.
Essential Do’s
* Use your glove daily during break-in process
* Check/tighten the laces on a regular basis
* Wear a batting glove on your glove hand (provides support & protects the glove’s inside from moisture)
* Store the glove away from excess heat
* Dry the glove naturally should it get wet
THE DON’TS
* Don’t use a hair dryer/any other source of heat on your glove
* Don’t submerge or even put your glove in water
* Don’t beat the leather with any accessory
* Don’t leave your glove in the trunk of a car or any other under ventilated location when you aren’t using it
* Don’t use anything on your glove other than an oil or conditioner made specifically for baseball gloves
* Don’t use any oil or conditioner that contains silicone, even if it claims to made for baseball gloves
* Don’t saturate your glove with any glove conditioner; use sparingly