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9 Fitting Baseball Glove Reviews To Boost Your Game In 2024

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LAST UPDATE April 1, 2020
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Sports & Outdoors
9 Fitting Baseball Glove Reviews To Boost Your Game In 2024

Thinking about buying a baseball glove? We present you the best baseball gloves, and a buying guide to help you choose the one for your needs.

Best of the best Rawlings Heart of the Hide Glove Series Rawlings Heart of the Hide Glove Series
5/5
Show Me
PROS

Comfortable interior lining

Full grain leather

Snug fit and easy control

Professional standard glove

CONS

Takes longer to break in due to strong leather construction

Most Buying Mizuno GPP1100Y1 Youth Prospect Ball Glove Mizuno GPP1100Y1 Youth Prospect Ball Glove
5/5
Show Me
PROS

PowerClose – easier to catch

Full grain leather

Weave pattern pocket

Versatile – can be used in many positions

CONS

When compared to other ‘training gloves’ they are slightly heavier

Best for the money Rawlings Renegade Glove Series Rawlings Renegade Glove Series
4/5
Show Me
PROS

Great protection for catchers

80% Factory break-in

Double bar web for extra catching support

CONS

Can be stiff for juniors with extra padding and full grain leather

Avatar Writer Kathy
How We Decided
  • 32Products
    Tested
  • 48Hours
    Spent
  • 05Experts
    Interviewed
  • 30Consumers
    Consulted
RUNNERS UP Also good products

Rawlings Player Preferred Catchers Mitt

3/5

Extra padding in palm and finger shaft.

pros
  • Full grain leather

  • Durable leather laces

  • Extra padding along fingers, thumb, and palm

  • Easy break in

cons
  • First base glove option is more a generic infielder glove and may not be the best for seasoned baseman

Wilson Showtime Series BM12 Baseball First Base Mitt

3/5

Double palm construction.

pros
  • Full grain leather

  • Dual palm construction

  • Rolled dual welting leather strips

  • Carries similar technology to pro gloves

cons
  • Soft leather can wear quicker than some

Wilson A360 Baseball Glove

2.5/5

Versatile for kids.

pros
  • Versatile for juniors

  • Woven pocket stitch

  • Durable

  • Easy break-in

cons
  • Only full grain leather in the palm, rest of glove is synthetic

Rawlings Select Pro Lite

2.5/5

Taper fit.

pros
  • Soft leather allowing easy break-in

  • Taper fit for better control

  • Additional padding for comfort and protection

  • Modelled on gloves worn by some of the MLB’s stars

cons
  • Soft leather can wear easier than other gloves

  • Taper fit mean wrist can be tight

Rawlings Premium Pro Series Glove Series

2/5

Short break-in period.

pros
  • Easy break-in period

  • Soft padding in heel and palm

  • Full grain leather shell

  • Easy to command and use

cons
  • May not be suitable for larger hand sizes

Table of Contents

9 Fitting Baseball Glove Reviews To Boost Your Game In 2024

  1. Rawlings Heart of the Hide Glove Series
  2. Mizuno GPP1100Y1 Youth Prospect Ball Glove
  3. Rawlings Renegade Glove Series
  4. Rawlings Gamer Glove Series
  5. Rawlings Player Preferred Catchers Mitt
  6. Wilson Showtime Series BM12 Baseball First Base Mitt
  7. Wilson A360 Baseball Glove
  8. Rawlings Select Pro Lite
  9. Rawlings Premium Pro Series Glove Series
    Davi Martins Melo
    EXPERT CONSULTANT

    He is fond of football and other sports since 5 years. In college, he played for the local team.

    Davi Martins Melo

    best baseball gloves

    Baseball has long been America’s pastime. Whether you’re playing a pick-up game or aiming to be the next Babe Ruth, you want to make sure you have the right equipment to get the most out of your game. The best baseball gloves are not all about looks. It’s about feel, quality, material, and technology.

    Today, we showcase a range of the baseball gloves, and see which one scores a home run. We’ll dissect our selected gloves, and help you pick the right one for your budding baseball athlete!

