Softball Gloves
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Buy Guide
Softball Glove Buyer's Guide
The purpose of this Softball Glove Buyer's Guide is to assist you in selecting the right glove for your needs, how to properly break in your new glove, and how to maintain it, so it will give you years of quality service.Our intention is for you, the glove buyer, to find the answers to the questions you may have about buying a softball glove. If we've missed something, left your question unanswered, or made it to confusing, please feel free to call us, our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you. If we don't know the answer, we will do everything we can to get it for you.
Buyers Guide Information Links
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 inches. Catchers mitt sizes while expressed in inches, are measured by circumference. Typically a softball catchers mitt will measure in circumference from 31 inches up to 34 inches.
Glove Size & Usage by Position
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Higher quality gloves and mitts are usually distinguished by higher grade leather, and better all around construction. The better quality gloves are usually made of heavier leather that will need some time to break-in. Generally softball gloves have an adjustable d-ring, or other type wrist adjustment, and many have an adjustable thumb loop.
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, although most often a person playing first base in softball will use a large (13in - 14in) outfielders glove.
Softball gloves that are specified as women's are designed with somewhat narrower finger stalls, and smaller wrist openings, to provide a better fit. Many gloves designed to be used by women fastpitch softball players do not necessarily state "Made for Women", look for a description which includes narrow finger stalls or smaller wrist opening. Some women's hands don't require this accommodation.
While there are some youth softball gloves and mitts made, they are not nearly as readily available as youth baseball gloves. Like their baseball cousins, youth softball gloves typically are designed to be easy to break-in, may have extra palm padding, and sometimes have a notch in the heel to help break-in the glove correctly. Youth softball gloves are usually designed with smaller finger and wrist openings to better fit a smaller hand, often have oversized pockets to aid youngsters learning how to catch, and most typically will have some type of wrist adjustment. Some youth softball players will simply use an inexpensive youth baseball glove with a wrist adjustment and large pocket to accommodate the larger ball.
Some manufactures make softball specific first base mitts. These are usually 13 inches or larger, and are not very common. Larger baseball first base mitts can be effectively used by softball players. Most softball first base players use a 13 to 14 inch softball outfield glove at first base.
Softball catcher's mitts usually have a heavy pad around the circumference of the mitt, with padding in the palm and finger area, and a larger, deeper pocket than baseball catchers mitts. They tend to range in size from 31in to 34in circumference.
For most positions, an open web vs a closed web is a matter of personal preference.
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 also referred to as open back vs closed back is 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.
Closed back: Mostly preferred by outfielders and first basemen. Many outfielders closed back gloves have a "finger hole" which adds additional support.
Conventional or Open back: Preferred by infielders and catchers because of the flexibility.
Off Season StorageThe baseball season is over. What am I going to do until the start of the next season? One thing you can do is take care of the faithful companion that stuck by you thru thick and thin, hopefully more thick than thin. Anyway it's time to take care of your glove, the one you made that major investment in before the season got underway, the one you don't want ending up like your last glove. 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 working outward (gee I think I've done this before) 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. Your glove will be ready to go next spring, and remember, proper off-season storage is as important as in-season care and maintenance.
Some Important Do's:
Do play catch every day during break-in procedure
Do check and tighten the laces routinely as needed
Do wear a batting glove on your fielding glove hand - it will protect the inside from moisture
Do store the glove away from extreme heat when not in use
Do let the glove dry naturally should it get wet
Some Very Important Dont's:
Don't put your glove in the microwave
Don't put your glove in the oven
Don't use a hairdryer or other artificial source of heat on your glove
Don't submerge your glove in water
Don't beat the glove leather with a hosehold hammer or bat - there are special glove break-in mallets available
Don't leave your glovein the trunk of your car when not in use - extreme heat can build up in this area
Don't use anything other than oils or conditioners made specially for baseball gloves or fine leather
Don't use any oil or conditioner that contains silicone regardless of the manufacturer
Don't saturate your glove with any glove conditioner - use sparingly - excess oil attracts dirt, and can ruin a glove quickly
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. Universally accepted is 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. Please understand there isn't an "overnight" solution to breaking in your glove, using it on a daily basis is the key. 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, its fine. Do NOT overuse the Glove Oil. Do use a Glove Oil or Conditioner made specifically for baseball gloves.
Whether you apply Glove Oil the first time before you use the glove or not, make certain you apply Glove Oil or Conditioner sparingly when you do oil your glove. 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 throughly 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 ok to do this, you can use a softball or a baseball depending on the size pocket your 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 broken-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.
Conventional or Open Back vs Closed Back
