Youth baseball is a sport that many young athletes fall in love with, and having the right equipment is vital to their development and enjoyment. Among the various essential equipment, a quality youth baseball glove is one of the most important tools for young players. In this article, we’ll explore the world of youth baseball gloves and guide you to the best 17 youth baseball gloves for your child to stand out on the field.
17. Rawlings PRO LITE Youth Baseball Glove
The Rawlings PRO LITE Youth Baseball Glove earns its place on the 2024 list of top youth baseball gloves with its sleek appearance and long-lasting performance. Crafted with high-quality materials, this glove offers exceptional durability, ensuring it will last through countless games and practices. Its clean design appeals to young athletes who value both style and functionality in their equipment. However, some users may find it a bit bulky, which could affect their comfort during play. Nevertheless, the Rawlings PRO LITE Youth Baseball Glove remains a solid choice for those seeking a blend of durability and style on the field.
16. Mizuno Youth Prospect Series PowerClose™ Baseball Glove
Mizuno Youth Prospect Series PowerClose™ Baseball Glove is an ideal option for young players looking for a glove that is easy to break in and suitable for those who may not have a lot of strength. Made with high-quality materials, this glove offers durability and comfort, ensuring a reliable performance on the field. Its PowerClose™ technology facilitates easy closure, making it easier for young players to catch and hold onto the ball securely. With its adjustable wrist strap, it provides a customizable fit for different hand sizes. Overall, this glove is a great choice for young athletes aiming to improve their game without the hassle of breaking in a traditional leather glove.
15. Rawlings T-Ball & Youth Baseball Glove
Rawlings T-Ball & Youth Baseball Glove is a stellar choice for young players, known for its durability and longevity. Crafted by Rawlings, a reputable brand in the sporting goods industry, this glove offers a perfect blend of affordability and quality. The high-quality materials ensure that the glove withstands the rigors of youth baseball, providing a reliable and consistent performance. Additionally, its design caters to the needs of young players, making it easy for them to catch and control the ball. With an affordable price point, this glove is an excellent investment for parents seeking a reliable and cost-effective option for their youth players.
14. Mizuno Prospect Baseball Glove
Mizuno Prospect Baseball Glove stands out for its commitment to quality and performance, making it a top choice for youth players seeking reliability and durability. The gloves are meticulously crafted to meet the specific needs of young athletes, offering a comfortable fit and excellent grip to enhance their playing experience. With features like adjustable wrist straps and reinforced palm padding, these gloves provide added support and protection during gameplay, reducing the risk of injury. While some users may find the initial breaking-in period slightly longer compared to other gloves, the superior performance and longevity of Mizuno Prospect Baseball Glove make it a worthwhile investment for young players looking to elevate their game.
13. Franklin 11″ Youth Field Master Series Glove
Franklin Youth Field Master Series Glove is meticulously crafted to offer young players exceptional control and comfort on the field. The glove’s design prioritizes ease of use, providing a snug fit that allows for better ball handling and catching accuracy. The high-quality materials used in its construction ensure durability, making it a reliable choice for young athletes. With features like adjustable wrist straps and reinforced padding, this glove offers additional support and protection during intense gameplay. While some users may find the break-in period slightly longer than expected, the superior performance and comfort of the Franklin Youth Field Master Series Glove make it a valuable asset for young players honing their skills.
12. Prodigy Baseball Glove Series
Prodigy Baseball Glove Series by Rawlings provides young players with affordable and durable glove options. These gloves are designed to withstand the rigors of youth baseball while remaining budget-friendly. With a variety of sizes and webbing styles available, players can choose a glove that suits their position and preferences. The durable construction ensures longevity, making it a reliable choice for young athletes looking for a glove that will last. However, some users may find that the break-in period is longer compared to higher-end gloves. Overall, Prodigy Baseball Glove Series offers excellent value for young players seeking quality equipment without breaking the bank.
11. Mizuno GPP1000Y3 Youth Gloves
Mizuno GPP1000Y3 Youth Gloves are crafted to assist young players in mastering the basics of fielding. These gloves boast a PowerClose design, which simplifies catching, especially for beginners. The design ensures that the glove closes easily around the ball, helping young players build confidence in their catching abilities. Additionally, the gloves are made with durable materials, ensuring longevity even with regular use. While some users may find the sizing options limited, the overall performance and ease of use make Mizuno GPP1000Y3 Youth Gloves a valuable tool for young players honing their skills on the field.
10. WILSON 2024 A1000 Infield Baseball Gloves
WILSON 2024 A1000 Infield Baseball Gloves stand out for their exceptional quality and attention to detail, consistent with Wilson’s reputation for excellence. Designed for youth players, these gloves are crafted from premium leather, ensuring both durability and performance. The precise design and comfortable fit of these gloves provide young players with the confidence to improve their fielding skills effectively. While some users may find the break-in period slightly longer than expected, the overall durability and quality of WILSON 2024 A1000 Infield Baseball Gloves make them an excellent investment for young athletes striving for success.
9. Youth PRO Taper Baseball Glove Series
The R9 Youth PRO Taper Baseball Glove Series provides young players with position-specific gloves tailored to their needs. Crafted by Rawlings, these gloves feature a soft and pliable shell, facilitating easy break-in and ensuring comfort for kids. The design of these gloves aims to enhance performance, allowing young athletes to develop their skills with confidence. Additionally, the variety of position-specific options ensures that players can find the perfect glove for their role on the field. While some users may find the sizing options limited, the overall quality and comfort of the R9 Youth PRO Taper Baseball Glove Series make them an excellent choice for young players honing their skills.
