Baseball Glove Size – What Size Baseball Glove Do You Need?

Baseball gloves have size etched into the glove’s leather, either in the thumb or pinky finger. But, how do you know what baseball size glove is right for you? How can you size a baseball glove to see if you’ve got the correct one?

Below, we go through how to measure baseball glove size, different glove types, glove size based on both age & position, and finally, we cover the different parts of a glove. 

What Size Baseball Glove Do I Need? Here’s How to Size a Baseball Glove

Before buying the best baseball glove, it is essential to know how to size a baseball glove to get an idea of which size fits best.

To measure baseball glove size for fielders gloves and first base mitts, take a tape measure and start from the tip of the index finger, moving down along the palm to the heel of the glove. Ensure that the tape measure folds into your glove’s pocket, down to the heel of the palm.

Catcher’s mitts are measured differently from other gloves because they lack fingers. The measurement takes the circumference of the glove to get the “catching area” of the mitt. This measurement is different from the typical measuring from the tip of the index finger to the heel of the palm. For this reason, their size options are usually larger.

Most baseball gloves don’t run larger than 12.5 inches, while catcher’s mitts are between 32.5 to 34 inches.

How to Size Baseball Gloves for Kids

Youth gloves have a smaller wrist opening and finger stalls that are a lot more snug for the glove to fit securely on your young star’s hand. Infield youth gloves will measure between 9.00 – 11.50 inches, while pitcher/outfield gloves run between 10.50 – 12.50 inches in length. 

Here is a more detailed guide on how to size baseball gloves for kids based on age:

• A 5-year-old child or younger should use a glove that is 9″ – 10″.
• A 6 to 7-year-old child will need a glove that is 10″ – 10.5″.
• An 8 to 10-year-old child needs a glove that is 10.75″ – 11.5″.
• An 11 to 12-year-old child typically wears a glove that is 11″ – 12″.

Most kids do not play specific positions, so the differences between gloves aren’t that great. On the other hand, older children play in set positions so their gloves would be slightly larger, measuring between 12″ to 12.5″.

Once you’ve settled on the right glove, test it to see how it fits. The hand should slide into the glove quickly and shouldn’t fall when the hand points towards the ground. In making sure that the glove fits snugly, check that it isn’t too tight that it’s uncomfortable.

Youth gloves are pliable, but sometimes the leather can be too hard, so check that the glove is easy to open and close. If not, breaking in the glove should help.

Do not buy a bigger glove hoping that your child will eventually grow into it. Bigger gloves are unwieldy and can be frustrating in a game situation.

Baseball Glove Size By Position

Finding the right baseball glove size requires specific considerations, e.g., age, hand size, and field position. Field position, in particular, will need you to look out for specific features that suit the demands of that position. Here is a summary of what to look out for, depending on your position.

Outfield Baseball Glove Size

Outfielder gloves are larger when compared to infielder gloves. This difference is because outfielders need a larger, deeper pocket to track down fly balls and keep the ball under control after the catch.

• Youth outfield gloves: 10.75″-12.5″
• Adult outfield glove sizing options: 12.5″-12.75″.

Infield Baseball Glove Size

These are the smallest gloves on the field and feature a shallower pocket to allow quick ball transfer from the glove to baserunners. People often wrongly think that infielders need large gloves, but gloves used by the pros could run as small as 11.25. 

Youth baseball infield gloves: 10.75″-11.75″. 

High school & adult infield gloves: 11.25″ to 12.25″. 

Pitcher’s Glove Sizing

Pitchers don’t need a specialized glove, as most of them will likely play a different position on the field. This glove will typically double up as a pitcher’s glove too. Pitcher’s gloves need a closed web to conceal the player’s grip from hitters before the throw and need to be slightly larger to hide the pitcher’s whole hand. In terms of sizing, these gloves are closer in size to infield gloves, ranging from 9 -10.5 inches for tee-ball, 10.75 -12.5 inches for youth baseball, and 11.5 -12.5 inches for adult baseball.

Utility Glove Sizing

If your budget is limited, so you can’t have a first baseman’s mitt, an infielder’s glove and an outfielder’s glove, or if you don’t like the idea of carrying several gloves around, look for a utility glove. These gloves are perfect for players playing in multiple positions and need a glove that can handle the rigors of both the infield and outfield. They often run larger than your typical infield glove and feature a closed-web design to suit pitchers. Utility gloves can be anywhere between 11″-12″ for youth players and 11.75″-12.5″ for adults.

First Base Mitt Sizing

Playing first base is incredibly demanding and requires the ability to catch well. First base gloves, sometimes referred to as first base mitts, are worn solely by the first baseman. Their mitt-style construction is such that they are larger, longer, and lack separated fingers on the glove’s exterior to help easily catch throws, field ground balls. Deep pockets make for easy catching and scooping up grounders. In addition, they feature more padding to field hard grounders and line drives. Most of the gloves you’ll find use a single post web or H-web design. 

Baseball first base glove sizing: 12.00 – 12.50 inch pattern

Catcher’s Mitt Sizing

Catchers use a mitt, not a glove. These mitts aren’t like your run-of-the-mill fielding gloves. For one, their construction does not have separately cut finger stalls. Mitts are also much stiffer, thus requiring more break-in time. They also have extra padding and closed pockets that are enforced with lace to withstand repetitive pummelling. Catcher’s mitts range between 31 inches and 34 inches and are measured by their circumference rather than the typical top-to-bottom.

Youth catcher’s mitt sizing options: 31.00 – 33.50 inch pattern

Adult catcher’s mitt sizing options: 32.00 – 34.00 inch pattern

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Our recommendations may not work for all players, and therefore shouldn’t serve as strict hard-and-fast rules. Rather, they should serve as a detailed guide for baseball players looking to…

Ultimately, pick the glove that fits the position you play in and is most comfortable for you. You may need a few tries to find the best baseball glove for you.