| How do I choose the right glove for me? | |
| Finding the right baseball
glove is admittedly a confusing process. At Sports Unlimited, we
have gloves of every size in every position, left handed gloves,
Fastpitch softball gloves, slowpitch softball gloves, and even a huge
collection of pink baseball gloves. And although we are proud of our
huge selection, we know it can be near impossible to find the right one
for you. With all of this choice, and so many seemingly similar gloves
out there, it can be difficult to tell one glove from the next, or understand why some
are priced so much higher than others. But it's important to understand that although the form of most
baseball gloves is the same, the devil, as they say, is in the details.
Features of a glove's build, its material, and its size, set it apart from others and make it unique. These features also help you determine which glove is right for your game, your position, and your budget. So before we help you find your perfect glove, let's investigate the identifying features of baseball gloves, so you know what to look for, and know what to avoid.
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Webbing: Every baseball or softball glove has a web connecting the thumb of the glove to the fingers. This web helps snag and hold onto the ball, and comes in a huge variety of styles, differing due to position and personal preference. Webs are broken down into two major groups - open webs and closed webs. |
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Closed
Web Generally, catchers, pitchers, and fielders in need of added catching support love closed web gloves. |
Open Web - Infielders and outfielders tend to prefer open web gloves since they make for quicker ball transfers to the throwing hand, and you can see through the glove when catching pop-flys. |
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Pocket: The pocket of the glove is the indentation in the palm where the ball falls after it's caught. Pockets are a great indicator of glove use and position, the key here being pocket depth. |
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Shallow
Pockets |
Deeper
Pockets Great for holding onto fly balls and hard hit shots, making them better for outfielders. |
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Back: The back of the glove refers to the wrist closure. This choice has less to do with position, and more to do with personal preference, than does choosing a web or pocket, but there are definitely differences between the two types of backs. Most backs are referred to as being either "Open" or "Closed." |
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Open Back
Gloves |
Closed Back
Gloves Feature no space, and may utilize a hole where the index finger can rest outside of the glove. Outfielders tend to use closed back gloves, with the addition of a finger hole, for added support when catching flys. |
| What size glove is right for my age and position? | |
| As you'll see in your
searching, baseball gloves come in an assortment of sizes. "12 inch
pitcher glove," "11.25 inch infielder glove," "32.5 inch
catcher's glove." It seems obvious that the sizing has something to
do with the position the glove is meant for, but how do you know which
size glove is right for you? If you have big hands, or small hands,
should you look for a bigger or smaller glove? What are the differences
between adult baseball gloves and youth baseball gloves? Are gloves for infielders
smaller than gloves for outfielders? To answer some of your questions, consult the following chart. It gives you a basic breakdown of the typical glove sizes, and which age and position they're meant for. |
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| Glove Size (in inches) | Age | Position |
| 9" | Under 8 years old | Infield |
| 11" | Under 8 years old | Outfield |
| 9" - 10" | Between 8 - 13 years old | Infield |
| 11" - 12" | Between 8 - 13 years old | Outfield |
| 10.5" - 11.5" | High School - Adult | Infield |
| 12" - 12.5" | High School - Adult | Outfield |
| Which baseball glove suits my position? |
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Now that you
have an understanding of how the build and the sizing of a glove sets it
apart from others, let's take a look at how these features combine to
form a glove's "pattern," which creates a glove specially designed for a position and a player. This
should help you narrow your search, based on your specific needs and
wants from a new glove. Use the following chart and video to help define your search: |
| Field Position | Size and Features | Recommendations |
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| Which brand of baseball gloves is right for me? | ||
| Now that you have a better
sense of which type of glove is best for you, let's take a look at the
many brands that produce some of the greatest baseball gloves on the
planet. These gloves are used world-wide by players of all ages and
skill levels, and some are worn by, or inspire by, baseball legends and
MLB pros. Sports Unlimited carries full lines of the latest and greatest baseball gloves from popular brands like: |
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| Wilson has been in the
baseball biz for as long as most of us can remember. They have created
some of the most iconic gloves on the market, and continually
revolutionize the game with advanced technologies, premium materials,
and player-inspired styles. Wilson is the Official Ball Glove of Major
League Baseball and USA Baseball, and is the most trusted brand of
gloves amongst college, high school, and youth players. Seasoned pros like Dustin Pedroia, David Wright, Jorge Posada,
Melky Cabrera, Roy Oswalt, Brett Myers, Carlos Ruiz, Freddy Sanchez, Ike
Davis, and Brian Wilson all trust and wear Wilson baseball gloves on the field
all season long. Since their inception, it has been Wilson's dedication
to excellence, and its passion for improving the game and how it's
played, that has earned them their success. Today, Wilson continues to be the premier glove of choice for baseball and softball players across the globe. Their full lines of Wilson youth baseball gloves and adult gloves, from the innovative Wilson A2K to the high-quality, affordable, and accessible A800 gloves, provides the perfect fit for any player, any skill level, any position, and any budget. They have even recently released brand new Pro Stock Game Model gloves, replicating the game gloves of some of baseball's most popular and successful players, down to their exact specifications and personal tweaks. Now thanks to Wilson 2012 Pro Stock, you can play with the exact same glove that Evan Longoria, David Wright, Josh Hamilton, Brian Wilson, and Dustin Pedroia use! * * * Let's take a closer look at the rest of Wilson's popular lines of baseball gloves: |
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Wilson A2K Price Point: $299.95 - $319.95 Wilson's premier Pro Stock leather baseball glove, masterfully crafted and formed for the perfect position-specific web, pocket, and feel. Ultimate performance and strikingly original style define the A2K Series.
