GLOVE ANATOMY
WEBBING
Web styles are open or closed
Open: Preferred by fielders for a quicker ball-to-hand transfer. Styles include I-Web, H-Web, Cross, Trapeze or Modified Trap. Helpful for catching fly balls, allowing players to see through the webbing while still blocking out the sun
Closed: This web style can offer more support and is commonly used by pitchers to shield their hand and the ball to avoid tipping their pitch
Connects the fingers and thumb for ball control on impact. Features a tightly woven leather piece allowing fielders to close their hand and maintain possession
Shallow: Preferred by infielders, shallow pockets can promote a quicker ball-to-hand transfer to gain split seconds when making a play
Deep: Preferred by outfielders, deep pockets can offer a larger catching area for improved ball security when making plays on the run
BACK
Also known as the "wrist closure" or "space" for the index finger. Some players prefer the flexibility of a traditional, open back design, while other athletes might opt for the tighter, more stable fit of a closed back
PALM
Padding beneath the leather for increased protection on impact
HEEL
This is the lower portion of the glove on the palm side. The heel helps provide protection and determines the break of your glove
HINGE
Allows the glove to open and close easily
WRIST
An optional adjustment feature that can be common in youth baseball gloves to ensure an optimal fit on a smaller hand. This can come in the form of a D-ring fastener, hook-and-loop or buckle system
FINGER STALLS
The finger openings on a glove. Youth openings are generally tighter than adult models to help close the glove more easily. Some gloves designated as "tapered" are designed for players with smaller hands
FOR YOUR POSITION
DICK'S PRO TIP: What is a "utility" glove? A utility glove, or an all-purpose glove, is designed to be versatile enough for any position on the field. Many youth gloves are considered utility models, as players younger than the age of 10 likely don't yet have a primary position
HAND
Type of throw: Refers to which hand a player uses to throw the ball (not which hand the glove is on), depending on if the player is right-handed or left-handed
Right Hand Throw (RHT). The player throws with his or her right hand and wears the glove on their left
Left Hand Throw (LHT): The player throws with his or her left hand and wears the glove on their right
WEB TYPES
BASKET: This pattern is a favorite among pitchers looking to hide the ball. Basket webs can also be easier to close due to the flexibility in the basket weave
TRAPEZE: This option is often seen on outfielder gloves. Featuring a leather strap with interlaced lacing on each side, the trapeze web type can create a deeper pocket for catching fly balls while also allowing for more visibility
MODIFIED TRAP: Pitchers, infielders and outfielders universally use the modified trap web pattern. Similar to the trapeze web type, this pattern adds a leather strip to the top of the web for more stability
H-WEB: H-Webs get their name from the “H” the leather posts create when sewn together. This web type is versatile - popular among outfielders and infielders, particularly third basemen. The open web allows dirt and debris to fall right through while remaining sturdy enough to field hard-hit balls
I-WEB: Like the H-Web, the I-Web features leather posts in a capital “I” shape. This pattern is popular with middle infielders, as dirt and debris falls right through for easier transfers and exchanges
SINGLE POST: Also known as a Cross Web, the single post pattern provides ample flexibility and visibility. This web style features a lone vertical leather strip paired with two horizontal bars
TWO-PIECE CLOSED: Like the basket web, two-piece web types can be great at concealing pitches, but tend to carry a little more weight due to the addition of two leather patches
WEB TYPES: FIRST BASEMEN
SINGLE POST: Just like single post webs for fielder’s gloves, this web style can provide visibility and flexibility for athletes. The single post, or cross, pattern features two strips of leather across a vertical post
MODIFIED H-WEB: This web style modifies the classic H-Web pattern by featuring an added top leather strip. This can expand a first baseman’s catch radius and make for easier fielding
DUAL BAR: Dual-bar webs features two horizontal leather bars stitched together. This forms the pocket, which can aid first basemen in trapping and securing the ball
WEB TYPES: CATCHERS
HALF MOON: Similar to the two-piece web style found in fielder’s gloves, the half-moon pattern features two leather pieces laced together. This pattern creates a tight pocket and can offer more flexibility than other one-piece styles
ONE-PIECE: This web pattern features one large piece of leather and is a popular style for catcher’s mitts. The lacing around the outer edge helps form a tight, shallow pocket
DICK'S PRO TIP: For more information on Catcher's Mitts, visits our "Catcher's Gear" Buying Guide HERE
SIZING YOUR GLOVE
| AGE | 1st BASE | 2nd BASE | 3rd BASE |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNDER 7 | 11.5" | 8-10.5" | 8-10.5" |
| 8-10 | 11.5"-12" | 10.5-11.5" | 10.5-11.5" |
| 11-13 | 11.5"-12" | 11-11.75" | 11.5-12" |
| OVER 14 | 12-13" | 11.5-12" | 11.5-12" |
| AGE | CATCHER | PITCHER | OUTFIELD |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNDER 7 | 29.5-30" | 8-10.5" | 9-10.5" |
| 8-10 | 30-31" | 10.5-11.5" | 10-12" |
| 11-13 | 30-32.5" | 11.5-12" | 11.75-12.75" |
| OVER 14 | 32-34.5" | 11.5-12" | 12-13" |
DICK'S PRO TIP: What does a "tapered" fit mean? Many youth gloves are considered to have a 'tapered' fit - meaning more narrow wrist openings and smaller finger stalls than adult gloves for increased control. Tapered fit gloves can also be available for older athletes with smaller hands
DICK'S PRO TIP: A common misconception is that a small glove can make it harder for a player to catch the ball – but that’s not the case, especially for youth players! The more control a player has over their glove, the better. This can allow them to securely position themselves and handle the ball without added the added strain of a larger glove
MATERIALS
SYNTHETIC: When a player is first introduced to the game, synthetic materials can be a great choice. These gloves are made of softer man-made materials, making it easier to close, which helps players as they learn the concepts of catching, throwing and fielding. You also won’t have to go through a break-in period with synthetic gloves. Synthetic leather is on the lower end of the price scale, as well, so if a player grows out of their mitt, replacements can be easily afforded.
