| |
| 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.
|
|
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.
|
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. |
|
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.
|
|
Shallow
Pockets
Perfect for fielders who need to quickly grab
the ball and transfer it to their throwing hand, making fast plays
and getting the ball to the plate.
|
Deeper
Pockets
Great for holding onto fly balls and hard hit
shots, making them better for outfielders. |
|
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."
|
|
Open Back
Gloves
Feature a space above the wrist adjustment,
providing more flexibility in the wrist and hand. Open back gloves
are typically preferred by infielders who need the mobility and
quick turn around.
|
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. |
|
Field Position |
Size and Features |
Recommendations |
 |
- Outfield gloves are larger and longer than other gloves
- Range between 12" and 13" for
adults, and 11" and 12" for youth
- Size gives players the widest
catching area for snagging pop flys
- Open webbing allows outfielders to
see through the glove, blocking out sunlight or stadium light,
without disrupting view of the ball
- Deep pockets to trap and hold the
ball in the glove
|
Wilson A2000 Kirby Puckett 12.5 Outfield Baseball Glove
$219.95 |
 |
- Infield gloves are smaller than outfielder's gloves for
added speed and flexibility
- Range between 10.5" and 11.5" for
adults, and 9" and 10" for youth
- Closed webbing preferred for third
basemen, for added support against hard hit balls down the baseline
- Open webbing preferred for short
stop, second, and first basemen, for quick ball transfer
- Shallow pockets allow for fast
catches and ball retrieval, for quick throws and outs
|
Mizuno Global Elite 11.5" Infield Baseball Glove
$199.95 |
 |
- First base mitts are typically
fingerless, and look like a catcher's mitt with less padding, and a
defined web
- The design compliments the needs of
a first baseman
- Range between 12" and 12.5" for
adults, and 9" and 10" for youth
- Open webbings and shallow pockets
let the first baseman quickly retrieve the ball from the glove for
fast plays and throws
|
Wilson A2K 2800W 12" First Base Mitt
$299.95 |
 |
- Pitchers gloves typically use a
closed web, to hide the ball and the pitcher's grip from the batter
- Glove size and pocket depth can
range greatly, and are generally left up to personal preference and
comfort
|
Rawlings Sandlot Series 12" Pitcher Baseball Glove
$74.99 |
 |
- Catchers mitts are uniquely designed
to protect the hand from hard, repetitive pitches
- Fingerless construction with heavy
padding give it its bulky look
- Sized in circumference instead of
length - youth mitts range from 31" or less, while adult catchers
mitts run 32" or larger
- Closed webbing for fast snaps and
added support
- Smaller, shallower pockets for fast
transfers to throwing hand
|
Rawlings Heart of the Hide 33" Baseball Catchers Mitt
$209.95 |
| |
|
|
| 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:
|
|
A Closer Look -
|
| 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: |
|
|
|
|
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.
-
2X
palm construction - 2-layer leather pocket creates impressive
glove stability, and makes for a faster break in.
-
Pro Stock Select Leather - chosen from the top 5% of Pro
Stock hides, triple sorted for consistency and flawlessness, then
specially tanned.
-
Rolled Dual-Welting
- thin strips of Pro Stock leather, rolled to provide a
durable shape and improved break-in time.
-
3X More Craftsman Shaping - each A2K glove is shaped and
formed by Wilson's master technicians for 3 times longer than other
gloves.
|
Wilson A2K Pro Stock 11.5" Infield - Right Hand Throw |
|
Wilson A2000 Pro Stock 1788 11.25" Infield - Right Hand Throw |
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.
- Pro Stock Leather -
made with top-choice American Steerhide, sought after by pro players
for its durability and unique feel.
- Dual-Welting - twice
exposed leather edges of each finger back create a more durable
pocket and longer lasting break in.
- Dri-Lex - breathable,
moisture-wicking wrist liner keeps the hand cool and dry in the
glove.
- Pro Stock Patterns -
exclusive designs and patterns inspired and created by pro ball
players and game experts.
|
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.
- Exclusive ECCO Leather
- game-ready softness and durability that improves with ages and
use.
