First Base Gloves
About First Base Gloves
First base gloves are a little bigger than other gloves as they usually made with deeper pockets as part of their design that allows the catchers a better chance of a more secured catch. They also have an oval, very rounded shape, almost like a bowl, allowing them to scoop balls up off of the ground with precision and speed.
Materials and Features to consider when buying First Base Gloves and Mitts
Materials to consider when buying a new First Base glove or mitt:
- Synthetic Leather Gloves - A light, flexible, and easy to close option which doesn’t require much break-in time so you are good to play straight away after buying.
- Cowhide and Leather mix gloves - Heavier than the synthetic leather option but with minimal break-in time, this is a good option for young ballplayers.
- High-end Steerhide gloves - A heavy and durable option. Hard break-in but a perfect material if you play a lot as it will last a long time.
- Kip leather gloves - A soft leather that doesn’t need much break-in time at all. A lighter option compared to cowhide leather gloves.
- Full Grain Leather gloves - The most popular glove material for the pros. A heavy, durable, and frim glove that will take time to properly break-in and become comfortable.
Glove and Mitt Features to consider:
- Webbing - Think about the type of player you are before choosing webbing, whether you need it open or closed.
- Palm Protection - Depending on where you play on the field you may want extra palm padding. For example, if you are dealing with a lot of fastballs.
- Heel Protection - Additional protection to pad the bottom of your hand and save it from hard or fast throws.
- Lacing - What kind of shape does your glove need to be? How firm and tight do you want your glove?
- Glove Hinge - This allows for quick and easy access to your glove.
- D- Ring fastener - This allows you to adjust your glove’s lacing so you can find the perfect fit.