PIGSKIN OR COWHIDE: Cowhide and pigskin leathers offer a great mix of durability, feel, performance and cost-effectiveness. They offer a medium weight, with some break-in time required before use (but are often pre-oiled to speed up this process). Cowhide or pigskin leathers can be great for players 10 and up who may outgrow their glove quickly.
FULL-GRAIN LEATHER: Full-grain leather is steer or cowhide leather in which the entire natural grain remains visible on the glove. It is stiffer and requires more break-in time than other hides, but is also more durable - built to last season after season. Full-grain leather is commonly found on high end youth gloves, top tier adult gloves and catcher's mitts (which require extra strength and durability).
PREMIUM STEERHIDE: Premium steerhide is designed for serious baseball players and can be commonly seen at the high school, collegiate and pro level. "Pro Stock" steerhide, sourced from the back shoulder of a grown steer, offers a feel that is much heavier and stiffer than other leathers. Strong, high-quality leather also means that these gloves can take longer to break in (though some steer hides may come pre-oiled for a softer feel). Premium leather is more of an investment, but can make up for that expense in durability and lifespan.
KIP LEATHER: Kip leather, made from younger cattle, is softer and more lightweight when compared to cowhide leather. These gloves are tightly grained and very durable, but require significantly less break-in time compared to premium steerhide options. Kip (which is often described as having a "buttery" look and feel) is most popular among infielders who require quicker hands. Kip leather has also grown in popularity amongst college and professional players.
DICK'S PRO TIP: What is a “Pro Series” or “Pro Stock” Glove? These terms help athletes identify which mitts offer the highest quality of leather and materials in the game today! These gloves, usually crafted by hand, deliver the same performance, durability, technologies and superior feel that pro athletes trust. Shop our lineup of Pro Series gloves (HERE)
BREAKING IN YOUR GLOVE
Players of all skill levels should break in their glove before play, but its important you break in your leather properly. Your glove should fit snug, and feel as if it is an extension of your hand. Breaking in your glove helps add to this cohesion and eliminate any unwanted stiffness or rigidity. It can also create a pocket that will more securely hold the ball.
DICK'S PRO TIP: The skilled Softball and Baseball PROS at DICK'S Sporting Goods can get your glove or mitt into game-day condition with our in-store Glove Steaming services and Relacing Services. Learn more HERE.
CARING FOR YOUR GLOVE ALL SEASON LONG
Every baseball player has a special connection to their glove. Keep your glove in top condition all year with these simple tips
Store your glove in your house – as opposed to the trunk of your car or in your garage – for longer life and to help maintain better condition. If your glove gets wet, dry it off with a clean rag and let it naturally air dry. Using a dryer or furnace vent to speed up the drying process could crack the leather. Don’t forget to also care for your glove’s leather by applying a small amount of oil or glove conditioning cream every so often during the season. It’s also a good habit to treat your glove just before you store it away for the offseason.
- Tighten any loose laces or knots that may appear
- Wipe off dirt or other foregin substances with a soft cloth or brush after each
- Sweat and dirt from your hands can damage the inside of your glove, too. Consider wearing a light batting glove or "under-mitt" glove to protect your mitt's interior
- Use conditioners and oils sparingly. Over-caring for your glove can be detrimental, as the oils can make your glove heavier and actually shorten the leather’s lifespan. Roughly three to four treatments per season should be enough to keep your equipment in top-notch condition all year
- DICK'S offers plenty of glove care accessories to help you re-soften and reshape your glove, to help you get the most life out of your mitt. Shop HERE
