Baseball Glove

This page contains information on Baseball Gloves. The baseball glove is a standard piece of equipment for defense in the game of baseball.

Fast Facts

1. 1875: First documented use
2. Popularized by Albert Spalding
3. Common Uses: Defensive piece of equipment for baseball, catching baseballs at high speed
4. Made from: Leather, plastic
5. Price Range: $20-$400

History

The baseball glove was first developed as a way to address the need for extra padding on a player's hand. The first gloves were nothing more than leather covering to guard against wear and tear and prevent injury. In 1920, leather webbing between the thumb and the fore finger was added to give players more range. In the modern era, the glove is now a sophisticated piece of equipment which is specialized at each position.

Buying Guide

There are very specific types of baseball gloves depending on the position being played. Catcher's Mitts are heavily padded gloves with a small pocket. They also tend to be bigger than standard gloves to cover the demands of the position. The first baseman's mitt is also padded, but not as much as a catcher's. They also tend to be longer to help cover a wider range. The glove for an infielder has individual fingers. The glove also tends to have smaller pockets to accommodate the need to complete quick plays. The glove of the Outfielder is similar to an infielder accept that the pocket is bigger and the gloves are longer. The glove by a pitcher is similar to an infielder, the most important factor is that the webbing in the glove is covered to conceal the grip of a pitcher. Each position glove also has a right handed and left handed variety.

Top Brands

1. Spaulding
2. Wilson
3. Rawlings
4. Nike
5. Mizuno
6. Easton

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