Best Japanese Baseball Gloves

If you’re a baseball player, you know how important a good glove is to your performance on the field. And when it comes to quality and durability, Japanese baseball gloves are known to be some of the best in the world. But with so many different brands and models to choose from, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best Japanese baseball gloves on the market. We’ve done the research and tested out multiple gloves to provide you with a comprehensive list of the top options available. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the key features you should look for in a Japanese baseball glove, as well as some of the top brands and models currently available. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and find the perfect glove for your needs.

Top 5 Best Japanese Baseball Gloves in 2023

1. Mizuno Classic Pro Soft Baseball Glove – Best Japanese Baseball Glove for American Baseball

The Mizuno Classic Pro Soft Baseball Glove Series is a premium quality glove that has been designed with professional players in mind. The glove features roll welting, which gives it a cleaner look and provides stability through the fingers. This feature helps to maintain the shape of the glove, even after prolonged use. You may read also the guide on the best outfield gloves for Baseball

The professional patterns used in the design of the Mizuno Classic Pro Soft Baseball Glove Series make it ideal for use by the best players in the world. The glove is made from throwback leather, which is rugged, rich, and naturally pre-oiled. This leather allows the glove to break in quickly, making it comfortable to use right from the start. Additionally, this leather retains its shape over time, ensuring that the glove maintains its integrity for long-lasting use.

The Ultra Soft Pro Palm Liner is another outstanding feature of the Mizuno Classic Pro Soft Baseball Glove Series. This palm liner is designed to provide an excellent feel and a soft finish, making the glove comfortable to wear even during long periods of use. This feature ensures that the player has a firm grip on the ball, even when making fast and challenging plays.

The Mizuno Classic Pro Soft Baseball Glove Series is available in both left and right-hand throw orientations, making it suitable for use by both left and right-handed players. The glove is also available in an 11.5″ size, making it ideal for infielders.

The Peanut Tartan Shock Web color of the Mizuno Classic Pro Soft Baseball Glove Series adds a touch of style and sophistication to the glove, making it stand out from other professional gloves on the field. The glove is designed for use by youths, ensuring that young players can use it to hone their skills and improve their game.

Pros:

• Roll welting provides a cleaner look and stability through the fingers, which enhances the glove’s durability and performance.
• Professional patterns are created for the best players in the world, indicating that the glove is designed to meet high standards of quality and functionality.
• Throwback leather is rugged, rich, and naturally pre-oiled, making the glove easy to break in and helping it retain its shape over time.
• Ultra soft Pro palm liner offers excellent feeling and a soft finish, making it comfortable to wear and enhancing grip and control.
• The glove comes in both left and right-hand throw options, providing options for different players’ preferences and needs.
• The size is suitable for infield use, making it ideal for youth players looking for a high-quality glove.

Cons:

• The product is designed specifically for youth players, so it may not be suitable for adult players with larger hands.
• The color and style may not appeal to all players’ tastes, as it features a unique Peanut Tartan Shock Web design.

2. SSK Select Professional Series – Best Baseball Gloves for Mlb Players

The SSK Select Professional Series is the ultimate choice for any serious ballplayer looking for a high-quality, durable, and comfortable baseball glove. This 12-inch pattern glove is designed for adult players who demand excellence in performance, quality, and style. You may read the guide on the best youth baseball glove under $150

Crafted with top-grain cowhide leather, this glove is built to last. The black leather material provides superior durability, ensuring that the glove will withstand the wear and tear of frequent use. The top-grain leather lacing also adds an extra level of strength to the glove, ensuring that it remains secure and sturdy over time.

The SSK Select Professional Series glove features a conventional open back design, which is the preferred choice of many players. The open-back design allows for greater flexibility and ease of movement, making it easier to catch and handle the ball. This design also provides a more natural feel and fit for the player’s hand.

The Grid and Net Web on this glove are designed to provide excellent control and grip, giving players the confidence they need to catch and throw with accuracy. This unique web design also helps to minimize the weight of the glove, making it easier to maneuver and control.

One of the standout features of this glove is its quick break-in time. The SSK Select Professional Series is designed to break in quickly, allowing players to get comfortable with the glove faster than ever before. This means that players can start using the glove to its full potential right away, without the need for extensive break-in time.

Pros:

• Designed for a quicker break-in, which means it may be ready to use sooner than other gloves
• Top grain cowhide leather construction is durable and high-quality
• Grid and net web design can provide better ball control and reduce spin on the ball
• A conventional open back design can provide a comfortable and secure fit
• Top grain leather lacing adds to the overall durability and longevity of the glove
• A 12-inch pattern is a good size for an adult player

Cons:

• Only available for left-handed throwers, which may not be suitable for everyone
• The color scheme may not appeal to all players’ preferences

3. Mizuno Pro Baseball Glove Series – Best Gloves for Professional Baseball Players

The Mizuno Pro Baseball Glove Series is a top-of-the-line baseball glove designed to provide top-notch performance on the field. Made from high-quality US kip leather, the glove boasts a premium, soft feel that’s also incredibly durable. The tight fibers in the leather help to increase its durability, ensuring that it will last for many seasons of use. You may read the expert guide on the best baseball gloves for 8 year olds

One of the unique features of the Mizuno Pro Baseball Glove Series is its shell leather palm liner. This premium leather is used on the outer shell of the glove, as well as the palm liner, creating a consistent feel and making it even more durable.

