Choosing a good youth baseball glove can seem overwhelming. There are so many choices out there and every brand claims to be the best there is on the market. Some even claim that their glove can make you play better.
Each glove has its own pluses and drawbacks. There is no one perfect glove and the reality of this is that no glove can magically make you better and that you need to pick the best glove for you based on a few different things. Below we’ll help you navigate the options and give you our tips and reviews to make shopping easier.
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Our Picks: Best Youth Baseball Gloves (2017 – 2018)
Last update on 2020-01-25 / Disclosure / Images via Amazon Product Advertising API
Youth Baseball Glove Buying Guide
You want to decide if you are buying one universal glove, one specific position appropriate glove, or multiple gloves for multiple positions. Different gloves are designed for different positions and you may not always be in the same positions all season in youth leagues. If you know that you will be in the same position then you should look for a glove designed for you in that position. Those who may switch positions might want to consider a glove that is universal so you don’t have to carry multiple gloves with you to every game.
You will also need to make sure the glove fits. Sizes may vary depending on brand and glove type so make sure you are checking for fit through hand size as well as what the tag might say. Generally age four through six is a 10”, age seven through 9 is an 11”, and age ten through adult is 12” to 13”. Again though, hand size will vary just as glove maker will vary so check the glove against the actual hand that will be using it!
Make sure you choose a glove that will give you high quality for longevity as well. You really want a glove made of 100% genuine leather. This gives you the best glove for the game. Gloves that are not genuine leather will not allow you to break them in. Without breaking it in, you will never have that perfect fit that gives you your perfect catch. This will save you much heartache in the long run and save you money as you won’t be running back to the store for another, this time leather, glove.
The decision you make will ultimately be yours and yours alone. You will have to find the best glove for you. You want what feels right in your, or your little player’s, hands. You want a glove in the price point you feel comfortable with. You have to love the glove. It’s as simple as that, really. Chances are the player who owns this glove will be spending a lot of time with it so it has to be something they will cherish.
Our Top Youth Baseball Gloves Reviewed
Mizuno Youth Prospect Ball Glove Review
Now this is a “great catch”! The Mizuno Youth Prospect Ball Glove features patented PowerClose, which makes catching easy. Plus, your child will love the power lock closure for maximum fit and performance. This feature helps children learn to catch in the pocket — the right way.
Last update on 2020-01-25 / Disclosure / Images via Amazon Product Advertising API
Features and dimensions:
- 100% real, soft leather — which means there’s no need to break it in
- 11.5″
- Choose between a left-handed or right-handed orientation.
People love this baseball glove because of its padded strap inside, which provides a secure fit for childrens‘ small hands. Plus, the cutout in the palm provides easier closure. Your child will love catching every ball with this soft, flexible glove.
One disadvantage of the Mizuno Youth Prospect Ball Glove is that it’s only recommended for 8- to 10-year-olds, and this might be seen as too short of a timeframe to buy a whole new glove. Another disadvantage is that the laces at end may break prematurely. Other than that, this is a great first glove for your beginner athlete just starting out in the game.
Easton Youth Z-Flex ZFX Ball Glove Review
This excellent beginner’s glove is available for left handers. The soft-grain leather is easy to squeeze and extra light. This is a glove made by baseball lovers to keep kids on the field and playing hard.
Last update on 2020-01-25 / Disclosure / Images via Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Durable: Thoroughly tested and able to take the abuse of sports.
- Youth design: The pinky and ring finger share a sleeve to improve strength and leverage.
- Large pocket: Many youth gloves suffer from too-small pockets. Not a problem here.
- Flexible: Little to no breaking in is required so kids can play with it straight out of the box.
Cons
- Small hand size: The finger design and pocket size give the glove a smaller feeling fit than some players may be accustomed to. Some users prefer ordering a size larger than recommendations.
Mizuno Youth MVP Prime Future 11.5″ Baseball Glove Review
If your child is saying “Take me out to the ball game,” go ahead and encourage participation in the wholesome game of baseball. But first, buy a great kids’ glove such as the Mizuno Youth MVP Prime Future 11.5″ baseball glove.
Last update on 2020-01-25 / Disclosure / Images via Amazon Product Advertising API
This glove is designed for kids with smaller hands and is made of ultra-soft, oil plus leather so is easy for kids to get acclimated to the feel. There’s also a SteerSoft palm liner with a matching outlined embroidered logo. These materials and design features create a glove that fits comfortably and is easy to break in. The glove’s material is great quality inside and out, so it holds up well to the rigors of the game.
The glove also provides firm control and is for kids who are right handed when they throw a baseball. It’s an 11.5″ infield pattern tartan shock web glove with a center pocket design. The strong edge provides plenty of stability for the young baseball player’s thumb and pinky.
With all these great features and benefits, there’s not too much to complain about. However, the glove may be too big for kids with really small hands. On the other hand – no pun intended – kids with larger hands who try to wear this glove would likely find it to be too snug.
