Archive

Category Archives for "Baseball Glove Advice"

Best of the Best: Rawlings Infield Gloves

Rawlings has been making baseball gloves since 1887, so it’s fair to say that they know what they’re doing when making a glove. One of the most preferred brands in the game, Rawlings gloves are used by Major Leaguers and every different position. But Rawlings isn’t limited to just the Major Leaguers. There are ample amount of gloves for the youth level as well. Let’s take a look at some of the best Rawlings infield gloves for both the older, and younger players.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00WFBID7E” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces09-20″]Rawlings Pro Preferred Series[/easyazon_link]

rawlings pro preferred

Run Down:

The Rawlings Pro Preferred Series glove is an individually hand crafted glove that serves any infielder. This gloves truly has a majestic look it, no matter the color scheme you buy. Users love the way the glove feels in the hand with the sheepskin, palm lining. Arguably one of the top models by Rawlings, the Pro Preferred an I-Web design with durability that will keep the glove looking fresh even over years of use. An 11 1/4″ design, the Pro Preferred is a smaller infield glove, but meets every criteria on the grading scale. If the user takes good keeping of the glove, this will last you a last time.

Pros:

  • Sheepskin Palm lining for comfortability in the wrist
  • Great modability for users who flare their gloves, or liked it shaped a certain way
  • Laces are pretested at 100 LB tensile for strength and durability
  • The thick laces keep the glove bonded together very nicely
  • Users loved the strength of the glove, and the form it takes once it is broken in
  • Wide wrist opening for easy slide in with the hand
  • Glove comes in authentic pro patterns so your glove can look just like the pros
  • Pro padding allows for custom pocket formation and lasting structure that limits wear and tear

Cons:

  • Long break in time, 40% manufactory break and and 60% player break in
  • A very stiff glove out of the box, so for users who prefer a more flexible glove, this may not be the right glove for you

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00WA1H59Q” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces09-20″]Rawlings 2016 Heart of the Hide Series[/easyazon_link]

rawlings heart of the hide

Run Down:

Rawlings Heart of the Hide glove comes in three lines: Dual Core, Pro Mesh, and the traditional Heart of the Hide. The Dual Core series is perfect for those who want to purchase the glove, and be able to use it in the same day. A softer glove, the Dual Core is the same quality leather but is able to be put to use right away. The Pro Mesh is also the same leather, and is a lighter glove that has reduced weight for those plays where you need to get the glove down and the ball out right away. The traditional Heart of the Hide is heavier than the Pro Mesh and does require a break in period. It’s one of Rawlings highest selling gloves. All three series comes in an 11 1/4″ design, perfect for those middle infielders.

Pros:

  • Authentic pro pattern designs, for a fresh looking glove
  • Comes in different webbing types
  • Rolled leather welting for a smooth feel on the hand
  • Soft leather finger back lining for a comfortable fit around the hand and wrist
  • Tennessee tanning pro grade lace for added durability
  • Thermoformed moisture wicking wrist pad
  • One of the nicest looking gloves on the market
  • Deer Tanned cowhide “plus” palm lining
  • Great value and great color ways

Cons:

  • An expensive glove
  • Some customers thought the thumb pocket was too stiff

[easyazon_link identifier=”B016D45G1O” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces09-20″]Rawlings Gamer XLE 2016 Limited Edition[/easyazon_link]

rawlings xle 2016 limited edition

Run Down:

This 11 3/4″ glove, limited edition gamer glove is an awesome looking glove. It comes in a variety of color schemes, which really catches the eye of the beholder. Rawlings went above and beyond for this glove, as this really is a beauty. The gamer series has been one of Rawlings most popular lines due to its comfort, durability, and versatility. This glove will be 80% broken in by the time it arrives at your doorstep. A glove with this durability and the fact it’s already broken in for you makes it one of the premiere gloves on the market. The pro soft leather shelling around the wrist is tough enough to withstand seasons on end. This glove is one of the most comfortable on the market. This I-web glove is one of the most unique and dazzling gloves available.