The high quality baseball gloves in this series also feature player pocket designs that are tailored to the specific needs of each player. This allows players to break in their gloves in a way that’s comfortable for them and helps to optimize their performance on the field.

The Mizuno Pro Baseball Glove Series is designed with comfort in mind. The hand-based patterns used in the gloves set the pocket under the web and help to shape the glove like a pro, ensuring that it feels natural and comfortable on the hand.

When it comes to sizing, the Mizuno Pro Baseball Glove Series offers a range of options to suit different needs. The 12-inch size is perfect for youth players and features a left-hand throw orientation. The gloves are available in black and have a leather lining that adds to their overall quality and durability.

Pros:

• US kip leather offers exceptional durability and a soft feel, which ensures top of the line performance and a comfortable fit.
• The shell leather palm liner provides a consistent feel and ensures long-lasting use of the glove.
• Player pocket designs are tailored to specific needs, making them more versatile and customizable to different players’ preferences.
• Comfortable hand-based patterns enable the glove to be shaped like a pro, providing a better grip and comfort.
• Comes in different depths, making it suitable for different positions in the field.
• Suitable for both right and left-hand throwers.
• Made of a high-quality blend of materials, making it a reliable choice for baseball players.
• Lined with leather, providing an added layer of comfort.

Cons:

• Only available in one color (black), which may not appeal to some players who prefer more variety.
• Designed for youth players only, so it may not be suitable for older, more experienced players.
• Limited size options, as it only comes in a 12″ size, which may not fit all players’ hands.

4. Mizuno Pro Select Baseball Glove Series – Best Softball Gloves for Playing Baseball

The Mizuno Pro Select Baseball Glove Series is the perfect choice for young baseball players who are serious about their game. This glove is made with premium US steer hide leather, which is known for its durability and strength. This leather is firm and built to withstand the rigors of a full season, so players can rely on it game after game.

The glove also features a steer soft Elite palm liner, which provides an exceptional feel when catching the ball. This liner is made from elite leather and is designed to conform to the player’s hand over time, making it more comfortable and easier to use.

One of the most unique features of this glove series is its player pocket design. These pockets are tailored specifically to each player’s needs and preferences, so they can break in their glove just the way they like it. Additionally, the glove has comfortable, hand-based patterns that set the pocket under the web and help to shape the glove like a pro.

This particular glove in the Mizuno Pro Select Baseball Glove Series features a regular pocket and a brown tartan web. It is a left-hand throw glove, meaning it is worn on the right hand for players who throw with their left hand. The size of the glove is 12″, with a deep pocket that is perfect for catching baseballs.

The Mizuno Pro Select Baseball Glove Series is perfect for young players who are serious about their game and want a glove that can withstand the rigors of a full season. The blend of US steer hide leather and steer soft Elite palm liner provides a comfortable and durable glove that can be broken into the player’s specific needs. Its tailored player pockets and comfortable hand-based patterns set this glove apart from others on the market.

Pros:

• Steer soft Elite palm liner provides an exceptional feel, offering superior comfort and control to the player.
• Premium US Steer hide leather is firm and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of a full season of use.
• Player pocket designs are tailored specifically to the player’s needs, allowing for a customized feel and an easier break-in period.
• Hand-based patterns are comfortable and help to shape the glove like a professional, leading to improved performance on the field.
• The regular pocket design is versatile and can be used by players of various positions.
• Available in a size of 12″, which is a popular size for baseball gloves.
• Mizuno is a well-known and reputable brand in the sports equipment industry.

Cons:

• Only available in left hand throw orientation, limiting options for right-handed throwers.
• Designed for youth players, may not be suitable for adult players or those with larger hands.
• Material blend is not specified, making it difficult to determine the exact quality and composition of the glove.

5. SSK Edge Pro Series

The SSK Gloves is a premium-quality baseball glove designed to offer a superior feel, durability, and performance. This glove is crafted using top-quality materials and features an oil-injected leather construction that not only feels great but also ensures that it can withstand the rigors of regular use. You may also read the ultimate guide on the best baseball glove for your dad

The SSK Edge Pro Series Left Hand Throw Pitcher/Utility Glove is made using premium US steer hide leather, known for its strength, durability, and ability to mold to the user’s hand for a comfortable fit. The thick, 3/16 inch dye-through rawhide lacing used in the glove construction ensures that the glove stays tightly secured, no matter how hard the ball hits it.

This glove is designed for left-handed throwers and is gloves worn on the right hand. It features a 12-inch size, making it perfect for adult players. The Pitcher/Utility Model design of the glove makes it versatile and ideal for use by both pitchers and utility players.