    Quality Research You Can Rely On

    We know you want to make the right purchase decision and get the baseball glove that will help bring the game to the next level. That’s why we spoke to 30 baseball players, three glove fitters, and two coaches to give you the nine top performing baseball gloves on the market.

    9 Fitting Baseball Glove Reviews To Boost Your Game In 2024

    Best of the best

    Rawlings Heart of the Hide Glove Series

    5/5

    Very much the home run of gloves from the Rawlings range, the Heart of the Hide provides a high quality, classic glove feel for more seasoned players. With a high range of glove types for all positions, sizes, and colors, there is a glove for everyone.

    We really liked the strong support and padding, giving us greater protection in testing when catching with the catchers’ mitt or as an outfielder. They are a full-grain leather glove, meaning a longer break-in period, however, they were a great snug fit once completed.

    In testing, we found the inside lining of the glove is lined with deer-tanned cowhide, which made the glove feel very comfortable to wear even during the break-in period. It also features a very strong leather pocket, meaning greater catching ability.

    One of the highest rated gloves by professional MLB players, the Heart of the Hide series is not for the faint-hearted, but once broken in will make you feel like a pro.

    Specification Sheet

    • Largest range of glove types and sizes
    • Full grain leather
    • Strong support
    • Snug fit once broken in
    • Deer-tanned cowhide interior lining
    pros

      Comfortable interior lining

      Full grain leather

      Snug fit and easy control

      Professional standard glove

    cons

      Takes longer to break in due to strong leather construction

    Mizuno GPP1100Y1 Youth Prospect Ball Glove

    5/5

    This glove from our baseball friends in Japan is a great entry level glove option for juniors. Designed to help youth players learn to catch the ball in the pocket, this is a great glove for those who are coming in and learning from the beginning.

    Mizuno has been known for their high tech approach in most of their products across many sports, and we found their junior glove range is much the same. They have their patented PowerClose tech, allowing you to close the glove and catch the ball with ease.

    This helps the ball rest square in the pocket when catching, and allows you to really grip the ball, a great learning tool for juniors. With full grain leather, it is a durable glove and mostly worn in at the factory.

    We found that it felt comfortable and much easier to adapt and catch the ball in the pocket, even when we were trying to catch in our fingers, as many juniors may do at first.

    It isn't as light as many of its competitors, however, that shouldn't deter you. Considered a great learning tool, the weight can help condition your youngster for when they transition into a full sized glove.

    While great for teaching the game, the glove is still a great option for all players and very versatile. Its woven patterned pocket makes it great for pitchers, and outfielders can use the easy closing feature to make those big fly ball catches. A wonderful all-around glove.

    Specification Sheet

    • PowerClose Technology
    • Full Grain Leather
    • Weave pattern pocket
    • Designed to teach players how to catch the ball.
    pros

      PowerClose – easier to catch

      Full grain leather

      Weave pattern pocket

      Versatile – can be used in many positions

    cons

      When compared to other ‘training gloves’ they are slightly heavier

    Best for the money

    Rawlings Renegade Glove Series

    4/5

    One for the budding Buster Posey’s and Yogi Berra’s out there, this glove from Rawlings is a leather catchers’ mitt. Much like all the main offerings from Rawlings, this mitt offers great quality, with a full grain leather shell, and leather laces.

    When our team opened the box, we found it already mostly broken in at the factory, and very quick to finish the process. We liked the double bar web which helps keep the ball in the glove. The padding in the palm and index finger allow protection from those fast and hard pitches.

    While technically a catchers’ mitt, it serves well for any young players playing on bases, with its added protection and durable external layers.

    A great option for young players who need a strong glove to ensure protection to their hand.

    Specification Sheet

    • Double Bar Web
    • Full grain leather outer layer
    • Added padding in index finger and palm.
    • 80% factory break-in
    pros

      Great protection for catchers

      80% Factory break-in

      Double bar web for extra catching support

    cons

      Can be stiff for juniors with extra padding and full grain leather

    Rawlings Gamer Glove Series

    4.5/5

    Targeted at juniors 8-16 years, the Game Glove from Rawlings comes in a range of sizes, and a full range of glove types, from infielders, catchers’ mitt, and different pocket weaves.

