The Marucci Acadia M-Type Fastpitch Glove Series is a high-quality infield glove designed to provide the ultimate comfort, fit, and durability to fastpitch players. Crafted from full-grain cowhide leather, the shell of this glove is built to withstand the rigors of the game, ensuring that it will last season after season. The supple leather palm lining of the glove is also equipped with added cushioning to protect the player’s hand and enhance the overall comfort of the glove.
The tapered hand stall sizing of the glove ensures that it fits the player’s hand perfectly, allowing them to make quick and accurate catches with ease. The smooth microfiber wrist lining and finger lining further enhance the glove’s comfort level, ensuring that players can wear the glove for extended periods of time without experiencing discomfort or irritation.
In addition to its exceptional comfort and fit, the Marucci Acadia M-Type Fastpitch Glove Series also boasts professional-grade rawhide laces for added durability. These laces are designed to withstand the wear and tear of the game, ensuring that the glove will remain strong and secure for years to come.
This particular glove is 12″ in size and comes in a beautiful camel/Columbia blue color combination. The top notch glove is designed for left-handed throwers and is ideal for use in the infield. The leather lining of the glove adds an extra touch of quality, making this a glove that players will be proud to wear and use on the field.
Pros:
- High-quality materials and construction
- Comfortable and snug fit
- Ideal for fastpitch
Cons:
- Limited to left-handed throwers
- Designed specifically for infield use only
5. Franklin Sports – Best Baseball Gloves for Young Players
The Franklin Sports Youth Baseball Glove is a high-quality, durable mitt designed for young athletes who demand optimal performance and comfort on the field. Made from genuine black cowhide leather, this glove boasts a construction that ensures premium durability and performance season after season.
One of the standout features of this mitt is its fast break-in process. The soft, flexible cowhide makes it easy to break in the glove quickly, providing optimal performance right away. Additionally, the glove features a super soft palm lining designed for maximum comfort while you’re out in the field, ensuring that young players can focus on their game without any distractions.
The shallow I-web pocket makes this glove perfect for infielders who need to get the ball in and out of the glove quickly and easily. The leather glove design allows for swift and easy ball transfers, making it ideal for players in positions that require quick reflexes and nimble movements.
The glove’s stylish professional look is thanks to the chrome accent stitching and logo patch, which give this mitt a sleek and polished appearance. The Franklin Sports Youth Baseball Glove is available in a sleek black chrome color, and its size is perfect for youth players with a glove size of 11.5 inches. The utility glove is designed for right-hand throwers and is ideal for infielders in the age range of adult players.
Pros:
- Durable construction made from genuine cowhide leather ensures premium performance season after season.
- A fast break-in process allows for optimal performance right away.
- Super soft palm lining designed for maximum comfort while in the field.
Cons:
- The glove is only designed for right-hand throwers, limiting its versatility.
- The shallow I-web pocket may not be suitable for players in positions other than infielders.
What Factors to Consider When Choosing a Youth Baseball Glove?
When it comes to choosing a youth baseball glove, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure that you are getting a glove that is both comfortable and effective for your young player. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Size and Fit
The size of the glove is determined by the measurement from the top of the index finger to the base of the palm. This measurement is usually expressed in inches and can range from 8 to 13 inches for youth gloves. The most common sizes for youth baseball gloves are between 9 and 11 inches.
It’s important to choose the right size because a glove that is too small can make it difficult to catch the ball, while a glove that is too big can make it hard to control. To find the right size for your child’s hand, measure their hand using a tape measure from the tip of the index finger to the base of the palm, then add 1 inch to the measurement to get the correct size.
A well-fitting glove is essential for good performance on the field. The glove should fit snugly on the hand, but not be too tight. The wrist strap should be tight enough to keep the glove in place but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
When trying on gloves, make sure your child can open and close the glove easily, and that the pocket of the glove is deep enough to secure the ball. The webbing between the thumb and index finger should be snug but not too tight, allowing for good control of the ball. You may read the guide on the best baseball gloves under 300
Material
When choosing a youth baseball glove, one of the most important factors to consider is the material. There are several materials to choose from, including leather, synthetic leather, and a combination of materials.
Leather gloves are the traditional choice for baseball gloves and are often considered the most durable and comfortable option. They offer a good grip and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, they can be more expensive than other materials and require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition.
Synthetic leather gloves are often more affordable and require less maintenance than leather gloves. They can also be more lightweight and flexible, which can be beneficial for younger players. However, they may not be as durable as leather gloves and may not provide as good a grip.
A combination glove is a hybrid of leather and synthetic materials and can offer the best of both worlds. They can be more affordable than a full leather glove, while still providing good durability and a comfortable fit.
Webbing
Webbing is an important feature to consider when selecting a glove for baseball or softball. The type of webbing can affect the player’s performance in different positions on the field.
Closed webbing is a popular choice for pitchers and infielders because it provides more support and control for catching and throwing. This type of webbing creates a closed pocket that helps to secure the ball in the glove, making it easier for infielders to quickly transfer the ball to their throwing hand and make an accurate throw to first base. For pitchers, closed webbing provides more control over their pitches by allowing them to grip the ball firmly in the glove.
On the other hand, open webbing is a better choice for outfielders because it allows for better visibility while catching fly balls. The open design of the webbing helps to reduce the glare from the sun or stadium lights, which can be a distraction for outfielders trying to make a catch. The open design also allows for a quicker release of the ball, which is important for outfielders making throws to home plate or another base.
