Best Batting Gloves For Youth baseball Players
To make sure kids really love playing baseball, having the right equipment is key. And don’t underestimate the importance of batting gloves for kids! They may not seem as crucial as a glove or bat, but they’re equally essential. Kids actually can’t stand the sting and vibration caused by a bat, so batting gloves help protect their hands. So, check out our list for best batting gloves for youth players!
Best Kids Batting Gloves
1) Franklin Sports Digitek Batting Gloves (Most Popular)
Features:
These gloves are popular for their durability and excellent grip, thanks to the microfiber material palm. They also offer flexibility and breathability with a tri-curve technology design that ensures a perfect fit to the hand, ensuring a snug fit.
Why It’s Good for Youth:
- Comes in various colors and patterns, appealing to young players’ desire for style and individuality.
- Top-grade genuine leather heel patch to cushion the hand while batting
- Official batting glove of MLB (Franklin)
2) Under Armour Clean Up 21 Batting Gloves (Best Reviewed)
Features:
Under Armour’s Clean Up series provides a great combination of comfort and performance, featuring leather palms for durability and grip, and perforations over the fingers for added breathability.
Why It’s Good for Youth:
- The gloves include HeatGear fabric on the back of the hand to wick away sweat, keeping young players’ hands cool and dry even during hot days.
- Many different color options and styles
- Comfortable fit and good grip creates better performance
3) Rawlings Remix Batting Gloves (Best For Young Kids, Tee Ball)
Features:
These gloves are designed with a flexible, breathable mesh and durable synthetic leather palm. They offer a comfortable fit and size that is suitable for younger players.
Why It’s Good for Youth:
- Affordable Price – Under $14
- Great for beginners/young baseball players
4) Franklin Flex Youth Batting Gloves (Most Affordable)
Features:
Offers a comfortable fit with a mesh handback that keeps the kids’ hands cool. Plus, the palm leather with its textured surface gives kids a solid grip on the bat, so they can have better control over their swing and make better contact when hitting.
Why It’s Good for Youth:
- Affordable Price
- Great for all kids! Whether they’re into teeball, baseball, or softball, these gloves offer comfort and top-notch performance.
5) Marucci Code Youth (For Advanced Youth Players)
Features:
Full leather construction for durability and a perforated finger design for added breathability. These gloves feature an adjustable wrist strap, ensuring a secure fit for young players.
Why It’s Good for Youth:
- Comes in 4 different color options
- Tapered finger design for a more snug and comfortable fit
- Good shock absorption so no more vibration sting for kids
6) Rawlings Youth Workhorse Batting Gloves (Best Overall)
Features:
Designed for durability and premium comfort, these gloves feature a durable Oiltac leather palm and a flexible back. The Dura-Plus pad gives extra protection in the palm.
Why It’s Good for Youth:
- Designed to withstand the rigors of frequent play so very durable.
- Higher priced than others, but worth it for serious/intermediate baseball players looking to improve.
What To Look For When Buying Batting Gloves For Youth
Proper Fit
- Snug but Comfortable: Gloves should fit snugly around the fingers and palm without constricting movement. A glove that’s too tight may restrict blood flow, while one that’s too loose can slip and affect the grip on the bat.
- Adjustable Wrist Closure: Look for gloves with an adjustable wrist closure, which helps achieve a secure fit and makes it easier for the player to put on and take off the gloves.
Material
- Leather Palms: Leather provides a good grip and is durable, making it a popular choice for the palm area. Some gloves use synthetic leather, which can offer a similar feel and durability at a lower cost.
- Breathable Back: The back of the glove should be made of a breathable material, like mesh or a perforated fabric, to keep the hands cool and dry.
Durability
- Reinforced Areas: Gloves that have reinforced stitching in high-wear areas, such as the palm and around the fingertips, tend to last longer.
- Quality Construction: Look for gloves that are well-made, with tight stitching and no fraying, as they are more likely to withstand the rigors of regular use.
Comfort and Protection
- Padding: Some batting gloves offer padding in the palm and finger areas to absorb shock and reduce vibration. This can be especially important for youth players to prevent hand fatigue and discomfort.
- Flexibility: Gloves should allow for natural hand movements. Look for features like articulated fingers, flexible materials, or stretch zones around the knuckles.
Grip
- Palm Design: The palm’s design can affect a player’s grip on the bat. Some gloves feature textured patterns or tacky materials to enhance grip, even in wet conditions.
Ease of Maintenance
- Washability: Youth gloves can get dirty quickly, so consider whether the gloves can be easily cleaned. Some materials are more resistant to dirt and easier to wipe down or machine wash.
Style and Personal Preference
- Colors and Designs: Batting gloves come in various colors and designs. While style doesn’t impact performance, choosing gloves that young players like the look of can boost their confidence and enjoyment of the game.
Brand and Price
- Reputable Brands: Opt for gloves from reputable brands known for producing quality baseball equipment. They are more likely to offer the combination of durability, comfort, and performance you’re looking for.
- Price: While you want durable and comfortable gloves, it’s also important to consider price, especially since young players may outgrow or wear out their gloves relatively quickly.
How To Measure A Batting Glove For Kids?
Measure the Hand
Measure Length:
- Have the youth player extend their dominant hand fully, spreading their fingers apart.
- Measure from the base of the palm (where the hand meets the wrist) to the tip of the middle finger. Record this measurement in inches. This is the hand length and is crucial for determining glove size.
Consult Chart of Manufacturer:
- Use the measurements you’ve obtained to consult a batting glove sizing chart specific to youth sizes. These charts are typically provided by manufacturers and can be found on their websites or product packaging. Each manufacturer may have different sizing so check their chart.
- Youth sizes are usually labeled as Youth Small (YS), Youth Medium (YM), Youth Large (YL), etc., with each size corresponding to a range of hand lengths. Some charts may also reference hand circumference.
Youth Sizes For UA (example)
- Small: 6 1/4″ – 6 1/2″
- Medium: 6 1/2″ – 6 3/4″
- Large: 6 3/4″ – 7″