Pros:

  • Comfortability for all players at all levels of the game
  • Limited edition colorway that stands out and also keeps it’s colorSent to you game ready with minimal break in time required
  • Lots of customers spoke highly of the quality and the looks of it
  • Comparable to a $300 dollar glove but much more affordable
  • Full-grain leather lace for added structure and durability; also allows user to customize glove to personal preference
  • Pro soft leather shell for additional structure foundation

Cons:

  • Limited edition glove
  • Some customers did have complaints that the pocket was too small

[easyazon_link identifier=”B01AWZIZX6″ locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces09-20″]Rawlings GC Gamer Youth Pro Taper Series[/easyazon_link]

Rawlings Pro Series

Run Down:

The Rawlings GC Gamer Youth series focuses on comfort for the player. This 11″ glove is perfect for Little Leaguers in need of a glove that hits everything on the wish list. This glove has game ready feel and doesn’t require hours and hours of player break in. The GC Gamer Youth series is perfect for kids ages 9-12. The Pro Taper Fit offers a perfect and comfortable fit for smaller hands sizes and also has tighter finger slots. For an overall excellent glove for your Little Leaguer, check out this glove.

Pros:

  • Leather and lace quality that matches any Rawlings glove
  • Allows for growth in the hand
  • Flexible wrist strap which adjusts for players various hand sizes
  • PORON XRD palm and index finger pad – drastically reduces impact of the ball
  • Full grain leather shell to match the pros
  • Affordable glove
  • Comfortable fit for all players
  • Color based off Rawlings Pro Style scheme

Cons:

  • Game ready feel but a stiff glove at first

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00KTJ1FPQ” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces09-20″]Rawlings Premium Pro Series Youth[/easyazon_link]

RAWLINGS PREMIUM PRO YOUTH

Run Down:

The Rawlings Premium Youth Series is an excellent, affordable glove that gives your son or daughter the perfect glove for their hand. This glove comes in an H-Web and sizes all over the map, making it perfect for an outfielder and infielder in Little League. This leather glove is superior to the other youth leather gloves on the market. It is truly a long lasting glove and will make it through multiple Little League seasons. The pocket design is made specifically for the youth level to help keep the ball in the pocket and allows for the user to easily exchange the ball to their hand. The leather and padding on this glove truly matches one of $100 or more. Rawlings went above and beyond creating their youth Pro Series. The Patented Solid Core Technology  truly does enhance the users feel with the glove. It also is designed to help the function of it, giving the user that perfect fit which is so sought after.

Pros:

  • Conventional back featuring a wide open above the wrist
  • Just 20% break in making the perfect glove to buy off the shelf and ready to use right away
  • Pro soft leather shell
  • Pro grade leather lace just like the pros
  • Deer Tanned cowhide leather lining
  • Snug fit for players who want a tight, close knit feel around the wrist
  • Moldable, balanced padding for the look and feel you want

Cons:

  • Glove seemed smaller than expected for some users

Best Types of Baseball Gloves – Your Guide

A Guide to the best Types of Baseball Gloves

Baseball is a sport that has been around for hundreds of years. And while the sport has changed over that period of time, one thing that hasn’t changed is the use of the baseball glove. A Glove is the first thing you must buy if you wish to play the sport. With that being said, there are many different types of baseball gloves, that come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. This article will help you find the perfect glove that suits you!

Before we get into the specifics of the glove, we need to have a general understanding of it. This is a great image that shows the general parts of a glove. Here are the four basics parts of the glove that you should know.

Types of Baseball Gloves

This is a right handed glove, but the same applies to lefty as well.

Webbing:

The webbing comes in many different designs. Here are just a few:

  • I-web
  • Basket web
  • Closed web
  • Single Post web
  • Dual Post web
  • Modified Trapeze web
  • Trapeze web

Some players prefer different styles of webbing.

Outfielders: Nearly all outfielders use an H-web series or some version of the trapeze styled webbing. The H-web is just what it sounds like, the web is in the shape of an H. Click [easyazon_link identifier=”B00ZY4D2SY” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces-20″]here[/easyazon_link] for a better look at the H-web glove. The trapeze styled gloves have bigger pockets and can be seen [easyazon_link identifier=”B00KSVPU7E” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces-20″]here[/easyazon_link].

