Baseball Glove Sizes

Many baseball glove sizes exist. This is to accommodate the needs of different players. This guide is an overview of what is available.

Common Baseball Gloves Dimensions

Outfield gloves for high school/adult measure 12 to 12 1/2 inches. Infield gloves for high school/adult have dimensions of 11 to 11 1/2. For children 9-12 years old, the size used is 11 to 11 1/2. For the 7-8 year olds, it is 10 1/2 to 11. For 5-6 years old gloves are 10 to 10 1/2.

Gloves Measurement

Measurements for first base mitts and fielders’ gloves start at the index finger top. From there it goes down to the finger by the inner pocket up to the glove heal. Use a flexible measuring tape; rulers won’t do. Begin from the glove’s highest point (typically the index finger). Set the measuring tape across the glove palm. It should fold in the indenture. It will go to the glove heel.

Gloves for Women’s and Youth Baseball

These gloves have smaller wrist openings compared to those for the men’s. Finger stalls are also narrower. Gloves for youth games may have a notch at the heel to assist in break-in. Pockets are oversized to help young catchers. Wrist and finger openings are smaller.

Quality

Baseball glove sizes aren’t the only thing you should look at; quality is a must. Gloves used in pro play are made of the highest grade leather possible. Their construction and built make them durable. The design aids in getting a ball out of and into the pocket.

High-end gloves don’t have Velcro or palm pads. It takes a while to break-in these gloves because heavy leather is used. The majority of manufacturers are in agreement that leather conditioner cream or glove oil may be used. This is assuming it has no silicon.

Mitts and Gloves

The biggest difference between the two is mitts don’t have fingers and gloves do. Mitts are used for ground ball scooping. They also provide great control for balls that don’t strike the pocket. Only catchers and first base can wear mitts.

First base mitt sizes ranges from 12 to 12 1/2 inches. Mitts used by first basemen come with a stiff but thin pad. The pad will go round the mitt circumference. The finger and palm areas have no padding. These mitts may also be used in softball.

In professional games, baseball glove sizes have a 12 inch height restriction. But this rule is not strictly enforced.