Baseball Gloves & Mitts by Age Group & Field Position

Infield baseball gloves are usually specifically designed for 2nd basemen, shortstops, and 3rd baseman. Infield gloves tend to to be shorter and smaller. The shorter and smaller glove allows for a quicker transition from glove to throwing hand. The quicker the transition time, the quicker a double play gets started, the quicker the turn at 2nd base, and the quicker the throw to any base in order to get a fast base runner. Infield gloves are usually 11, 11 ¼, or 11 ½ inches long.

Outfield gloves are usually longer than infield gloves. Outfield gloves are usually 11 ¾ inches, or longer. The increased length helps an outfielder catch a fly ball on the run or while diving. In addition, the extra length of the glove allows for the outfielder to pick up a ball while on the run. Fielding a ground ball on the run allows the outfielder to get into a good throwing position quickly and throw out the base runner trying to get the extra base.

Utility gloves are usually gloves that can be used as an infielder's glove or an outfielder's glove. There are many players capable of playing both the outfield and the infield positions, but can't afford two gloves. Utility gloves are usually agile enough for infield play, but flexible enough to give the outfielder a little extra advantage while diving for a fly ball.

First basemen's mitts are generally very long and wide to help first basemen dig balls out of the dirt or catch balls thrown too wide or high. These mitts usually lack individual fingers.

Pitcher's gloves usually have a closed webbing to allow them to get a grip on the ball without tipping their pitches. Other than the closed webbing, it is usually up to the pitcher to determine their needs in order to feel comfortable fielding a ball off of the mound. Keep in mind, that some leagues have rules against two tone, or multi-colored, gloves.

Catcher's mitts have extra padding and a hinged, claw-like, shape that helps them to catch 90+ mile per hour fastballs, in addition to providing a good target for pitchers to throw at. If required, to catch a knuckleball pitcher, a catcher will typically use an even larger catcher's mitt.