Elements of a Great Baseball Glove

By Peter V. John
So you're shopping for a new baseball glove. You want something that will not just catch a ball but will feel like an extension of your own hand. That doesn't come with just any glove, which is why you need to shop carefully and keep in mind the things that make a baseball glove great.

Material - Baseball gloves can be made of synthetic materials or of leather. Most players choose leather for its softness and durability, as well as its ability to conform individually to the player's hand. Top-grain cowhide is the standard for most gloves. Full-grain leather is stiffer, which may make the glove last longer but also takes longer to break in than top-grain leather.

Webbing - The type of webbing you choose can depend upon the position you are playing. Webbing that has space between each strip of leather is ideal for outfielders and third basemen, because it has more "give" and can trap a ball easily. Middle infielders use closed webbing, a solid pocket, to quickly grab a ball from the pocket. Pitchers also prefer closed webbing to hide their pitches before they're thrown. There is also a trap-style or "six-finger" web that allows flexibility and versatility. Other open styles are the H-web and I-web.

Lacing - Make sure the lacing on your glove is nice and tight. If you can wiggle the finger stalls a lot while wearing the glove for the first time, the lacing is probably too loose. Remember that the lacing will loosen as the glove is broken in, so you don't want too loose a fit from the start.

Size - Keep in mind the position you will be playing when determining the size of your baseball glove. You wouldn't want an open-web, five-finger glove if you're a catcher; neither would you want to use a catcher's mitt in the outfield. Middle infielders need a short glove, while outfielders use a longer glove. First basemen use a mitt that is similar but not identical to a catcher's mitt. Whatever glove you choose, make sure it is appropriate to the position you will play most often.

Fit - Lastly, if the glove isn't comfortable the first time you wear it, don't expect it to miraculously conform to your hand as it is broken in. A certain level of stiffness is expected, but if the glove just feels wrong on your hand, give it up and try another glove. The glove should fit snugly yet comfortably, and have an adjustable wrist strap to allow for a personalized fit.

Vinci has manufactured high-quality baseball gloves and equipment since 1997. Vinci baseball gloves are the highest in quality, durability, style and performance. They are made from only the best US steer hide and kip leathers. When you wear a Vinci, you are part of our family.

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