Baseball Glove

Essential Baseball Glove Advice  

If you look at some baseball equipment websites, they would have you believe that one type of baseball glove makes all difference between being a superstar or a mediocre players.  As a former player, I think this type of sensationalism is comical.  It is true that a good glove can help aid your play, but a good glove does not make or break the player.  Because of these type of statements, we have put together a list of tips to help you find a baseball glove that can meet your needs.

1. Choose a glove that can be used for multiple positions.    Since the odds are that you could be playing in the infield and outfield, we recommend choosing a glove that can be used for both purposes.    Remember, once you turn pro, you can get whatever glove you like; however, at this level, stick with a multi-functional glove.    Think pragmatically here.    You want durability and price to be the overriding concerns.    

a. Caveat:  Naturally, if you are a catcher or a first basemen, you should get an additional glove for those positions.    However, for all other positions, a good basic, regular-sized glove will work just fine.    

2. Do not be swayed by bigger outfielder gloves .   Some baseball gloves that are designed for outfielders are made a few inches longer.    The idea behind these gloves is that the few extra inches will make the difference in catching the ball.    Do not buy into this thinking.   You are better served getting a regular sized glove which you could just as easily use if you are pitching or playing shortstop.    

a. You will have more success by using only one glove and breaking it in over the course of the season.       

b. In practice, a few extra inches will make little difference in outfield play.   You would be far better off spending your money on speed training drills if you are overly concerned about being able to run down a fly ball.    

3. Avoid smaller infield gloves.    There are also some gloves that are made smaller especially for shortstops and second basemen with the thinking that this will help make it easier for them to field the ball and turn two.   However, in practice, this scenario is largely overblown.    Do yourself a favor and get a glove that will let you play other positions.    If you only have a smaller glove, you will be unable to help your team at other positions like the outfield.    

4. Choose a glove with a solid webbing.    One thing to look out for on some gloves is to make sure they have a solid webbing that is attached to the rest of the glove.    Try to choose a glove that has as few pieces to it as possible. This is a good sign that it will last longer than other gloves.    

5. Get one with plenty of hand space.    Test the glove by trying the glove on while wearing a batting baseball glove.    If it is too tight, choose another glove.    You essentially want to make sure you have some room for your hand and that there is sufficient padding to protect your hand if you catch the ball off-center.    

Now, that you have a chosen a good glove, your attention should shift to learning how to take care of it.  Here, are a few tips we have picked up along the way to make this as easy as possible. 

1.         Form a pocket with a softball and wrap the glove.  Form a pocket for your glove by putting a softball in the glove and wrapping the glove with rubber bands. 

2.         Use oils or leather softeners to break in the glove.  You can use baseball glove oils or other leather softener products.  However, you only want to put oil on the glove about 2-3 times a year to prevent deterioration. 

3.         Play catch. Playing catch is still probably the best way to break in your glove.  By playing catch every day you will really be able to break it in quickly. 

4.         Avoid water.  Keep the glove away from water because this will cause the glove to deteriorate over time. 

By following these simple tips, you should have a glove that meets your needs. Remember you are likely to have a number of gloves throughout the course of your career so in the end your focus should always be on your practicing whether it be trying to increase your batting average or your fielding.  Just choose a good basic one and take care of it.  If you do this, you should be just fine. 

*To get more information regarding proper baseball shoes, check out baseball shoes.