    With Rawlings gamer soft shell leather, it makes for very easy break-in for junior players and is game ready after only a few uses.

    It is still very durable and has a very snug fit for greater control. The laces do wear down quicker than the overall glove, but overall for most juniors will last throughout a little league season.

    The tapered wrist entry and thinner finger stalls are great for junior players, which give them greater control when playing with the Gamer Glove series.

    Specification Sheet

    • Softshell leather
    • Easy break in
    • Durable leather
    • Tapered wrist entry
    • Range of glove types
    • Range of sizes
    pros

      A range of sizes

      Tapered wrist entry for a snug fit

      Softshell leather for easy break-in

    cons

      Laces can wear down quicker than glove

    Rawlings Player Preferred Catchers Mitt

    3/5

    Another popular catchers’ mitt, this option from Rawlings is a great option for adults and junior players alike, with a range of size options available.

    The Player Preferred series is designed around your favorite MLB players' gloves, giving you the feel of a professional glove. Much like the other Rawlings products, they came with a full grain leather shell, giving shape retention when broken-in.

    We found the laces to be strong and made of durable leather, giving you assurance when catching those fast pitches. The additional padding around the palm, and along the fingers and thumb are also a great feature to give you added protection.

    We found the Rawlings Plater Preferred Catchers Mitt fits quite snug, which made it easier for us to command and move to make a catch.

    Specification Sheet

    • Range of size options
    • Full grain leather
    • Durable leather laces
    • Strong padding along fingers and thumb
    pros

      Full grain leather

      Durable leather laces

      Extra padding along fingers, thumb, and palm

      Easy break in

    cons

      First base glove option is more a generic infielder glove and may not be the best for seasoned baseman

    Wilson Showtime Series BM12 Baseball First Base Mitt

    3/5

    Next on the list is the Wilson Showtime Series First Base Mitt. The Showtime series is a line that mimics Wilson’s pro stock line of gloves.

    Wilson’s double palm and rolled dual welting technology featured in this glove, give it better shape and long-lasting durability.

    In testing, we noted the rolled dual welting (thin strips of pro leather) break in with the glove and help with additional protection. We liked the low-profile heel which helps open the palm and exposing the pocket, making it a more forgiving glove for young players making catches.

    The glove features minimal break-in and is ready to use after a few pick-up games or practices. The full leather construction makes the glove easily conform to the hand meaning a snug, great fit.

    Specifications Sheet

    • Full grain leather
    • Dual palm construction
    • Dual welting for shape
    • Snug fit once broken in
    pros

      Full grain leather

      Dual palm construction

      Rolled dual welting leather strips

      Carries similar technology to pro gloves

    cons

      Soft leather can wear quicker than some

    Wilson A360 Baseball Glove

    2.5/5

    The Wilson A360 is a popular glove amongst many youth players, with a very professional look but still great at early game development.

    The glove comes in at a 10-inch utility size, making it a very versatile junior glove, allowing you to play anywhere on the field. The glove comes with full pigskin leather in the palm, and a cross-woven pocket making catching easy.

    After only a few uses, we found them to be mostly broken in. This is largely due to the fact that the glove is mostly synthetic leather, but still provided great, soft feel for juniors.

    Some customers found concerns with the laces, however, as the synthetic materials tend to break quicker than with full-grain leather gloves.

    Specifications Sheet

    • Very versatile glove
    • Full grain leather palm
    • Synthetic leather outer layer
    • Woven pocket stitch
    pros

      Versatile for juniors

      Woven pocket stitch

      Durable

      Easy break-in

    cons

      Only full grain leather in the palm, rest of glove is synthetic

    Rawlings Select Pro Lite

    2.5/5

    Another option from Rawlings, the Select Pro Lite Youth Glove Series is a popular design for young players looking to emulate some of their favorite stars. The design is similar to gloves worn by two-time All-Star Kris Bryant, and three-time All-Star Manny Machado.

