Decision, decisions, decisions...
Buying a baseball glove used to be one of my favourite experiences as a kid and to be honest, it still is. I remember saving up to buy my first glove from a mom-and-pop shop on Peel Street in downtown Montreal. I must have tried on every single glove in that store and I finally chose a McGregor J.R. Richards Autograph model.
Nowadays there are so many choices: more brands, colors, sizes, web patterns and glove shapes. How do you decide? My advice: let the glove chose you.
OK, so I don't actually expect the glove to be something out of a Harry Potter book, but what I do mean, is you have to try them on and see which one feels like the one that hugs you like it doesn't want to let you go.
In order to be efficient in the process, I suggest narrowing down what you are looking for:
1. What positions will you be playing with your new glove?
Obviously if you are a first baseman or a catcher, this narrows the search to that particular type of glove. (SIDE NOTE: gloves for catchers and first base are actually referred to as "mitts", because they don't have individual fingers). But what if you are a pitcher who sometimes plays the outfield or infield and don't necessarily want to spring big bucks on two gloves? The answer may not seem so clear.
If you are a pitcher, you probably want a glove with a closed web to hide the ball and your grip. You also probably want a glove that's not too big or too small. Most Pitcher's gloves are 12" and feature closed webs. This size should be fine for the outfield as well. A 12" glove can also serve as an infield glove (the deeper pocket may make it a little slow to get the ball out for a transfer), so if you do split duty you might want to look for an 11.75" glove with a partially closed web.
If you play primarily in the outfield, a larger sized glove 12.25"-12.75" is advisable as you have more margin for error when tracking a sinking liner or scaling the wall to make a catch.
If you play primarily in the infield, you would probably want a shallower pocket and anywhere from 11.25" to 11.75". Typically the smaller the pocket the more likely you are playing middle infield and need precision, control and quick transfers.
2. What's your budget?
Gloves range in price from entry level gloves starting at under $50 and the higher end ones surpassing $500. Unless you are buying a glove to just toss a ball on the beach, I would steer clear of gloves that are made of cheap synthetic materials like PVC or Mesh, but otherwise there's a glove out there for everyone.
Once you have your price point in mind, you can then focus on the gloves in that price range. There are great options at different price points by all brands but alway remember you do get what you pay for. That's not to say that a $150 glove like the Rawling R9 Series are not good gloves. In fact, they are great gloves that should last several years and do the job in the field. They just aren't made with the same materials and craftsmanship as higher end gloves like the Rawlings Heart of the Hide or Pro Preferred Series.
One thing to consider is that higher end gloves have resale value with many buyers looking to buy them second-hand when in good condition. (SIDE NOTE: If you plan on reselling your glove, do not write on it with permanent marker or have it customized- it significantly reduces its market value).
3. How soon will you need this glove to be "Game Ready"?
Some gloves are already game-ready, needing very little break-in period. but some Pro-Stock Game Models come out of the factory only 30% broken in, leaving the player to do the bulk of the break-in work. Interestingly, many of the gloves being shipped out from the factories are broken in more (in some cases up to 80%), as manufacturers have been collecting data from custom orders where customers indicate they would rather have their glove more broken in when it arrives.
Although there are ways to speed up the break-in process, nothing beats shaping the glove to your own hand through catch-play and massaging it with quality glove conditioner. This takes some time and should factor into your decision. (SIDE NOTE: Consider buying your glove at the start of your off-season and using it through off season training so you can break in your glove and take advantage of end of season discounts)
Once you have narrowed down your search, go into your nearby store and try on some gloves. Take your time, feel the difference between models, brands, and patterns. Look at the different fits that each brand has to offer. For example, Wilson offers two fits, a Standard Fit and a Pedroia Fit for smaller hands. Rawlings offers the Youth Taper Fit, Contour Fit, Narrow Fit and Standard Fit.
When your glove finds you, you will know, just as I did decades ago.
At Le Sandlot, we have experienced staff who can help guide you. I want you to remember the experience of buying that glove just as I remember mine.
-Mash