By: Rawlings                                                                             Back to the Tour

Today's gloves have different features built-in to help your game and to suit your ability. Here are the key features constructed into gloves and what to consider in finding the glove that suits you.

Construction

• Pocket
  • The size of the pocket depends on your position
  • Shallow pockets really help middle infielders quickly grab the ball and throw
  • Deeper pockets help outfielders shag down fly balls
  • Softball players also need a bigger pocket to catch the bigger ball
• Webbing
  • Different styles of webbing are available to either help you better field your position or to fit your preference
  • A closed web is preferred for pitchers who want to hide the ball from the batter
  • Outfielders and third basemen like the extra support from a closed web
  • An open web helps middle infielders get the ball out of their gloves quicker to make throws
• Backs
  • There are two choices of backs, open or closed
  • The type of back is matter of personal preference, but some styles fit some positions better
    • The open back leaves a space open across the glove's back
    • Middle infielders prefer this for the flexibility
    • Outfielders prefer a closed back with a "finger hole" for extra support
• Wrist adjustment
  • Gloves come with an adjustment to keep it snug. Not all gloves have these "fit systems."
  • A D-ring fastener allows you to pull on the lacing and make the glove tighter or looser
  • A Velcro fastener although it may wear quicker, offers convenience of pulling and adjusting to fit your comfort level
  • A Lacing adjustment allows you to loosen or tighten the wrist fastener with leather laces.
  • A Buckle system adjusts the glove with a buckle similar to an adjustable hat
• Padding
  • The amount of padding in the pocket depends on the position played
  • The catcher's mitt has more padding to handle hard throws from a pitcher
  • Glove makers have been adding more padding for other positions as well to help players handle the sting of hard-hit balls
  • There also may be padding in the wrist area to make the glove more comfortable

Materials

Gloves come in a variety of materials, with the difference being in the feel and durability.

• Leather
  • Materials of choice for gloves
  • Leather offers the best comfort, control and feel
  • The better the leather, the better the glove
• Treated leather
  • Leather is treated and softened with chemicals for faster break-in and increased durability
  • Treated leather also reduces the care needed for the glove and helps the glove keep its shape
• Synthetic materials
  • A lighter, less-durable material
  • Less expensive, good for youngsters
  • Won't withstand the wear and tear of playing ball nearly as well as leather

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