With a high-quality, comfortable glove like the Mizuno Youth MVP Prime Future 11.5″ baseball glove, tons of fun and excitement on the baseball field could be just around the corner.
Wilson A2k Brandon Phillips Baseball Glove Review
The Wilson A2k Brandon Phillips Baseball Glove is an 11.5″ Infield Model with H-Web Pattern to enable infielders to better control fast-moving balls. There is a double Palm Construction to ensure stability of the pocket.
Those who opt for this official Brandon Phillips Game Model will enjoy displaying the signature “Double Play” icon associated with their favorite baseball star. Durable Pro Stock Select Leather provides optimal comfort and practicality. Technicians pound each each glove into shape, so the equipment comes ready to use from day one. Most players need not be concerned about the usual long process of “breaking in” a new glove.
Last update on 2020-01-25 / Disclosure / Images via Amazon Product Advertising API
Benefits
This glove is the right size for infielders. The pocket is deep enough to grab balls without getting them stuck. Players will be able to control balls on the run with relative ease. A blonde/black/red color scheme produces a most attractive glove that will make an impression on teammates an opponents alike.
Last, but not least, users can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that they are using equipment designed by one of the greatest in the sport.
Disadvantages
Despite the factory breaking-in process, some may still find the glove too stiff at first. This problem is unavoidable as everyone has their own impression of how a well-fitting glove should feel. Nevertheless, after a few games of catch, the Wilson A2k Brandon Phillips Baseball Glove should quickly feel as comfortable as any well-used mitt.
Conclusion
Infielders must be able to scoop up balls, switch to the other hand and throw all in a fluid motion. The Wilson A2k Brandon Phillips Baseball Glove helps them do just that.
Rawlings Youth Player Preferred Glove Review
Designed for your youth baseball or fastpitch softball player, the Rawlings Youth Player Preferred Glove requires minimal break-in time with its full-grain leather shell and rawhide webbing.
The cheap youth baseball glove features Rawlings Basket Web, which allows little hands close the glove around the ball more easily. Has a wide-wrist opening and adjustable velcro-strap for a more custom fit.
Last update on 2020-01-25 / Disclosure / Images via Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros: Affordable pricing with traditional, well-tested construction, you get your money’s worth.
Cons: Durability–it’s designed for general use, not for intense, prolonged workouts.
How To Care For Your Baseball Glove
A quality glove is made out of leather, meaning it is an organic material that can be susceptible to deterioration and natural wear. However, with the proper maintenance and care, a baseball glove can last you for years and years. So, once you order one of the top youth baseball gloves that we’ve reviewed, it is a good idea to learn how to take proper care of it. After, you want the glove to last more than one season. Below, we give some of our tops on proper baseball glove care.
Breaking it in
The biggest step is to break it in when you first purchase it. This process is not done over night, and there are no quick ways to do it. This could take just a few weeks or even a few months, depending on how much you use it.
The first step is to buy a softening agent to condition the leather. New gloves are stiff and can be a built unwieldy, so using a lubricant can make the leather much softer. Most athletic stores will sell these oils near or in the aisle with the gloves. The most important thing is to use a product designed for this process, and not try to use any home remedies that could destroy the leather.
Once you have gotten the leather nice and soft, you should spend time shaping it daily. This means putting it on and flexing it to fit your hand. Flex the hinges and use a baseball to create a good cup for the ball to fit in naturally. Leave a baseball in the glove when you store it overnight.
Try to get out and play a game of catch with it every day. This will also help in creating a pocket for the ball.
Routine Care
Once you have the glove nice and broken in, you will want to do some maintenance to it on a routine basis.
Every time you use the glove, make sure you wipe it down after every use with a clean cloth. This will remove dirt and debris that can cause the leather to break down prematurely. Also make sure the glove is kept at room temperature in a nice, dry place. Leaving it in an equipment bag can cause it to get unnecessarily hot and moist and leaving it outside in a hot car or shed can lead to it drying out and becoming brittle.
If for some reason your glove gets wet, make sure you get it dry as soon as possible. Water is bad for the leather.
Wipe down the glove with a clean cloth, then use a slightly wet cloth with glove cleaner on it and wipe it all over the glove. Do not get carried away and use too much or you will end up destroying the glove. A little bit of glove cleaner is all that it takes.
Use a damp cloth and wipe off the excess cleaner. Then you can use the same oil you used to break the glove in to condition it. It is important that you use oil that is safe for gloves only, as some oils like petroleum, linseed, silicon, and other types can seal up the natural pores of the leather, which can cause permanent damage later on.
Every few months, use a larger ball like a softball to reshape the glove. Just like when you broke in the glove, leave a softball in the pocket over night to make sure it retains its shape.
Finally, check the glove for open seams and broken laces. If you notice any problems, take it to a professional to get fixed immediately, otherwise the glove can get damaged beyond repair.
Following these few steps will keep your glove fit for use for years to come.
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