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A2000 Price Point: $199.95 - $219.95 The most popular and highest-performing pro-level baseball glove on the market today, the A2000 has consistently changed the game for over 50 years, and is still considered the best-of-the-best for performance, feel, and longevity. Available with Wilson SuperSkin, for lightweight performance, or in Showcase models, for youth players.
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| A1000 Price Point: $89.95 A hybrid of Wilson's favorite features and technologies, built into pro stock patterns with soft and durable Ecco leather, for incredible performance, fast break-in, and a unique feel. Available with Wilson SuperSkin for a stronger, lighter glove, and in Showcase models for youth players.
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A800 Price Point: $64.95 Affordability and impeccable quality come together in Wilson's most accessible pro-level glove. The A800 series utilizes Wilson's popular technologies and premier materials in a low-priced, comfortable, and high-performance glove.
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| For a pro ball
fielder, after a World Series ring, nothing is more coveted than an MLB
Gold Glove Award. It celebrates excellence in the field, incredible
talent, and consistently high performance in every game...and it's
brought to you by a company that exemplifies all of those attributes
through every glove they make; Rawlings. For over one hundred and twenty
years, Rawlings baseball gloves have been synonymous with baseball. They have developed
and created some of the game's most memorable gloves, supplying pro and
youth players through the generations with high-quality,
high-performance gear that has stood the test of time.
Never satisfied, Rawlings continues to lead the industry, creating incredible new technologies, developing the latest comfort and performance innovations, and utilizing premium materials to bring you top-choice gloves that outperform and outplay almost anything else on the field. With their latest glove, the Rawlings Revo Solid Core, they deliver Opti-Fit and Custom Player Technology, innovating how the glove fits on the hand, maximizing control, optimizing feel, and creating a unique identity to every glove, at every position. Always classically styled, Rawlings series gloves can be found across the country, on fathers playing catch with sons, on little leaguers learning and loving the game, on sandlot stars playing pure ball in the park, and tons of pros at the top of their games. Players like Albert Pujols, Joe Mauer, Troy Tulowitski, Buster Posey, Howie Kendrick, Yadier Molina, and Derek Jeter all trust and depend on Rawlings to keep their games sharp. * * * Let's take a closer look at Rawlings' popular lines of baseball gloves, so you can find the one that matches your style: |
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Pro Preferred Series Price Point: $309.95 With the best patterns inspired by the top MLB pro players, Rawlings' top-of-the-line Pro Preferred baseball gloves are some of the highest performing, comfortable, and versatile gloves in the game. Made with supple Kip skin shell leather, and designed for a quick, custom break in, these gloves look and feel as great as they play.
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Heart of the Hide Price Point: $199.99 Worn by countless Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners, the Heart of the Hide series combines top pro-level patterns, master craftsmanship, and the world-renown Heart of the Hide Leather, creating top-of-the-line gloves that deliver outstanding performance, quick personalized break in, and years of durable, trusted playability. Classically styled with the Rawlings touch, and available in Pro Mesh and Dual Core styles as well.
