Three strikes, you’re out! The beloved American pastime of baseball is a staple in many little ones’ childhoods. Whether heading out for a game of catch or suiting up for your first game of tee ball, the sport is a great way for kids and adults alike to stay active and have fun. If you are starting out or are looking for something new in your gear lineup, the best baseball gloves definitely won’t let you down.
To come up with our list of the five best baseball gloves, we visited 10 expert reviews to find the best baseball gloves. Our list is comprised of the gloves most frequently recommended by the reviewers. Each glove includes key quotes from the reviewers explaining why they favored them. As always, feel free to give us your own recommendations in the comments below!
The List: Best Baseball Gloves, According to Sports Experts
1. Wilson A2000
The Wilson A2000 came up the most across the expert sites we visited in our efforts to find the best baseball gloves. Wilson has been making baseball gloves for decades, and it’s a name that’s trusted by some of the top professional baseball players in the world.
“A2000s are some of the most iconic baseball gloves on the market. They were first released in 1957 by Wilson and were considered by many to be the first baseball glove produced without a major flaw. Fast forward to today and A2000s are still held in the same high esteem that they were in 1957,” explains Just Ball Gloves.
This glove is exceptionally comfortable, too, making it perfect for “People who want a lightweight and soft baseball glove at a bargain price,” writes the National Pastime Museum.
Today, these gloves are some of the best baseball gloves for outfielders for several reasons, but mostly due to the fly-ball-friendly H-Web design. “This baseball glove comes in an H-Web design, which is characterized by deeper pockets and greater visibility out of the webbing for outfielders to get a better glimpse of fly balls,” adds Gadget Review.
2. Rawlings Heart of the Hide (HOH)
The Rawlings Heart of the Hide (HOH) baseball gloves were by far one of the most popular models across expert sites. The Rawlings HOH model is one of the best baseball gloves for several reasons but the steer hide construction certainly goes a long way in making this a fan favorite.
“The glove is well known for its high-end steer hide leather. Steer hide is slightly thinner and more firm than normal cowhide, increasing comfort and security. Hence the Heart of the Hide’s most popular use as an outfielder glove,” writes Rolling Stone.
The Rawlings HOH offers everything you’re looking for in a traditional baseball glove with features loved by the pros. “Heart of the Hide gloves feature the game-day patterns of the top Rawlings Advisory Staff players. These high quality gloves have defined the careers of those deemed ‘The Finest in the Field,’ and are now available to elite athletes looking to join the next class of defensive greats,” adds Baseball Monkey.
And the flexibility of the Rawlings HOH models gives you the ability to break these gloves as you like without spending too much time tying your glove or catching fastballs. “30% factory break-in and 70% player allows the player enough time to shape it in their desired shape,” explains The National Pastime Museum.
3. Mizuno Pro Series
Mizuno is a name associated with golf but they’ve been producing some of the best baseball gloves loved by the pros for decades. The Mizuno Pro Series baseball gloves are a reliable, comfortable lineup of baseball gloves that you’ll cherish for years to come.
“When it comes to baseball gloves, everything starts with the leather being used to construct the glove. Mizuno chooses a US Steerhide for the outer shell of these Pro Selects that should give the glove a long-lasting shape,” writes Just Ball Gloves.
A long-lasting shape is paramount for an aspiring baseball player. And the Mizuno Pro Series baseball glove is clearly loved by anyone who has ever used one. “[We] would be remiss to ignore the Mizuno Pro Baseball Glove Series, because anyone who has used one knows how great they look, feel, and perform,” explains Baseball Scouter. “With the Pro series, Mizuno took information from working with MLB players over the years, and delivered what pros most like into models available for everyone. The big feature here is the use of Kipskin leather, a very soft and lighter cowhide, which allows for faster hands and better performance.”
4. Franklin Sports Baseball Fielding Glove
The Franklin Sports Baseball Fielding Glove is by far one of the best baseball gloves for a very affordable price. For under $100, the Franklin Sports Baseball Glove is a top choice for both infielders and outfielders alike and it’s a great option for casual players.
“If you often find yourself in the outfield, check out this glove from Franklin. It features a large 12.5-inch size for catching flies and a deep palm for securing the ball. The glove is also very comfortable (while waiting outside the diamond) thanks to a quality cowhide build and a soft palm lining,” writes Rolling Stone.
The large web and deep palm make this glove a great option for anyone just learning to play the field. Franklin keeps this glove simple yet comfortable, and that’s how most experts like it. “The mitt has a contour fit system. The thumb adjustment can be customized and designed to adapt for the perfect snug. It can expand, but it can also tighten due to its responsive material. There are more varieties of the glove, but I find the modified trapeze web design the best value for money,” writes Daily Dose of Sports.
And those trapeze-style webbings are available in three different styles, too. “Our favorite feature with these best infield baseball gloves is its three webbing styles. Trapeze webbed gloves hold deeper pockets and larger holes for outfielders to work catches under the sun and shallower pocketed basket/i-web works well for catches and infielders,” adds Gadget Review.
