Gloves for first base are called mitts. Gloves feature individual fingers, while mitts resemble their namesake, a mitten. Mitts make it easier to stop ground balls and have little to no padding in the palm and finger areas. Baseball mitts are also better at controlling balls that are hit outside the glove pocket, which helps in scooping up wild throws. A first base mitt will be larger in circumference than a catchers mitt, ranging from 12 to 12.5 inches. First base mitts have a thin yet stiff pad that runs around the circumference of the mitt and the fingers and palm have little to no padding. For most positions, an open web versus a closed web is a matter of preference.

At shortstop there is more emphasis on ball snagging ability, especially during those frequent trips to snag grounders. As a result, gloves tend to run larger, ranging from 11.5 to 12 inches. Shortstops tend to prefer gloves that enable them to get the ball out of the glove quickly. Shortstops primarily use the tips of the middle, ring and pinky fingers, along with the majority of the thumb to make a catch. Therefore, reinforcements are placed in those areas to maximize control and performance.

For second base gloves, the top priority is to cleanly field the ball while making a fast transfer from the glove to the throwing hand. This usually calls for a smaller baseball glove with a relatively shallow pocket. Second base players also tend to prefer an open-backed glove for increased flexibility and comfort. Generally, second base gloves run from 11 to 11.5 inches in size. Second basemen tend to prefer either a single patch web, a basket web or the current favorite, an I-web. No matter which you prefer, Eastbay provides a number of great glove options for middle infield players.

They dont call third base the hot corner for nothing. For the third baseman, the top priority is gloving the ball. Accordingly, third basemen tend to prefer a medium-sized glove that measures from 11.5 to 12 inches and features a deeper pocket than a shortstop or second baseman. A third base glove features a sturdy web for snagging hot smashes down the line, and players usually prefer an open back glove in an H-web or I-web pattern.

Catchers gloves are also called catchers mitts. A catchers mitt has individual fingers with heavy padding to reduce the sting from fastballs and is reinforced to withstand heavy use throughout a game. The catchers mitts are larger in size to provide an easy target for the pitcher, and the cost of the mitt can range from $150 to $300 for high-quality styles and top brands. When purchasing a quality catchers mitt from Eastbay, you can be assured that the glove will be sturdy, comfortable and have the latest safety features to ensure youre at the top of your game.

Pitchers gloves will vary more than gloves used by any other position. Gloves can range anywhere from 11 inches to 12.25 inches. Currently the standard webbing for a pitchers glove is the basket web. When it comes to the backing, most pitchers use open-backed pitchers gloves. Some special features of pitchers gloves include webbing that hides the grip and a deep pocket to conceal the wrist positioning. A pitchers finger sleeve also helps to make sure pitchers dont tip their pitches. Pitcher's gloves must be a solid color. If the plate umpire determines that the glove is distracting, the pitcher is required to change it.

Outfielders baseball gloves have deeper pockets to handle high-flying balls. Outfield baseball gloves are five-finger gloves that range from 12 to 13 inches in length. The deeper pockets help to catch fly balls while the open webbing helps to efficiently hold onto the ball. Outfield baseball gloves require more support around the back of the hand to keep the glove from coming loose during a catch. The essential features that every outfielder should consider when buying a new outfield glove are size, web style, back style and pocket.

Purchasing a baseball glove can be a substantial investment. As with every investment, youll want to be sure it will last as long as possible. Eastbay offers the baseball glove accessories to care for your glove, ensuring that you and your new glove will see the baseball field as often as possible. From baseball glove oil wipes to glove care kits, Eastbay has it all.

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