Glove size depends on your position and age. General guidelines:

• Youth infield/outfield (ages 7–12): 9"–11" depending on position
• Adult infield (2B, SS, 3B): 11"–11.75"
• Adult outfield: 12"–13"
• First base mitt: 12"–13"
• Catcher's mitt: 32.5"–34" circumference
• Softball (all positions): 12"–15" depending on position

When in doubt, size up slightly — a slightly larger glove can be adjusted during break-in, while a too-small glove will always feel tight. Browse our full fielding gloves collection and filter by size.

The primary differences are size and pocket depth:

• Softball gloves are generally 1"–3" larger than baseball gloves at the same position to accommodate the larger softball (11" or 12" circumference vs. baseball's 9").
• Fastpitch gloves are sized closer to baseball gloves — the faster game requires quicker transfers and tighter pockets.
• Slowpitch gloves are the largest, often 13"–15" for outfield, prioritizing range and catching ability over quick transfer speed.

Using a baseball glove for softball is possible in casual settings, but a properly sized slowpitch glove or fastpitch glove will perform significantly better at each respective sport.

The "best" brand depends on your budget, position, and break-in preference:

• Best pro-grade leather: Rawlings Heart of the Hide — the gold standard of fielding gloves used by MLB players
• Best value under $200: Gem Gloves — premium American Kip Leather at an accessible price point
• Best premium alternative: Marucci Nightshift Series — modern designs with pro-grade leather
• Best Japanese craftsmanship: Mizuno Pro Select — soft, supple leather with an exceptional break-in curve
• Best youth value: Rawlings Player Preferred or Marucci Caddo — game-ready out of the box

The safest and most effective break-in method:

• Apply a small amount of glove conditioner or oil to the palm, fingers, and pocket — avoid soaking the leather
• Work the oil in by hand and let it absorb for a few hours
• Place a baseball or softball in the pocket and wrap the glove closed with a rubber band or glove wrap
• Sleep with the ball in the pocket — repeat for 3–5 days
• Use the glove in soft toss, catch, and light fielding practice before game use

Never microwave, bake, or steam a glove at home. High heat destroys the leather fibers, weakens the laces, and voids the manufacturer's warranty. Professional steamings at sporting goods stores are acceptable but not necessary for most leather grades.

Web pattern affects pocket visibility and ball transfer speed:

• I-Web: Open web, great for infielders (2B especially) — fast ball-to-hand transfer
• H-Web: Versatile open web — works for SS, 3B, outfield, and slowpitch. Good for range plays
• Trap / Modified Trap: Classic closed-style — great for outfielders who want secure ball retention
• Closed Web: Required for pitchers — hides the grip from the batter. Also preferred for 3B
• Two-Piece Closed: Best for catchers and first basemen — maximum durability and pocket depth

Browse gloves by position at baseball fielding gloves or slowpitch gloves.

Yes — we offer a price-match guarantee on all fielding gloves. Find the same glove in stock at a lower price from a verified online retailer and we'll match it. No restrictions, no fine print. This applies to Rawlings, Marucci, Gem, Mizuno, Easton, Worth, Miken, and every other brand we carry.

Smash It Sports offers a 30-day return policy on fielding gloves in unused, original condition. If a glove doesn't fit right or isn't what you expected, return it within 30 days with free return shipping. Note: gloves that have been broken in, used in play, or oiled/conditioned are not eligible for return. We recommend checking the size chart carefully before purchase — reach out to our team if you have any sizing questions before you order.

Yes. All new fielding gloves sold at Smash It Sports include a manufacturer's warranty. As an authorized dealer for every brand we carry, all warranty claims are fully supported. Warranty terms vary by brand and model — refer to individual product pages for specifics. Warranties generally cover manufacturing defects but not normal wear, broken laces from use, or damage caused by improper break-in methods (e.g., baking, microwaving, or excessive heat).

This is one of the most commonly confused terms when buying a glove:

• RHT (Right Hand Throw): The glove goes on the LEFT hand — worn by right-handed throwers. This is the most common.
• LHT (Left Hand Throw): The glove goes on the RIGHT hand — worn by left-handed throwers.

Think of it as the hand you throw with, not the hand you wear the glove on. We carry both RHT and LHT options across all positions and brands at our fielding glove collection.

Yes. We specialize in team and bulk sales for leagues, schools, travel programs, and organizations. Whether you need 15 infield gloves for a varsity squad or a full equipment package for an entire roster, we can build a custom package at team pricing. Contact our team sales department to discuss your needs and get a quote.