    On first use we found the glove to be taper fit, featuring a smaller hand opening, and lower finger-stalls. They feature a professional style webbing, lightweight soft leather shell for durability, shape which made it easy for us to break-in.

    We discovered the leather lacing is one of the more durable in the market, keeping a well-formed and shaped pocket. The extra padding in the palm and index finger are a great addition for shock resistance for those hard catches, and the back of the finger stalls are padded for extra comfort.

    We felt the lightweight construction makes it an excellent choice for playing infield.

    Specification Sheet

    • Soft-leather shell
    • Modelled on Kris Bryant and Manny Machado’s gloves
    • Taper fit glove
    • Additional padding in finger-stalls and palm
    pros

      Soft leather allowing easy break-in

      Taper fit for better control

      Additional padding for comfort and protection

      Modelled on gloves worn by some of the MLB’s stars

    cons

      Soft leather can wear easier than other gloves

      Taper fit mean wrist can be tight

    Rawlings Premium Pro Series Glove Series

    2/5

    The Rawlings Premium Pro Series is the glove to get for a few reasons. First, it’s a soft glove, with a full grain leather shell. Rawlings pride themselves on their ‘game-ready feel' and claim that 80% of the break-in is done at the factory. In our research, we found that statement to be true.

    The glove also features technology they call ‘Solid Core’, and ‘Opti-Fit’, which is designed to improve the way the glove conforms to the hand, giving better grip, command, and feel. Bestazy thought the basket-weave webbing style made it ideal for budding pitchers. In our testing, it allowed for easier hiding of the ball, but overall is a great glove for any position, with soft padding around the heel and palm.

    It is a great glove for junior players, with full-grain leather and quick break-in period. It's wider opening above the wrist makes controlling the glove very easy.

    Specification Sheet

    • 12-inch pattern
    • Basket Weave Web
    • Solid Core Technology
    • 80% broken in
    • Wide opening around the wrist
    pros

      Easy break-in period

      Soft padding in heel and palm

      Full grain leather shell

      Easy to command and use

    cons

      May not be suitable for larger hand sizes

    Buyer's Guide

    Buyer’s Guide: Make Sure You’re Buying The Best Baseball Glove

    While a glove seems pretty simple, there are a number of different parts that make up your baseball glove. To be sure you’re making an informed choice, let’s take a quick look at the makeup of gloves.

    Anatomy of a glove

    The pocket or web connects the fingers to the thumb and gives you control of the ball on impact. It’s usually leather that is woven together tightly and allows you to catch the ball by closing your hand on the ball. In fact, most fly balls are caught in the web or pocket.

    The palm generally contains some extra padding underneath the outer layer, which gives you protection when making a catch. The heel is rather similar and provides protection just above your wrist.

    The hinge allows you to open and close the glove easily. It generally sits in the very small break between padding in the fingers and the palm. The lacing gives the glove shape. It is usually made of leather and will break in around the same time as the glove itself.

    Break in the glove

    Many gloves, particularly leather gloves require what’s called a break-in period. A glove fitter will tell you that not all leather gloves are the same. A glove of this type is generally very stiff, and hard to close. Once the glove has been used and practiced with a few times, it becomes ‘broken-in’ meaning it conforms to your hand and is easier to close.

    Some gloves are made of oil-treated or synthetic leather, which doesn’t require a ‘break-in’ period.

    However, these gloves don’t tend to last as long and don’t have the same feel and protection in many cases. These types are very popular with younger players, particularly where their growth will be faster than the decline of the glove’s quality.

    THE WINNERS

    Tips for choosing a glove

    The first time almost all experts will tell you is to choose a glove that fits. Don’t purchase one that is too big for your hand, as this could lower your ability to catch the ball. Ensure it feels right, it should be stiff when you initially purchase it, however, should still be flexible for control and quick response.

    Finally, buy the right glove for your position. A pitcher can usually use any type of infield glove. The best ones to look at are ones with a closed webbing, allowing you to hide the ball. Remember, the goal is to deceive the batter.

