Baseball & Softball Glove Size Calculator
Find the perfect glove size for your player based on age, height, weight, and position. Get instant recommendations for youth, teen, and adult players.
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Complete Guide to Baseball & Softball Glove Sizing
Quick Reference: Glove Size by Age
| Age Group | Baseball | Softball |
|---|---|---|
| 5-7 years (Tee Ball) | 9" - 10" | 10" - 11" |
| 8-10 years (Youth) | 10" - 11" | 11" - 12" |
| 11-13 years (Pre-Teen) | 11" - 12.5" | 11.5" - 13" |
| 14+ years (High School/Adult) | 11.5" - 13" | 12" - 14" |
Glove Size by Position (Ages 12+)
| Position | Size Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Infield | 11" - 11.75" | Shallow pocket, I-web or H-web |
| Outfield | 12.5" - 13" | Deep pocket, trap-eze web |
| Pitcher | 11.5" - 12.25" | Closed web to hide grip |
| Catcher | 32.5" - 34" mitt | Extra padding, closed design |
| First Base | 12.5" - 13" mitt | Single post, deep pocket |
How to Measure Hand for Glove Fit
While age is a good starting point, the best way to ensure proper fit is to measure your player's hand:
- Have the player hold their hand out flat with fingers together
- Measure from the tip of the index finger to the base of the palm (wrist)
- Add 1 inch to this measurement for the ideal glove size
- Try on multiple sizes - the glove should feel snug but not restrictive
Common Glove Sizing Mistakes
❌ Avoid These Pitfalls:
- Buying too large: "Room to grow" actually hurts development. An oversized glove is harder to close and control.
- Wrong position glove: Don't use an outfield glove for infield play - the deep pocket slows transfers.
- Skipping break-in: New gloves, especially leather, need proper conditioning before game use.
- Ignoring quality for young players: While kids grow fast, a decent quality glove improves their experience.
Leather Types Explained
Synthetic Leather
Best for: Beginners, ages 5-9
Pros: Affordable, pre-broken-in, lightweight
Cons: Less durable, won't last multiple seasons
Genuine Leather
Best for: Serious players, ages 10+
Pros: Durable, molds to hand, professional feel
Cons: Requires break-in time, higher cost
Premium Leather (Kip/Steerhide)
Best for: High school+, competitive play
Pros: Superior durability, best performance, can last years
Cons: Expensive ($200-400+), longer break-in
Leather Blend
Best for: Youth players, ages 8-12
Pros: Good balance of price and performance
Cons: Not as durable as full leather
Breaking In Your New Glove
A proper break-in makes all the difference:
The Right Way to Break In a Glove:
- Apply glove conditioner: Use a quality leather conditioner (not heavy oils) to soften the leather
- Play catch regularly: 30 minutes of catch daily is the best break-in method
- Create the pocket: Place a ball in the pocket and wrap the glove with rubber bands overnight
- Flex and bend: Work the leather by folding the glove in half repeatedly
- Be patient: Quality leather takes 3-6 weeks to properly form to your hand
Avoid: Microwaving, oven-baking, or soaking in water - these damage the leather!
When to Replace a Glove
Know the signs that it's time for a new glove:
- Palm padding is compressed and no longer protective
- Leather is cracked, torn, or extremely dried out
- Laces are breaking frequently
- Pocket has become too deep or won't close properly
- Player has outgrown the size (can't comfortably close it)
- Moving to a new position that requires different glove type
FAQs
What size glove does a 10-year-old need?
Most 10-year-olds use 10.5" - 11.5" gloves for baseball, or 11" - 12" for softball. Infielders stay toward the smaller end (10.5" - 11") while outfielders can go up to 11.5" - 12".
Can you use a baseball glove for softball?
While possible, it's not ideal. Softballs are larger (12" circumference vs 9" for baseballs), so softball gloves have deeper pockets and wider openings. Using a baseball glove for softball makes it harder to secure catches.
How much should I spend on a youth baseball glove?
For players under 10, $30-75 is appropriate. Ages 10-13 who are serious about the sport should invest in $75-150 range. High school players benefit from $150-300 gloves that will last multiple seasons.
What's the difference between infield and outfield gloves?
Infield gloves (11" - 11.75") have shallower pockets for quick ball transfers and typically use I-webs or H-webs. Outfield gloves (12.5" - 13") have deeper pockets to secure fly balls and often feature trap-eze or basket webs for better reach.
Do catchers and first basemen need special gloves?
Yes! Catchers use mitts (32" - 34") with extra padding and a closed design for receiving pitches and blocking balls. First basemen use mitts (12" - 13") with a unique single-post design that helps scoop throws from the dirt.
Should I buy a bigger glove so my child can grow into it?
No. An oversized glove is harder to control and close, which can hurt skill development and confidence. Buy the right size for now - youth gloves are affordable enough to replace as kids grow. A properly fitted glove makes a bigger difference in performance than trying to save money on future sizing.
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