Sports Blog » Baseball Buying Guide: How to Buy a Baseball Glove

With the weather heating up around the country and Major League Baseball a couple weeks into its season, it is only natural to think about wanting to get out on the diamond to play some ball. And whether you plan on playing a friendly game with the family or a hard nosed battle in your rec league, you are going to need a solid glove to get you through the action. But how do you go about finding a glove? Which one is right for you? Where are the best deals? Worry not, because regardless if this is you first time picking up the leather or you are a seasoned pro, I’ve got you covered.

Position, position, position: The first thing you want to consider is what position you are likely to play. If you haven’t played baseball before, you might think a glove is a glove, but there are actually several different types to consider. If you plan to play catcher, for instance, there is a glove specifically designed to catch those fastballs without breaking the palm of your hand. Same thing goes for first base — which has a glove made to dig balls out of the dirt — and the rest of the infield and outfield. If you are unsure of where you might be playing or it doesn’t really matter, just stick clear of first base/catcher’s mitts and you should be fine.

Try before you buy: While online deals are hard to resist, it is a good idea to make your way to a local store to try on different gloves. It doesn’t mean you have to buy it right then and there, but by trying on different types of mitts you will get a good feel for how each type works and hopefully discover which one is for you. This is especially true for people who haven’t played baseball before; there is no way to know which glove you prefer to play with until you try it on. Also, while you are at the store make sure to take a mental note of their prices and do some competitive shopping online later.

Do look for the best deal: Really take some time to think about how much you want to spend on a glove. There are a few things to take into consideration. How much are you going to use it? Are you going to play competitively or just for fun? Do you want to find the cheapest available or are you looking to buy something that will last a long time? Once you have taken the time to answer those questions make sure to look around for the best deal. A quick Google search will bring up a gazillion (OK not that many) web sites that sell baseball equipment, but take the time to make sure the place is reputable and see what their return policy is in case the glove you select doesn’t fit or feel right.

Take care of your investment: After all of that research and money (hopefully not too much) you are going to want to take good care of your baby glove. Here are a few quick tips in no particular order to help you get going. Above all else, remember to just have fun!

–It is OK to use leather oil, but don’t drown the glove in it like you are trying to mask the taste of lettuce with ranch dressing.
–If your glove gets wet, let it air dry. DO NOT put it in the microwave or dryer.
–When not using the glove try to store it in a cool, dry area. One place definitely not to store it in is the trunk of your car.
–Breaking a glove in takes time. Avoid quick fixes like running it over with your car and instead beg your friends to play catch with you.

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