Baseball First Base Gloves & Mitts - All Sizes

Baseball First Base Gloves & Mitts

First base is a tough spot. You're expected to catch everything — rocket throws from third, short-hop scoops up the line, and wild tosses that test your wingspan on every play. A regular fielding glove won't cut it. That's why a first base mitt has its own shape: longer reach, deeper pocket, and extra padding built to handle whatever the infield throws your way. From youth players learning the stretch to experienced players who scoop every throw in the dirt, the right first base glove gives you the tools to play the position right. Browse the full baseball first base glove collection at Smash It Sports to find your fit.

Shop First Base Mitts by Brand

• Rawlings First Base Mitts — From the entry-level R9 ContoUR 12" to the professional-grade Heart of the Hide 13" and Pro Preferred 13" — Rawlings sets the standard at every level.
• Gem Gloves First Base Mitts — The Gem GEM061 delivers excellent value for travel ball and competitive amateur players looking for a quality mitt at a smart price point.
• All Baseball Fielding Gloves — Compare first base mitts against the full fielding glove lineup across every position and brand.

Why First Base Needs Its Own Glove

A first base mitt isn't just a bigger fielding glove — it's an entirely different tool built for the specific demands of the position. The construction differences are significant, and they directly affect how you play the game.

Extended Reach for Wide Throws

The curved, elongated edge of a first base mitt gives you extra reach on throws that pull you off the bag. That inch or two of additional length is the difference between an out and a runner on base on bang-bang plays. Standard fielding gloves simply don't provide this kind of lateral reach, which is why position players who play first base with a fielding glove are at a consistent disadvantage.

Deep Pocket for Scooping in the Dirt

The position-specific deep pocket in a first base mitt is engineered for one of the most common plays at first: the short hop. A properly broken-in first base pocket creates a natural scoop shape that allows you to get under balls in the dirt that a shallow fielding glove pocket would deflect. This is non-negotiable at any competitive level above recreational play.

Extra Padding for High-Velocity Throws

First base receives more hard throws than any other position. The additional padding built into a first base mitt protects your palm and fingers from the repeated impact of hot throws from third and short — especially during infield practice and long doubleheaders when hand fatigue becomes a real factor. More padding also means more confidence on catching throws with the palm rather than the heel of the glove.

Durability That Lasts the Full Season

Premium leather first base mitts — particularly those built from steerhide or kip leather — mold to your hand over time and hold their shape season after season. The more you break in a quality mitt, the better it performs. A well-maintained pro-grade first base mitt will outlast several seasons of regular use, making it a smarter long-term investment than replacing cheaper gloves annually.

First Base Glove Buying Guide

Not sure which first base mitt is right for you? Here's what to evaluate before you buy:

Size — 12" vs 13" First Base Mitts

First base mitts are sized between 12 and 13 inches for adults, measured from the heel to the top of the mitt. Smaller hands and youth players typically perform better with a 12" mitt — it's easier to close and control during the catching motion. Bigger hands and higher-level players generally prefer 13" for the added reach and deeper pocket that pros rely on. Youth mitts run smaller and are built to be lighter and easier for younger players to squeeze shut.

Leather — Matching the Material to Your Level

Leather choice affects both break-in time and long-term durability:

• Steerhide & Kip Leather — The most durable options, used in pro-grade mitts like the Rawlings Pro Preferred and Heart of the Hide. They require a longer break-in but mold precisely to your hand and last for multiple seasons.
• Softer Full-Grain Leather — Breaks in faster and is game-ready more quickly. Ideal for youth players, travel ball, and players who prioritize immediate use. The Rawlings R9 ContoUR is a good example of a quality quick-break-in option.
• Synthetic & Soft Leather — Best for youth players just learning the position. Lightweight, closes easily, and durable enough for a full rec or youth league season.

Throwing Hand — RHT vs LHT

Right-Hand Throw (RHT) means you wear the mitt on your left hand and throw with your right — the standard for most players. Left-Hand Throw (LHT) means you wear the mitt on your right hand and throw with your left. Always confirm your throwing hand before purchasing. Both configurations are available across the first base mitt lineup at Smash It Sports.

Level of Play — Youth, Amateur, and Pro

• Youth Mitts — Lighter, softer leather, easier to close. Sized for younger hands. Built for rec ball, Little League, and players just learning the stretch at first.
• Travel & Amateur Models — Solid leather construction, good balance of comfort and durability for players competing at the travel ball, high school, and amateur level.
• Pro-Level Mitts — Stiff, premium steerhide or kip leather that molds precisely to your hand over time. Designed for high school, college, and adult competitive players who want a glove that lasts for years.

Why Buy Your First Base Mitt from Smash It Sports

• Price-Match Guarantee — Found a lower price at an authorized retailer? We'll match it, no questions asked.
• Free Shipping — Fast, free delivery on most first base glove orders nationwide.
• Expert Staff — Our team knows gloves. We'll help you choose the right size, leather, and brand for your level and position before you commit.
• Full Selection — Youth to pro, 12" to 13", RHT and LHT, quick break-in to premium steerhide — all in one place.
• Team & Bulk Sales — Outfitting a full infield? Visit our team sales page for volume pricing and equipment packages on first base mitts and fielding gloves.

More Gloves & Fielding Gear at Smash It Sports

Looking for more than just first base? We carry the full fielding lineup across every position and brand:

• Baseball Fielding Gloves — All Positions
• Rawlings Baseball Gloves
• All-Star Baseball Gloves
• Baseball Catcher's Mitts
• Fastpitch First Base Gloves
• Fastpitch Fielding Gloves
• Slowpitch Fielding Gloves
• Clearance Baseball Fielding Gloves

Frequently Asked Questions — Baseball First Base Gloves