Best Baseball Gloves For Youth

For young athletes, having the right equipment is crucial their performance & protection on the field and their love for the game. And for every kid a player’s closest companion is their baseball glove.

Before diving into the top picks, it’s essential to understand what makes a youth baseball glove. Typically, these gloves are designed for players under 12 years old and have smaller, more manageable sizes ranging from 9 to 12 inches. They’re crafted to fit young hands, offering easier control and protection. Plus the ability to open and close the glove effortlessly.

7 Best Baseball Gloves For Youth And Kids

1) Wilson A500 Series Youth Baseball Glove (Best Value)

• Best For: Youth players of all positions
• Features: The Wilson A500 series is renowned for its lightweight, soft leather construction, making it perfect for younger players. Its flexibility allows for an easier break-in period, and the glove’s design focuses on durability and comfort. The H-web and closed basket weave options make it versatile for any position on the field.

2) Rawlings Players Series Baseball Glove (Best For Tee Ball)

• Best For: Tee Ball and young kids
• Features: The Select Pro Lite series offers gloves modeled after those of professional players but sized for youth. With a variety of patterns designed for specific positions, these gloves feature a soft, pliable shell for easy control and an all-leather lacing to maintain shape and durability.

3) Franklin Sports Baseball Glove (Most Affordable)

• Best For: Young beginners
• Features: Easton’s Z-Flex gloves are incredibly user-friendly, with a patented Z-Flex technology that makes closing the glove easier for young hands. The 2-1-1 palm design reduces the break-in time and the lightweight construction helps in building confidence and skill on the field.

4) Mizuno Prospect PowerClose Youth Baseball Glove (Best Soft Feel)

• Best For: Versatility and ease of use, great feel.
• Features: Made with full grain pigskin leather. And a butter soft palm liner for increased durability, feel, and comfort. Designed with PowerClose technology, making it easier for young players to catch the ball and close the glove. Finally, the ParaShock palm pad absorbs the impact, reducing sting and increasing comfort.

5) Rawlings R9 Baseball Glove Series (Best For Competitive Youth)

• Best For: Advanced to intermediate youth players
• Features: The R9 series is designed to fit younger hands but still provide a pro-level feel and performance. Featuring padded finger-back lining, thumb loops, and reinforced palm padding, this glove offers athletes superior comfort and feel every time they wear it.

6) Rawlings Heart of The Hide Baseball Youth Series (Best Premium)

• Best For: Elite youth players
• Features: This glove is a smaller version of Rawlings’ top-of-the-line Heart of the Hide series, designed for elite players. Made from high-quality leather and handcrafted by experts, this glove requires some break-in time but offers exceptional durability and performance for serious young athletes.

7) Rawlings Youth GG Elite Series Glove (Best At DSG)

• Best For: Advance players and all positions
• Features: This glove is a top pick at Dick’s Sporting Goods (DSG) for its top grade leather construction, making it durable and long-lasting. It’s suitable for different positions on the field, and its soft palm lining provides exceptional comfort and feel.

How To Choose the Right Glove For Youth?

1. Size and Fit

• Age Appropriateness: Youth gloves are generally sized by age, offering a starting point for selecting the right size. Look for gloves in the 9″ to 12″ range for players under 12 years old.
• Hand Size: The glove should fit snugly; too large, and the player will struggle with control, too small, and it’ll be uncomfortable. Many brands provide a size chart to help determine the best fit.

2. Type of Glove by Position

• All-Purpose Gloves: For beginners and younger children (typically under 10), an all-purpose glove is a good start. It allows them to try different positions and learn the basics without being limited by their equipment.
• Position-Specific Gloves: As players get older and start specializing in certain positions, consider position-specific gloves. Infielders, outfielders, catchers, and pitchers all have gloves with different designs to aid in their specific role.

3. Material

• Leather: Offers the best durability and comfort, but requires a break-in period. High-quality leather gloves can last for several seasons with proper care.
• Synthetic: Lightweight and easier to close right from the start, making them ideal for younger players. However, they may not offer the same durability as leather gloves.
• Hybrid: Combines leather and synthetic materials, offering a balance between durability, ease of use, and cost.

4. Webbing

• Open Web: Allows for quicker ball transfers and is generally preferred by infielders.
• Closed Web: Provides more support and is ideal for outfielders and pitchers, as it helps shield the ball and grip from the batter’s view.

5. Wrist Adjustments

• Look for gloves with adjustable wrist closures, as they allow for a more customized fit, accommodating growth and personal comfort preferences.

6. Comfort and Padding

• Adequate padding in the palm and finger areas can absorb impact and reduce sting, making catching more comfortable. However, too much padding can reduce the glove’s feel and control.

7. Break-in Period

• Consider the glove’s break-in period. Some gloves are almost game-ready right off the shelf, while others, especially those made of high-quality leather, may require more time and effort to soften and mold to the player’s hand.

8. Brand and Reviews

• Research brands known for quality youth baseball gloves. Customer reviews can also provide insight into how the glove performs in real-world conditions.

Conclusion

The best youth baseball gloves combine quality construction with features designed to accommodate the developing skills of young players. Whether your young athlete is just starting or looking to elevate their game, choosing the right glove can make all the difference in their performance and enjoyment of baseball.

The options listed above represent some of the best available in the market, catering to various needs and preferences. Remember, the perfect glove is one that feels like an extension of the player’s hand, seamlessly integrating with their play style.