How to Choose the Best Baseball Outfielder's Mitts
Understanding the Different Types of Outfielder's Mitts
As a baseball outfielder, having the right mitt can make all the difference in your performance on the field. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one is the best choice for you. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the different types of outfielder's mitts and provide some tips for choosing the right one for your needs.
The Importance of Fit
When it comes to choosing a mitt, fit is everything. A mitt that is too small will be uncomfortable and will make it difficult for you to catch the ball. On the other hand, a mitt that is too large will cause the ball to pop out, resulting in missed catches and potential errors. To ensure a good fit, measure the circumference of your hand from the base of your index finger to the base of your pinky finger, then add one inch to determine the ideal size for your mitt.
H-Web vs. I-Web
Another important consideration when choosing an outfielder's mitt is the webbing. The two most common types of webbing are H-web and I-web. H-web mitts are named for the H-shaped webbing that forms the pocket of the mitt. This type of webbing provides a deep pocket and a good amount of stability, making it a popular choice among outfielders. I-web mitts, on the other hand, have an I-shaped webbing that creates a shallower pocket. This allows for quicker ball transfer and is a good option for outfielders who need to make quick throws to the infield.
Material Matters
The material of your mitt is also an important factor to consider. Leather mitts are the most durable and provide the best "feel" for the ball, but they can be expensive and require more maintenance to keep them in good condition. Synthetic mitts, on the other hand, are more affordable and require less maintenance, but they may not provide the same level of durability or feel as leather mitts.
Breaking in Your Mitt
Once you've chosen the right mitt for your needs, it's important to break it in properly. This will help the mitt conform to the shape of your hand and make it easier to use on the field. To break in your mitt, you can use a mitt mallet or a baseball to gently shape the pocket and soften the leather. You can also apply a conditioner or oil to the leather to help it break in more quickly.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right outfielder's mitt can be the key to improving your performance on the field. By considering factors such as fit, webbing, material, and proper breaking in, you can select a mitt that will help you make the most of your skills as an outfielder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many inches is an outfielder's glove?
An outfielder's glove typically ranges in size from 10.75”-12.5” for youth players and 12.5”-12.75” for adults. Fastpitch and slowpitch outfield gloves are generally larger, with sizes ranging from 12”-13” and 13”-14”, respectively.
2. What does an outfielder's glove look like?
Outfielder's gloves usually have a closed back and offer more rigid wrist support. In contrast, infield gloves typically have an open back for more flexibility but less wrist stability. Infielders also use different glove styles based on their specific positions.
3. What is the difference between an outfield and infielder's glove?
Infielder's gloves are smaller and have a shallower pocket, while outfielder's gloves are larger and have a deeper pocket. These differences in size and pocket depth are designed to accommodate the different needs of infielders and outfielders.
4. Can an outfielder use a white glove?
According to the rules, the pitcher's glove cannot be white, gray, or distracting. Additionally, no fielder, regardless of position, can use a fielding glove that falls within a lighter PANTONE® color set than the current 14-series.
5. Why do baseball players leave one finger out of their glove?
Leaving a finger outside the glove allows for a lighter pressure on the pocket when closing the glove. It also enables infielders to push down on the back of the glove, helping keep it wide open and making it easier to catch ground balls.
6. Why do MLB players wear sliding mitts?
MLB players wear sliding mitts to protect their hands and fingers during slides. The extra padding in sliding mitts helps absorb impact and reduces the risk of injuries like abrasions, cuts, and bruises caused by contact with the ground or bases. Wearing sliding mitts provides players with added confidence and protection while sliding.
7. Is it bad to use an outfield glove in the infield?
While you can use an outfield glove in the infield, it may negatively impact your game. Infielders have different roles and responsibilities compared to outfielders, and their gloves are specifically designed to meet those needs. The size, webbing, and pocket depth of infield gloves are different to optimize performance in the infield.
8. Can you use an outfield glove for pitching?
Pitchers can use gloves of various sizes, including outfield gloves. However, all pitcher gloves have one common feature: a closed web. This design prevents the hitter from seeing the pitcher's finger movements inside the glove, ensuring the element of surprise for the pitch being thrown.
Editor's Notes
During our baseball outfielder's mitt research, we found 24 baseball outfielder's mitt products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 132,346 customer reviews through our big data system to write the baseball outfielder's mitts list. We found that most customers choose baseball outfielder's mitts with an average price of $93.26.
The baseball outfielder's mitts are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of baseball outfielder's mitts, including Franklin Sports, WILSON, Easton, Mizuno, SSK. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.