Middle Infielders (Shortstop and Second base): Typically most middle infielders I or H-web like some outfielders. [easyazon_link identifier=”B0177NHXO8″ locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces-20″]This[/easyazon_link] is a good like at a typical I-web for middle infielders.

Third Baseman: In need of a deeper pocket for those hard and fast ground balls, third baseman will use trapeze gloves and [easyazon_link identifier=”B012YSA42Y” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces-20″]closed web gloves[/easyazon_link] as well. But also occasionally both I and H-web gloves as well.

Pitchers: Pitchers use closed web gloves a majority of the time.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the glove, let’s get into what each glove features, and some of the differences that each glove has to offer, based off of the position it is used for. We’ll work our way around the diamond starting at position #1, the pitcher.

Types of Baseball Gloves: PITCHER 

As mentioned earlier, pitchers typically used closed web gloves, the average size for pitchers gloves is roughly 11 and 3/4 of an inch. Some pitchers use bigger gloves, others use smaller ones, but generally pitchers don’t need as big of a glove like position players do. White gloves are not allowed at the major league level, this is because it would be extremely difficult for hitters to pick up the white ball, coming out of a white glove. Typically, most pitchers use a black or tan glove. With the exception of a few guys, like Pedro Martinez back in the day, and Chris Archer of the Rays. Archers cutting it pretty close to white, with that teal blue color, but I have to admit, it does look pretty sharp. If you’re in the market for a pitcher’s glove, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t buy an H or I-web design. This is because an opening in the web makes the ball visible to hitters, and although small, a batter may be able to pick up on what you’re throwing to them.

Size: 11-12.5 inches 

Types of Baseball Gloves: CATCHER

Catchers gloves or “mitts” (this is because the catcher’s glove doesn’t have separate slots to put individual fingers like the other gloves do) are obviously different from all of the types of baseball gloves that are used in the field. Catchers gloves require extra padding and a hinged, claw like shape that sets a big frame for pitchers and also helps fastball get into the pocket. The extra padding is intended for relieved pain when catching fastball, but most catchers still wear a batting glove under their catching had. Depending on the catcher, some use colors along the outskirts of the glove for the pitcher to be able to see without and issue. Catchers gloves are also the hardest, and most stiff off the shelf. Which makes them oftentimes the hardest to break in. Most catchers gloves have closed webbing, this is to limit the pounding that the glove takes from catching day in and day out. A catchers glove with an open webbing wouldn’t last nearly as long as one with a closed one. Check out these [easyazon_link identifier=”B00KU3EHX8″ locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces-20″]catcher’s mitts[/easyazon_link] for a great selection!

Size: 33-35 inches 

Types of Baseball Gloves: FIRST BASEMAN 

First baseman’s glove actually looks similar to the catcher’s glove. But the first baseman’s glove doesn’t have the padding or support and doesn’t need a closed webbing. The design is similar, as they too must scoop balls out of the dirt, but it is more flexible than catcher’s mitts. Although they’re more flexible than catchers gloves, they still are more sturdier than the infielders glove; they don’t flop back and forth and will close easier as well. It’s more wide, and deep than any other glove. This is because the first baseman must be able scoop up and pick out errant throws from the dirt. But also be able to catch balls above his reach. Click [easyazon_link keywords=”first baseman glove” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces-20″]here[/easyazon_link] for a list of first baseman mitts.

Size: 12-13 inches

Types of Baseball Gloves: INFIELDERS

Infielders gloves are smaller than outfielders, this is because they must get the ball out as quickly as possible. Shortstops and second basemen use smaller gloves than third typically, this is because on double plays they really need to get the ball out of their glove and have small room for error. Third baseman need a little bit bigger of a glove due to the fact they’re a playing closer to the line, and balls are hit hardest usually to the third baseman. The open back webs make it easier for them to get their hands on the ball and quickly release it. Many infielders are very particular about who puts their hands in their glove. This is because they don’t want it getting out of shape, or the pocket becoming deeper. For a look at one of the best infielders gloves on the market, click [easyazon_link identifier=”B00KU4GZ6Y” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces-20″]here[/easyazon_link].

