How to Choose a Glove
Learn how to choose the perfect baseball or fastpitch glove for beginners.
The most important factors when choosing a glove are position and fit. You’ll want a glove that fits securely and is designed for the position you play.
Choosing Your Glove by Position
An important factor in choosing a glove is to choose the right glove for your position. Depending on what position you play, you will want to have a glove tailored to the demands of your position.
Different Positions
Infield
Often the smallest gloves on the field, infield gloves are designed with a shallower pocket for nimble play and lightning fast transfers from glove to throwing, letting the fielder beat the runner at first.
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Outfield
Outfield gloves are typically larger gloves designed to give players maximum reach as they track down fly balls. The extra deep pocket is made to secure the ball after the catch, ensuring the out.
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Pitcher
Pitcher’s gloves tend to be similar in size and construction to an infield glove while featuring a closed-web pattern to conceal the player’s pitch grip and help them command the mound.
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Catcher
Designed to receive pitches all over the zone and gobble up balls in the dirt, a catcher’s mitt is more than a glove. It’s your best friend behind the dish. Extra padding protects the catcher’s hand while special construction funnels the ball securely into the pocket of the glove.
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First Base
Larger than your typical infield glove, first base mitts must be versatile enough to make plays in the field, receive throws at first and scoop bouncers in the dirt. These gloves are defined by a deep pocket, reinforced web and rounded construction.
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Utility Gloves
Utility Gloves are designed for players who play multiple positions and need a glove that can handle the needs of both the infield and outfield. They tend to be on the larger end of the spectrum for an infield glove, and often feature a closed-web design to accommodate players who also pitch.
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Baseball Glove Size Chart
Shop by Size:
9" | 10" | 10.5" | 10.75" | 11" | 11.5" | 12" | 12.5" | 12.75"
Fastpitch Softball Glove Size Chart
Shop by Size: 11" | 11.5" | 11.75" | 12" | 12.25" | 12.5"
Slowpitch Softball Glove Size Chart
Choosing a Glove by Age
Using the correct size glove is key, especially for growing players. Having a glove that properly fits the player’s hand and wrist will immediately make a difference in how comfortable he or she feels on the field.
It may seem like a larger glove will make fielding easier, but a glove that is too large will feel heavy and awkward. For younger players, a smaller glove will offer more control and allow the player to develop their hands and stronger fielding skills. If the player feels like the glove is going to slide off their hand when his or her arm is down by their side, the glove–or at least the hand opening–is too large for the player.
All Wilson youth baseball gloves and youth fastpitch gloves are made with game-ready materials, meaning there is little to no break-in period for these gloves.
How Do You Know If a Glove is the Right Size?
If a player can easily and successfully squeeze the glove closed, they should be able to use that glove. If a player struggles to close the glove, try a smaller glove.
Small Hands?
Don’t let small hands hold back your game. Wilson’s Pedroia Fit gloves are designed with a smaller wrist opening and shorter finger stalls, letting players with smaller hands use gloves appropriate for their level of play.
Ball Glove Construction
To break in your glove, it helps to understand the different parts of a glove’s construction. Use the diagram below to learn what each part of the glove is called.
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A2K
Premium gloves with unmatched feel for elite players built with Pro Stock® Select leather - the top 5% of Wilson hides
A2000
Durable gloves that form to your hand thanks to Pro Stock® leather – ideal for High School, Collegiate and Pro ball
A1000
Forms to a player’s hand with regular use, empowering young players ages 10-14 to get game-ready quickly
A900
Forms to a player’s hand with regular use, empowering young players ages 10-14 to get game-ready quickly
Shop Fastpitch Gloves
A2000
The #1 selling Fastpitch glove line among high school, collegiate and pro players built with Pro Stock® leather.
A1000
Ideal for travel ball players 10-14, A1000 gloves are built with full grain leather for a quick break-in but durable feel.
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For the full lineup, click here to see all baseball gloves. Looking specifically for a child's glove? View youth baseball gloves.
Need more tips? Check out our articles explaining how to break-in a glove, how to keep your glove game ready, and how to re-lace your wrist strap
Updated June 5, 2026.