The SSK Edge Pro Series Left Hand Throw Pitcher/Utility Glove also features a beautiful BBL color that is sure to turn heads on the field. Additionally, the glove is lined with leather, adding an extra layer of comfort and durability.

Pros:

• Designed specifically for left-handed throwers, ensuring a comfortable fit and improved performance.
• Oil injected leather provides a superior feel and durability, allowing the glove to withstand frequent use without breaking down easily.
• Premium US steer hide leather construction ensures a high-quality product that is built to last.
• Thick, 3/16-inch dye-through rawhide lacing adds to the durability and strength of the glove, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of gameplay.
• The pitcher/utility model is versatile, making it suitable for a variety of positions and uses.
• The 12-inch size is ideal for adult players and provides ample space to catch and control the ball.
• Leather lining adds comfort and improves the overall feel of the glove.

Cons:

• Limited to left-handed throwers only, which may not be suitable for right-handed players.
• The pitcher/utility model may not be as specialized as other gloves designed for specific positions.
• BBL color may not be preferred by all players, limiting the aesthetic appeal of the product.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Japanese Baseball Gloves?

1. Size

When it comes to choosing the best Japanese baseball glove, size is a crucial factor to consider. The size of the glove you choose will affect your performance on the field. A glove that is too big or too small can affect your ability to catch the ball or make quick plays.

The size of the glove you need depends on your position on the field. Outfielders typically use longer gloves, while infielders prefer smaller ones. Catcher’s mitts are measured by circumference, and baseball gloves are measured from the tip of the index finger down to the bottom end of its heel, ranging from 9 to 13 inches.

For adult-use baseball gloves, the typical size is 11 or 12 inches. Softball players might prefer longer gloves, as the ball is bigger. When selecting a glove size, it’s important to try on several different sizes and find the one that fits your hand comfortably. Your fingers should be able to move freely, and the glove should feel snug but not too tight.

Choosing the right size glove will give you the confidence and comfort you need to make great plays on the field. Don’t underestimate the importance of getting the right size glove for your position and skill level. You may check also the guide on the best baseball glove conditioner

2. Pocket Webbing

When it comes to choosing the best Japanese baseball glove, one important factor to consider is pocket webbing. The pocket webbing is the area between the thumb and index finger, and it can be either opened or closed.

Open webbing, which has visible holes in it, is preferred by some players, particularly outfielders because it allows for better visibility when catching fly balls. However, for pitchers and infielders, closed webbing is often the better choice.

Pitchers prefer closed webbing because it prevents batters from seeing their grip on the ball, which can give them an advantage. Infielders also tend to prefer closed webbing because it reduces the risk of their fingers getting caught in the webbing when transferring the ball for quick throws.

3. Backside

When choosing Japanese baseball gloves, one of the most important factors to consider is the backside of the glove. The back side refers to the area of the glove that sits on the back of your hand and wrist. There are two main types of backside: open and closed.

An open back glove features a strap at the very bottom and an opening between it and where the glove’s fingers begin. This design allows for better ventilation and flexibility, making it a popular choice for players who want to keep their hands cool and comfortable during hot, sweaty days.

On the other hand, a closed back glove features a solid piece of leather that covers everything, with no hole or opening. This design offers more stability and support, making it a great choice for pitchers who want to avoid tipping pitches with raised fingers during deliveries.

4. Durability

Durability is an important consideration when choosing the Japanese baseball gloves. The type of material used in the construction of the glove determines how long it will last under rigorous playing conditions. Baseball gloves made of synthetic materials are cheaper and aimed at young players but do not last long. It is advisable to look for high-quality leather gloves as they are more durable and long-lasting.

The highest-grade leather for baseball gloves is full-grain leather, which is thicker and stiffer than other types of leather. Although it may take some time to break in, full-grain leather gloves offer excellent durability and protection. Top-grain leather is thinner and more flexible than full-grain leather and is also a good option for baseball gloves. However, it is not as durable as full-grain leather gloves.

Synthetic materials such as vinyl and nylon are lighter and more flexible than leather gloves but are not as durable. They are best suited for young players who may outgrow the glove or for casual players who do not play frequently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a baseball glove is an essential piece of equipment for any player, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in performance and comfort. It is crucial to consider factors such as the type of leather, the size and position-specific design, and the brand’s reputation when selecting a new glove. Consulting with fellow players and doing research on different glove series can also provide valuable insights. With proper care and use, a well-chosen baseball glove can become a loyal and dependable companion for years to come, enhancing the player’s overall experience on the field.

FAQs

What gloves do Japanese players use?

Japanese players prefer lightweight gloves, such as the D8, when playing outfield due to their smaller size and ability to cover ground efficiently.

Why are Japanese baseball gloves different?

Japanese baseball gloves are designed differently to accommodate the unique playing style in Japan. They are shorter in length and have shorter fingers, providing greater mobility and easier ball handling.