    A first baseman usually has a different glove type to most infield players. In many cases, it is larger and doesn’t have finger holes. This allows them to pick up or scoop up balls that end up in the dirt. The larger size also gives infielders a larger target to aim at. This is similar to a catcher, who needs a glove that has added protection to catch balls thrown at high speed.

    The infielder generally will have a lighter glove, so you can move quickly while wearing it. Having said that, the baseman may have different gloves – shortstops generally have longer gloves to increase fielding range, as do third baseman. They also have an open web and deeper pockets allowing them to catch hard hit balls at close range.

    Finally, an outfielder has longer gloves than any other players on the field. As an outfielder is often tracking and attempting to catch fly balls, the longer gloves give them greater range. They also have a deep pocket to prevent the ball from popping out after a catch.

    Reviews Of The 9 Best Baseball Gloves Out There

    Get A Winning Catch With The Best Baseball Glove Out There

    Depending on your ability, your glove type and best baseball glove may indeed be different. There is a range of different things to take into account before choosing your glove of choice.

    Whether you are a junior just starting out, or a seasoned athlete looking to step up your game, there is a glove out there for you, just depending on your game.

    Don’t just pick a glove on looks, however, some gloves may look amazing, but be terrible for your game. Remember, pick for your position and wear it in before playing full games. Don’t forget to take great care of your glove, store it carefully and protect it from the elements to give it the longest life.

    Depending on your skill level and your age, choosing a glove can largely be down to personal preference. For youth players, a forgiving glove, with an easy break-in period can be the best choice. Bonus points if your glove is designed to improve your game like our top youth choice, the Mizuno GPP1100Y1 Youth Prospect Ball Glove.

    If you’re a more veteran player, a stronger glove with more protection may be in order. A great glove can be the difference between an amazing catch or a trip to the hospital. Regardless of which one you choose from our selection of baseball gloves, make sure to properly break-in your glove before you play. Get a feel for it and practice with your glove to ensure both you and the glove are game ready.

    Now, take one more quick glance at our favorite gloves, then get out there and start practicing!

    Rawlings Heart of the Hide Glove Series
    Best of the best

    Rawlings Heart of the Hide Glove Series

    Thinking about buying a baseball glove? We present you the best baseball gloves, and a buying guide to help you choose the one for your needs.

    Mizuno GPP1100Y1 Youth Prospect Ball Glove
    Most Buying

    Mizuno GPP1100Y1 Youth Prospect Ball Glove

    Thinking about buying a baseball glove? We present you the best baseball gloves, and a buying guide to help you choose the one for your needs.

    Rawlings Renegade Glove Series
    Best for the money

    Rawlings Renegade Glove Series

    Thinking about buying a baseball glove? We present you the best baseball gloves, and a buying guide to help you choose the one for your needs.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use these gloves for softball?

    Not always! A softball glove is bigger than a baseball glove in general terms, as a softball itself is slightly bigger! Some may find success using a baseball glove, however, you may find it incompatible and it may be better to purchase a softball specific glove.

    Can I use any glove for any position?

    As a general rule of thumb, no. Infielders and outfielders may (at the junior level) use the same gloves, however, a catchers' mitt and baseman gloves tend to differ quite a lot in design and shape. Using a catchers' mitt in the outfield may heavily restrict movement and ability to close to the glove, whereas an infielder glove being used by a catcher may actually cause injury.

    Is the webbing (in the pocket) important or is it just for looks?

    The webbing or pocket is certainly not just for looks. While some prefer certain stitching, there are benefits to different styles. Some prefer a more open webbing, which allows for very easy glove closure, whereas a weave may be preferred by a pitcher as they can hide the ball in the glove as they line up to pitch.

    THE TEAM

    We made this review
    Davi Martins Melo

    He is fond of football and other sports since 5 years. In college, he played for the local team

    Soccer Player Davi Martins Melo
    Tiffany Mueller Editorial Director Tiffany Mueller
    Kate Kalanchuk Content Manager Kate Kalanchuk
    Comment section
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