In addition to closed and open webbing, there are other types of webbing designs that can be found on gloves. For example, some gloves have a modified trap webbing, which is a hybrid of closed and open webbing that provides a balance of support and visibility. Others have a single-post webbing, which is a single piece of leather that runs from the thumb to the pinky finger and provides a larger pocket for catching the ball.
Position-specific Gloves
When choosing a youth baseball glove, one of the most important factors to consider is the position that your child will be playing. Position-specific gloves are designed to meet the specific needs of each position and can help your child perform better on the field.
For catchers, a specialized catcher’s mitt is essential. These gloves have extra padding and a deeper pocket to help catch fast pitches and protect the hand from injury. They also have a closed webbing, which makes it easier for the catcher to control the ball and prevent it from popping out of the glove.
Infielders typically use a smaller glove, as they need to be able to quickly transfer the ball from their glove to their throwing hand. These gloves have a shallower pocket and more open webbing, which makes it easier to get the ball out quickly. They are also designed to be lightweight and flexible, which allows the player to move quickly and make quick catches.
Outfielders need a longer glove with a deeper pocket to help them reach for balls that are farther away. These gloves have a longer reach, which helps the player catch fly balls and line drives that are hit further away. They also have closed webbing, which makes it easier to control the ball and prevent it from popping out of the glove.
In addition to position-specific gloves, there are also gloves that are designed for specific age groups. Younger children may need a smaller glove that is easier to control, while older children may need a larger glove that can handle faster pitches.
Overall, when choosing a youth baseball glove, it’s important to consider your child’s position, age, and skill level. A well-fitting, position-specific glove can help your child perform better on the field and enjoy the game more. You may check also the guide on the best baseball gloves for your 10 year old
Comfort and Durability
A comfortable glove ensures that your child can play the game without any discomfort or distraction, while a durable glove ensures that the glove will last through multiple seasons.
To ensure comfort, look for a glove that fits your child’s hand properly. The glove should be snug but not too tight, and it should allow your child to easily move their fingers and grip the ball. A padded palm and wrist strap can also add to the comfort of the glove. A padded palm helps absorb the impact of the ball, while a wrist strap helps to keep the glove securely in place.
Durability is also an important factor to consider, especially if you’re planning to invest in a higher-end glove. Look for gloves that are made of high-quality materials, such as leather or synthetic materials, which can withstand wear and tear over time. Double stitching can also add to the durability of the glove, as it reinforces the seams and reduces the chances of the glove tearing or coming apart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a good youth baseball glove is an important investment for young players who want to improve their skills on the field. By choosing a glove that fits well, is made from quality materials, has the right webbing, is position-specific, and is comfortable and durable, parents can help their children play like a pro without breaking the bank.
The top 5 best youth baseball gloves under $100 provide excellent options for parents who want to provide their young players with quality equipment without overspending. From gloves designed for catchers to those designed for outfielders, there are gloves available that meet the needs of every position and skill level.
Ultimately, investing in a quality youth baseball glove is an investment in your child’s future success on the field. By taking the time to consider the factors mentioned in this article and finding a glove that fits your child’s needs, you can help them take their game to the next level and enjoy the sport of baseball to its fullest.
See Also: best infield baseball gloves
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What size glove should I get for my child?
The size of a baseball glove for a child will depend on their age, position, and personal preference. As a general rule, younger children should have a smaller glove, while older children can use larger gloves. A good starting point is a 9-inch glove for children aged 3-5, a 10-inch glove for children aged 6-8, and an 11-inch glove for children aged 9-13. However, children who play certain positions such as catcher or first base may require larger gloves.
What size glove should a 12 year old boy use?
The appropriate glove size for a 12 year old boy will depend on his hand size. A general guideline is a glove size between 10.25 inches to 11.5 inches.
What size gloves for a 13 year old boy?
The glove size for a 13 year old boy will vary based on his hand size. A recommended size range is between 11.25 inches to 12 inches.
What material is best for a youth baseball glove?
The most common materials used for youth baseball gloves are leather and synthetic materials. Leather gloves are more durable and offer better performance, but are also more expensive. Synthetic gloves are more affordable and easier to break in, but they are not as durable as leather gloves.
Can I use a baseball glove for softball?
While you can technically use a baseball glove for softball, it is not recommended. Softball gloves are designed with a deeper pocket and larger webbing to accommodate the larger ball used in softball. Baseball gloves have a shallower pocket and smaller webbing to make it easier to transfer the ball quickly.
How do I break in a new baseball glove?
To break in a new baseball glove, you should use it as much as possible. You can also try applying glove oil or cream to the glove to help soften the leather. Another method is to wrap a ball in the glove and secure it with rubber bands, leaving it overnight. This will help shape the pocket of the glove.
Can I find a good quality youth baseball glove under $100?
Yes, you can find good quality youth baseball gloves for under $100. Synthetic gloves are generally more affordable than leather gloves and are a good option for those on a budget.
Can left-handed players use a regular baseball glove?
Left-handed players require a glove that is specifically designed for left-handed use. A regular baseball glove is designed for right-handed players and will not work for a left-handed player.
What is the difference between infielder, outfielder, and catcher’s gloves?
Infielder gloves are typically smaller and have a shallower pocket, making it easier for the player to transfer the ball quickly. Outfielder gloves are larger and have a deeper pocket, making it easier to catch fly balls. Catcher’s gloves are heavily padded and have a wider pocket to help catch and control fast-moving pitches.
Can I wash my baseball glove?
It is not recommended to wash a baseball glove as it can damage the leather and affect the shape of the glove. Instead, you can use a damp cloth to wipe down the glove and apply a leather conditioner to keep it in good condition.