Size: 11.25-12 inches

Types of Baseball Gloves: OUTFIELDERS 

Outfielders have larger gloves, made for diving catches and high, towering fly balls that drop from the sky. They’re deeper and longer than infielder gloves and have extra support for the fingers. Their length gives the players the ability to go after balls that are above their head, and to the right or left of them. Outfielders don’t have to get the ball out as quickly as infielders (at least not all the time), so the bigger pocket is used to haul in fly balls. A good source for outfield gloves can be found [easyazon_link keywords=”outfield gloves” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces-20″]here[/easyazon_link].

Size: 12-13 inches

Baseball gloves are very unique. With so many different styles, and sizes, hopefully this article helped you find the right glove!

The Best Youth Baseball Glove

Breaking in a baseball glove (breaking in and oiling)

Breaking in a baseball glove

After choosing the right size of glove and breaking it in, it is very important to take care of your glove. Breaking in a baseball glove isn’t the only process to soften stiff parts of your glove. It is also recommended that you oil your glove to keep the leather soft. When we talk about oils for glove softening, we are talking about oils specific to leather and glove care, not your household oils.

Most glove manufacturers have different recommendations as to what kind of oil you should use for your glove. Whatever brand or label of glove’s oil, it really depends on your preference.

You can actually purchase glove oils directly from the manufacturer of your gloves, they will definitely have one!

Oiling your glove does not just aid the breaking in process, but also helps your glove last longer by lubricating your glove and preventing cracks.

Some players oil their gloves once a month depending on how often they use their gloves. Any amount of oiling will help your glove last longer though.

How to Oil a Glove: Recommended Methods

When you purchase your new glove, one thing to consider is the lifespan of your baseball glove. It is best to be knowledgeable about maintaining the shape and texture of your glove so it will last as long as possible.

As someone who wants to get the most out of his or her glove, you will need to know the proper ways to oil your glove. You can follow these simple steps to oil your gloves.

1. Choosing the right oils

As said previously, we only use oils recommended by the manufactures. As gloves are made from leather, it is important to choose the oil suitable for a leather product.

Most of these oils can be easily found and purchase from a sporting goods store. Applying oil to your glove can also improve the water resistance of the leather.  However, it is very important to choose the right oils to avoid deterioration of your gloves.

2. Clean your glove

If you are going to oil your gloves, it is good to keep it clean first. You can wipe off your glove with a clean cloth to prepare it for oiling.

3. Applying the oil to your glove

When applying the oil you can either use your hand or a clean and soft cloth. It is advisable that you only pour a little oil into the cloth and gently rub it to your glove.

You may want to rub a little oil into the pocket and spaces between the areas where you catch the ball. Remember that too much oil can also deteriorate your glove faster. A fine coating of oil will be enough.

4. Dry your glove

After rubbing the glove with oil, you can let it sit for hours or overnight, so that the oil can fully soaked inside the pores of the leather. Keep your glove in a warm area between 70-90 degrees.

On the following day, you can wipe off remaining oil from the glove. You will notice that your glove has begun to shine.

5. Form the pocket

This is a part of the breaking in process, but it is also important to do after oiling your glove. You may want to squeeze shut your glove so you can feel more comfortable with it.

Other Products to Soften your Glove

Aside from recommended oils by the manufacturers, you can oil your baseball gloves using these cheaper materials that can be found in your home – baby oil, shaving cream, saddle soap.

It has been shown that the used of baby oil, shaving cream or saddle soap can substitute the special glove oils. According to some players who use these materials, oiling your glove is a matter of moisturizing your leather-based glove, so it is okay to use these materials.

The use of shaving cream, for example, instead of glove oils can be used both as conditioner and softener. However, it is advisable to be aware of the effect of whatever material you use in oiling up your gloves.

1 2