- 2X Palm - double layer
leather palm creates the perfect pocket shape and improved break-in.
- Pro Stock Patterns -
exclusive designs and patterns inspired and created by pro ball
players and game experts.
- Low Profile Heel
-
makes the glove more flexible, opening up the palm and pocket, to
help with fielding awkwardly hit grounders.
|
Wilson A1000 Superskin 12" All Position Fastpitch Softball Glove - Right Hand Throw |
|
Wilson A800 Game Ready SoftFit 1799 12.5" Outfied - Right Hand Throw |
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.
- Exclusive ECCO Leather
- game-ready softness and durability that improves with ages and
use.
- 2X Palm - double layer
leather palm creates the perfect pocket shape and improved break-in.
- Low Profile Heel
-
makes the glove more flexible, opening up the palm and pocket, to
help with fielding awkwardly hit grounders.
|
| |
|
A
Closer Look -
 |
| 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: |
|
|
|
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.
- Kip Leather
Construction - strong, pliable
leather with a smooth, flawless feel delivers a quick and custom
break-in to fit your preferences.
- Pittards Palm
Lining - performance sheepskin lining feels soft and
comfortable against the skin and wicks moisture, keeping your hand
cool and dry.
- 100% Wool
Padding - helps to form the perfect custom pocket.
- USA Tanned
Lacing - 15% stronger than standard Pro lace, with 100 lb
tensile strength, and tanned in Rawlings' own Tennessee facility.
|
Rawlings Pro Preferred 13" First Base Mitt - Left Hand Throw
|
|
Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRODJ2 11.5" Infield - Right Hand Throw |
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.
- Heart of the
Hide Leather - exclusive leather delivers exceptional feel,
lasting durability, and makes for a soft, easy break in.
- Trusted by
Pros - same series used by Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, and
Prince Fielder
|
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.
- Classic Style
- vintage treated, full-grain leather shell with antiqued leather
laces for a classic, weathered, nostalgic baseball look and quick
break in.
- Soft Leather
Palm Lining - comfortable support and enhanced feel.
- Cushioned
Fingerback Lining - protect and cushion fingers when catching
|
Rawlings Sandlot Series 12.5" Outfield - Right Hand Throw |
Rawlings Player Preferred 12" - Left Hand Throw |
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.
- Retro Leather
Shell - full-grain leather construction with a retro,
weathered look.
- Flex Loop
- custom fit back designs for perfect hand and fit adjustments.
- Zero Shock
Palm Pads - reduce sting by absorbing impact energy.
|
|
|
|
A
Closer Look -
 |
| 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: |
|
|
|
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.
- E-Lite
Leather - incredibly soft and light for maximum performance
and control.
- Counter Balanced -
weight removed from the fingers of the glove deliver enhanced
control and a lightweight, comfortable feel.
- Roll Welting -
increased structural integrity and added support throughout the
fingers, while still providing a fast break in.
|
 |
|
 |
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.
- Throwback
Leather - ruggedly durable, rich in color, and naturally
pre-oiled to break in quickly and maintain its shape for years to
come.
- Ultra Soft Pro Palm
Liner - new liner with a soft
finish for an incredibly unique and comfortable feel.
- Roll Welting -
increased structural integrity and added support throughout the
fingers, while still providing a fast break in.
|
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.
- Oil Soft Plus
Leather
- delivers a smooth, professional feel.
- Center-Pocket
Design - puts the pocket right in your palm.
- Thick
Stitching - provides stronger structure and a firm response
to the glove.
- Steer-Soft
Palm Liner - ultra-soft palm lining improves comfort and
reduces catching sting.
|
 |
 |
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!
- Power Close
Technology - makes the glove
easier to snap shut when catching.
- V-Flex Notch
- designed to fold the leather correctly, making for a smooth close.
- SureFit Foam -
makes for a comfortable and secure fit around smaller hands.
- ParaShock Palm
Pad - reduces the sting of catching hard hit balls.
- Hi-Low Lacing
- makes for a more flexible web.
|
|
|
|
A
Closer Look -
 |
| 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 |
| |