5. Wilson A2K
If there’s one brand that deserves to have two models on the list of best baseball gloves, it’s Wilson with its A2K baseball glove. The Wilson A2K baseball glove is a top-of-the-line model from Wilson.
“If you want the best that Wilson has to offer, then the A2K gloves are where you need to look. The latest release of A2Ks delivers a subtle coolness highlighted by a combination of black and tan leathers. As can be expected with these gloves, you’ll be receiving Wilson’s Pro Stock Select leather that will come a little stiffer than most leather out there,” writes Just Ball Gloves.
“The A2k is Wilson’s flagship baseball glove, they have no glove better than this one,” exclaims The National Pastime Museum. That’s debatable in the world of affordable baseball equipment, but Wilson’s A2K is a popular option for many of the pros, who can afford to pay anything they need for the best baseball gloves. “This model is at the high-end of the glove market at $400, and it will certainly hold up to the needs of higher-level baseball for years to come,” says What the Pros Wear.
“Wilson has a pair of popular lines in the A2000 and A2K. While there is a difference, several players have used both. Clayton Kershaw, MLB’s best pitcher, headlines an impressive group of Wilson-wearers. That includes All-Stars Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, Mookie Betts and Ender Inciarte. Altuve and Inciarte both have a Gold Glove to their name,” adds Bleacher Report.
Buyer’s Guide For Finding The Best Baseball Glove
When buying a new baseball glove, there are several key factors you should consider to find the best glove for your needs. The right glove can significantly affect your performance and enjoyment of the game. Here’s what to look for:
1. Position: Specific Design Gloves are designed specifically for each position on the field. For example, catchers use mitts with extra padding, infielders prefer gloves with shallow pockets for quick ball retrieval, outfielders use gloves with deeper pockets to catch fly balls, and pitchers use gloves with closed webs to hide the ball. Choose a glove designed for your primary position.
2. Size: Glove size is crucial and varies by position and age. Youth gloves are smaller, and adult gloves range in size depending on the position. Infielders typically use smaller gloves (around 11″-12″) for better control, while outfielders use larger gloves (12.5″-13″) for greater reach. Catcher’s mitts and first baseman gloves also have unique sizing.
3. Material: Gloves can be made from various materials, including leather, synthetic materials, or a combination of both. Genuine leather gloves offer the best durability and comfort but require breaking in. Synthetic gloves are lighter and more affordable but may not last as long. High-quality leather types like full-grain, steerhide, or kip leather are excellent choices for durability and performance.
4. Webbing: The webbing connects the thumb and fingers, affecting the glove’s flexibility and control. There are different web types, including open and closed webs. Open webs are good for infielders and pitchers for visibility and quick ball transfer, while closed webs offer outfielders and catchers more support and concealment.
5. Wrist Adjustments: Gloves come with different wrist adjustments for a custom fit, such as Velcro straps, D-rings, laces, or a buckle system. This adjustment can affect how secure the glove feels on your hand.
6. Padding: Padding level varies by position and personal preference. More padding in a catcher’s mitt or first baseman’s glove can help absorb the impact of fast pitches, while infielders may prefer less padding for quicker ball transfer.
7. Comfort and Fit: The glove should feel comfortable on your hand, with a snug fit that doesn’t allow it to move around too much during play. It should also leave enough room for your hand to open and close easily without excessive effort.
8. Break-in Period: Be aware that high-quality leather gloves require a break-in period. The time and effort needed to break in a glove can vary, so consider whether you’re willing to invest the time or prefer a glove that’s game-ready right out of the box.
9. Budget: Baseball gloves can range widely in price. Determine your budget ahead of time, but remember that investing in a higher-quality glove can be more cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and performance benefits.
Choosing the right baseball glove involves considering your position, the glove’s size and material, webbing type, wrist adjustments, padding, comfort, break-in time, and budget. Taking the time to find a glove that meets your specific needs can greatly enhance your game performance and enjoyment.
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Sources:
- The National Pastime Museum
- Just Ball Gloves
- Rolling Stone
- What Pros Wear
- Baseball Scouter
- Daily Dose of Sports
- Bleacher Report
- Gadget Review
- Baseball Monkey
- Bat Digest
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. There are affiliate links on this page in which we receive commission when a sale is made.
Thank you for the great read. Without an Akadema catcher’s mitt on this list, it’s missing the best selling youth catcher’s mitt. Franklin is not an option for any serious youth or up player.
We might find these excellent Rawlings youth baseball gloves to be a helpful ally on the field! The set is great for my 7-year-old child and works nicely as a starter tool.
There are way better gloves than any if these. These gloves are all sponsored by the Brands.
Rawling R9 para mi hijo de 11 años es un guante de gama media alta se amolda bien dentro del diamante
H & B – Louisville Slugger – BIG DADDY. A legal 13 inch glove I’ve been using…forever. You could take my glove , put it on the rack an people would think it is new.