8. Sure Catch T-Ball & Youth Baseball Glove
Sure Catch T-Ball & Youth Baseball Glove is a versatile glove designed to serve any position on the field, offering young players a game-ready feel straight out of the box. Tailored for athletes aged 4 to 10, this glove is user-friendly and ideal for entry-level youth players beginning to familiarize themselves with the game. Its innovative Sure Catch Technology ensures that players can easily and quickly close the glove as soon as they put it on for the first time, allowing for immediate use without the hassle of breaking it in. However, some users may find that the glove’s durability could be improved, as it may wear out more quickly with frequent use. Overall, Sure Catch T-Ball & Youth Baseball Glove provides young players with a convenient and accessible option for honing their skills on the field.
7. PRO LITE Youth Baseball Glove
PRO LITE Youth Baseball Glove is specifically designed for young baseball players aged 6-12, catering to their needs as they develop their skills on the field. With the Bryce Harper model featuring a 12-inch Pro H Web, it’s an ideal choice for outfield positions, offering ample coverage and control. The glove’s all-leather shell and palm lining provide a comfortable feel and exceptional shock reduction, ensuring safety and reliability for young players. However, some users may find the glove’s size and design less suitable for infield positions, limiting its versatility on the field. Overall, PRO LITE Youth Baseball Glove offers young players a comfortable and reliable option for outfield play, with room for improvement in versatility for other positions.
6. Wilson A500 Youth Baseball Glove
PRO LITE Youth Baseball Glove by Wilson offers young players a reliable option for their baseball needs. The A500 model features an 11.5-inch size, making it suitable for various positions on the field. One notable advantage is the Rolled Dual Welting technology, which provides added support and helps the glove maintain its shape over time. This ensures durability and longevity, allowing young players to focus on their game without worrying about equipment issues. Additionally, the left-hand throw design caters to left-handed players, offering them a glove tailored to their specific needs.
5. MARUCCI Acadia M Type V2
The MARUCCI Acadia M Type V2 glove is engineered to offer young players several advantages on the field. Its lightweight design ensures players can move swiftly and efficiently, enhancing their fielding control. The full-grain cowhide leather shell provides durability, ensuring the glove withstands the rigors of the game. Additionally, the supple leather palm lining with added cushioning offers comfort and protection, reducing the impact of hard-hit balls. The narrow-tapered hand stall sizing ensures an ideal fit, allowing players to feel confident and secure while wearing the glove. Moreover, the smooth microfiber wrist lining and finger lining enhance overall comfort during gameplay.
4. R9 Youth PRO Taper Baseball Glove Series
The R9 Youth PRO Taper Baseball Glove Series is designed to offer young players a seamless entry into the game. Its soft, durable all-leather shell ensures players can start playing right away without the hassle of breaking in the glove extensively. This feature allows players to focus on honing their skills rather than spending time adjusting to a new glove. Additionally, the glove series features PRO PATTERNS trusted by MLB stars, providing young players with the opportunity to emulate professional techniques and play like the pros.
3. Franklin Sports Kids Baseball Gloves
Franklin Sports Kids Baseball Gloves are crafted with lightweight PVC, providing maximum comfort and ease for young players. The use of PVC ensures that the glove is easy to maneuver, allowing children to focus on improving their skills without feeling weighed down. Additionally, this glove includes a soft foam baseball, offering everything needed for practicing throwing and catching, whether indoors or outdoors. This comprehensive set allows young players to hone their skills conveniently and safely.
2. Heart of The Hide Baseball Glove
The Heart of The Hide Baseball Glove is an exceptional choice for dedicated athletes, ranging from high school players to professionals. Crafted from the world-renowned Heart of the Hide baseball glove leather, sourced from the top 5% of steer hides, this glove ensures unparalleled quality and durability. The use of Pro Grade leather laces and a padded thumb sleeve further enhances its strength and durability, ensuring it can withstand the demands of intense gameplay. Additionally, the glove offers a comfortable feel, thanks to the deer tanned cowhide palm lining and soft full-grain finger back linings, allowing players to focus on their performance without discomfort. However, the premium quality of this glove comes with a higher price tag, which may be a deterrent for some players or parents.
1. Nokona S-V1 Handcrafted Alpha Baseball Glove
The Nokona S-V1 Handcrafted Alpha Baseball Glove is a top-notch choice for serious baseball players. Handcrafted with precision, this glove offers exceptional quality and performance. The Alpha series is renowned for its durability and superior materials, ensuring longevity on the field. The S-V1 model features a comfortable fit and excellent control, allowing players to make precise catches and throws with ease. While the price may be higher compared to some other options, the investment in quality pays off in the glove’s longevity and performance.
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FAQs
Q1. What size glove should my child use for youth baseball?
The size of the glove depends on the age and position of your child. Generally, younger players (under 8 years old) use gloves ranging from 9 to 11 inches, while older players (8 to 14 years old) may opt for gloves between 11 and 12.5 inches. Additionally, the player’s position on the field can also influence the glove size needed.
Q2. How do I break in a youth baseball glove?
Breaking in a youth baseball glove involves several steps, such as applying glove conditioner, massaging the glove, and repeatedly flexing and closing the glove. It’s essential to break in the glove gradually to avoid damaging it.
Q3. What’s the difference between infield and outfield youth baseball gloves?
Infield gloves typically have a smaller pocket and a shallower pocket depth, allowing for quicker transfers and ball release. Outfield gloves have a larger pocket and deeper pocket depth to accommodate catching fly balls.