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Sandlot Series Price Point: $74.95 Designed with a retro black full-grain leather shell, uniquely treated for a vintage look, the Sandlot Series gloves are made to look just like your dad's classic Rawlings'. Thankfully though, they loaded these popular gloves with modern pro-patterns and features for top-of-the-line, up-to-date performance.
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Player Preferred Price Point: $54.99 Premium materials and performance features meet affordability and accessibility in the Player Preferred series from Rawlings. With deep patterns designed for baseball or softball, and sizes perfect for youth and adult players, these versatile gloves feel great and play perfectly. Specially tanned leather gives the glove a look of experience, and a quick break-in to boot, so you can hit the field right off the bat with a glove that knows what it's doing.
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| Seemingly new to
the game, Mizuno has taken the baseball world by storm, quickly becoming
an industry leader and incredibly popular glove company, trusted by
little league, high school, college, and major league pro players across
the country and abroad. Their keys to success have been their commitment
to excellence, advanced technologies, premium materials, master
craftsmanship, revolutionary designs, and player-first approach to the
game, which has lead to some of the most interesting, high-performance,
and player-preferred gloves on the market. Founded in 1906, Mizuno has focused on creating the most advanced, highest performing, and most accessible gear, while spreading the love of baseball globally, across ages, cultures, and nationalities. These experiences have given them first hand knowledge of what players are looking for in gear, and have given them the edge in designing and constructing top-of-the-line gloves. Today, Mizuno baseball gloves have become the glove of choice for pros and amateur players alike. * * * Let's take a closer look at Mizuno's popular lines of baseball gloves: |
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Global Elite Price Point: $199.95 Lightweight performance delivers ultimate control for the elite play in these advanced and premium gloves. Made of E-Lite Leather, Mizuno's proprietary lightweight performance leather, and enhanced with counter balanced technology, which removes even more weight from the fingers, you'll dominate the diamond with these gloves.
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Classic Pro Soft Price Point: $159.95 Ridiculously soft, naturally pre-oiled, and durably rugged leather makes for one of the game's most effective and comfortable gloves. Designed with a classic throwback look that holds its shape and style over time and use, the Classic Pro Soft is a top-choice glove for the baseball purist in all of us.
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MVP Prime Price Point: $94.95 Perfectly balancing feel and performance, the MVP Prime utilizes oil-soft and flawless leather and thicker stitching for comfort and flexibility, with a structured, firm response. Professional grade patterns and a centralized pocket deliver quick action to keep serious players on top of their game.
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Prospect Series Price Point: $25.95 - $47.95 Mizuno's premier youth glove, the Prospect Series gives young ball players the tools they need to develop into star fielders and pitchers. Utilizing multiple technologies such as the Power Close, V-Flex Notch, and Tartan Flex Web, small hands will find the glove easier to close than any other, helping them develop and hone good ball handling and catching skills. Premium materials, styles, and patterns make them feel like pros!
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| Nike has been
dominating the sports world for decades, and they're dedication to
advancing athletic performance with quality gear is unquestioned. With
their line of baseball gloves, Nike turned its attention, knowledge,
skill, and vast resources towards making incredibly modern, comfortable,
and high-performance gloves that put you in control of your game. What
resulted are Nike baseball gloves, a series of technologically advanced, technologically
loaded gloves truly worthy of the celebrated Swoosh. * * * N1 Elite - Top-grade, premium Elite-Select Kip oiled steerhide leather gives this top-of-the-line glove incredible durability, lasting structure, and a soft feel for easy break in and elite-level response. A modern take on the classic fielding glove, the N1 Elite pulls out all the stops. Price: $199.99 Diamond Elite Show - Nike's premier baseball glove made for serious players, the Elite Show is designed with master craftsmanship to give you total control of your game. Made with select steerhide leather, for a soft touch and lasting shape, and premium hand patterns, for position-specific performance, the Show delivers masterful feel and touch. Technologically advanced, with an impact-control heel, and a light, flexible web, these gloves are strong, durable, and comfortable as anything Nike touches. Price: $97.99 Diamond Elite Edge - Nike's game-ready, accessible, and advanced baseball glove, the Elite Edge is a great glove for weekend warriors and amateurs looking for incredible performance and quality without the high price point. Made from soft-tumbled, pre-broken-in cowhide, with position specific patterns, these gloves are good to go out of the box, and hold up to regular abuse season after season. Price: $44.99 |
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Other Brands: |
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Louisville Slugger TPX Baseball Gloves
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Akadema Baseball Gloves
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