Picking a glove
Start with the game. Baseball gloves run 11" to 12.75" with a smaller pocket for a 9" ball. Fastpitch gloves are 12" to 13" with a deeper pocket for the 12" ball. Slowpitch gloves are 13" to 15" with the biggest pockets of all. Then pick the position: infielders want a shallow pocket and a smaller glove; outfielders want length and a deep pocket; pitchers want a closed web; catchers and first basemen use mitts, not gloves.
Leather grades
Pro-grade gloves (Rawlings Heart of the Hide and Pro Preferred, Marucci Cypress, Mizuno Pro Select, Easton Professional Collection, All Star Pro Elite) use full-grain steerhide or kip leather that is stiff out of the box and takes a few weeks to break in, then lasts for years. Mid-grade gloves (Rawlings R9 and Select Pro Lite, Marucci Ascension and Oxbow, Mizuno MVP Prime) are pre-oiled and 80% broken in on day one at half the price. Youth gloves (Rawlings Sure Catch, Marucci Acadia, Mizuno Prospect, Easton Future Elite) are soft, light and ready to play immediately.
Right hand throw vs. left hand throw
"RHT" means the player throws right-handed and wears the glove on the left hand. "LHT" is the opposite. Every listing says which one it is; check before you order.
Frequently asked questions
How do I break in a new glove? Play catch. A pro-grade glove needs a couple of weeks of throwing; a little glove conditioner on the pocket and laces helps. Skip the oven, the microwave and the shaving cream.
What size for a 10-year-old? 11" to 11.5" for baseball, 11.5" to 12" for fastpitch. Buy the size that fits now, not the one to grow into.
What is the Gold Glove Club? A limited Heart of the Hide release Rawlings puts out each month in a one-off pattern and leather. We stock each month's glove at $329.99 in right hand throw while it lasts.
