How do I choose the correct glove?
Choosing a size
The size of the glove you need is determined by the pattern size and not your hand size.
That means the inches between the top of the index finger of the glove down the finger along the inside of the pocket and then out to the heal of the glove.
Glove sizes vary depening on the the type of game you are playing and where you are playing on the fields.
Select a glove for the position you will be playing most often:
- Infield: for quick transfer use a slightly smaller glove, between 12-13 inches.
- Outfield: look for a 13-14 inch pattern.
- Both first base and catches can use mitts if they wish.
Somewhere around 12.5 - 13 inches will let you move around the field. To find the right glove, try on some different brands and find one that feels right for you. A glove should feel fairly snug when adjusted. Check to make sure the glove adjusts to your hand. Allow room for batting glove if you wear one. Some players also wear a batting glove inside their fielders glove to help absorb most of the sweat from their hands. Gloves will need wearing in, so go out and throw a ball a few times.
A mitt is different as it has no finger holes and more padding.
LHT or RHT?
These stand for Right Handed Thrower / Left Handed Thrower. This means what hand you throw with. A RHT Glove (the most common) goes on your left hand.
Balls
The ball is round with a circumference of 12 inches (30.2cm) and a weight of 166.5g (6 oz). Game balls are optic yellow in color with red stitches to make it easier for the batter to see.
Although not essential it's worth having your own ball for warm ups before the game.
Bats
Bats are made from a number of different metals. Concentrate on getting the correct weight and weight for you.
You should swing bats of various weights until you find one that feels right. Don't try to convince yourself that you're Superman and need a heavy bat, either.
Determine the best bat length for you
|
Your weight (kg) |
Your height (cm) |
||||||
125-134 |
135-144 |
145-154 |
155-164 |
165-174 |
175-184 |
185+(6'1) |
|
< 55 |
30" |
30" |
31" |
31" |
32" |
||
56-59 |
30" |
30" |
31" |
32" |
33" |
33" |
|
60-67 |
30" |
31" |
31" |
32" |
33" |
33" |
|
68-72 |
31" |
31" |
32" |
32" |
33" |
33" |
33" |
73-77 |
31" |
31" |
32" |
32" |
33" |
33" |
34" |
78+ |
32" |
33" |
33" |
34" |
34" |
||
Bat Length |
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