Youth Baseball Gloves: Essential Gear for Budding Athletes

Is there anything more rewarding than using your baseball glove for the first time after spending days breaking it in?

A baseball player’s glove is vital to their success on the field, so you must make the right choice when selecting a baseball mitt. At Baseball Bargains, we stock a vast selection of youth baseball gloves, including selections from top brands such as Akadema, All-Star, Easton, Marucci, Mizuno, Rawlings, Shoeless Joe, and Wilson.

Gloves for All Positions

Conveniently, we organize the website so our customers can search for and find youth baseball gloves based on position. Catchers and first basemen use special gloves that are bigger with more padding to keep their hands protected from all the action they receive during the game.

Infielders have shorter gloves and open webbings to ensure easy transitions when scooping up ground balls and throwing runners out. In comparison, outfielders tend to have longer gloves with deeper, closed webbings to make catching pop flies easier.

Of course, pitchers use closed web gloves to prevent hitters from seeing how they’re gripping the ball, which would tip their pitch. We also have outfield softball gloves for those needing extra webbing to handle the bigger ball!

Selecting the Right Youth Baseball Glove

Choosing the right youth baseball glove can significantly affect a young athlete’s performance. It’s essential to consider the player's position, hand size, and personal preferences. Here’s a quick guide to help you make an informed decision:

For Infielders

Infielders need gloves that allow quick transitions from catching to throwing. These gloves are typically shorter, with a shallow pocket and open webbing. Our top picks include the Rawlings R9 R9110U-19BT 11-inch Youth Infield Glove and the Wilson A500 11.5-inch Youth Infield Baseball Glove.

For Outfielders

Outfielders benefit from gloves with longer lengths and deeper pockets to catch fly balls. The Wilson A500 12.5-inch Youth Baseball Glove and the Mizuno Prospect 11.5-inch Outfield Youth Baseball Glove are excellent choices.

For Catchers

Catchers require heavily padded mitts to handle fast pitches. Consider the All-Star Future Star 31.5-inch Youth Catchers Mitt and the Mizuno Prospect GXC112 31.5-inch Catchers Glove.

For First Basemen

First basemen need gloves with a larger surface area to scoop up throws. The Mizuno Prospect GXF102 12-inch Youth First Base Glove and the Rawlings R9 R9FMU-17BT 12-inch Youth First Base Glove are great options.

Top Brands at Baseball Bargains

At Baseball Bargains, we take pride in offering youth baseball gloves from top brands known for their quality and performance. Here’s a look at some of the brands we carry:

• Mizuno: Known for their innovative designs and high-quality materials, Mizuno gloves are a favorite among young players.
• Rawlings: Rawlings offers a wide range of gloves, including models used by MLB players. Their gloves are durable and reliable.
• Wilson: Wilson gloves are known for their comfort and excellent craftsmanship. Many professional players trust Wilson's gloves.

Breaking in Your New Glove

Once you’ve selected the perfect youth baseball glove, it’s time to break it in. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Oil Your Glove: Use a small amount of glove oil to soften the leather. Avoid using too much, as it can make the glove heavy.
2. Shape the Pocket: Place a baseball in the glove’s pocket and tie it closed with a string. Leave it tied for a few days to form the pocket shape.
3. Play Catch: The best way to break in a glove is by playing catch. This helps the leather mold to your hand and the ball.
4. Use a Glove Mallet: To speed up the process, use a glove mallet to pound the pocket. This helps soften the leather and create a deeper pocket.

Why Choose Baseball Bargains?

At Baseball Bargains, we understand that selecting the right youth baseball glove is crucial for every player. Our extensive selection, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service make us the go-to destination for baseball gear.

Plus, we offer free shipping on orders over $99 and have special discounts to help you save even more. If you need any help selecting the right glove for your needs, contact us today.

FAQs

1. What Makes One Baseball Glove Better Than Another?

When talking about the brands we carry, the major difference between the best gloves and the rest is the leather used to make them. The top-of-the-line baseball gloves use high-grade leather that is very durable and can withstand years of use.

2. Can You Get the Same Baseball Glove Models MLB Players Use?

Absolutely! Wilson and Rawlings make gloves for many MLB players. Many of which are sold as player signature models. Clayton Kershaw, Francisco Lindor, and Juan Soto are just a few players who use gloves we sell on our site.

3. Can a Child Use an Adult Model Baseball Glove?

That depends on the size of the player's hand. Adult baseball gloves have a wider hand opening and thicker and longer finger stalls. So, a child with a small hand would not be able to fully control an adult model. But as kids get older and bigger, they may be able to control an adult model.

4. How Do I Measure for the Right Glove Size?

To measure for the right glove size, start from the tip of the index finger to the heel of the glove. Youth gloves typically range from 9 to 12 inches. It is important to choose a size that fits comfortably and allows easy movement.

5. How Often Should I Replace My Baseball Glove?

The lifespan of a baseball glove depends on how frequently it’s used and how well it’s maintained. With proper care, a good-quality glove can last several seasons. Signs that it’s time for a replacement include excessive wear, tears, and a loose fit.