Slow Pitch Softball Gloves
If you are a slow pitch softball player, either in a recreational or competitive league, you know how important your glove is when out on the field. In many ways a good softball mitt is even more important in slow pitch than in fastpitch leagues because fewer strikeouts mean more balls in play that the defense must handle. There are a few things to consider when looking for a slow pitch softball glove that you can feel confident in when taking the field.
First of all, many players want to know if there are any differences between fastpitch and slow pitch softball gloves? Many manufactures produce separate gloves primarily for marketing purposes, however there are a few slight differences between the two that may make a slow pitch mitt a bit more appealing. Slow pitch gloves for outfielders often have a larger webbing to help them shag down flies. An infielder’s glove may have a more shallow pocket to help make the transition from the glove to the hand quicker. Also, a slow pitch catcher’s mitt does not require as much padding as a traditional catcher’s mitt. In fact many slow pitch catchers can get by using a first baseman’s mitt or another type of glove if they so choose. Other than that, slow pitch and fastpitch mitts are very similar and can be used interchangeably if the player so chooses.
What about using a baseball mitt for softball? While it’s true that some players who play both sports can get by using the same glove for baseball and softball, this is not recommended for most players. A softball glove has a pocket that is designed to hold the larger ball. When you catch a softball with a baseball mitt you run a greater risk of having the ball pop out of the pocket, resulting in an embarrassing error. In addition, softball mitts are typically longer than those used for baseball. A typical softball mitt is between 12 and 14 inches in length while those used for baseball range from 11 to 12 3/4 inches. If you must buy just one glove for both sports it is best to look for a larger baseball glove at least 12 1/2 inches long.
Shopping for softball equipment can be a lot of fun, but you want to make sure you are buying a product that you can be confident in. A high-quality softball glove will last for years and will quickly become the fielder’s best friend when out on the diamond. Make sure to shop around so you can be sure you’re getting just the right fit.
Buying a Softball Catchers Mitt
If you are a catcher you know the importance of having a well-made mitt when behind the plate. You need something that will not only protect your hand from the pounding it takes each game, but will help you hang on to every pitch and every throw that comes your way. Finding the right softball catchers mitt is not too difficult, but there are a few things you need to consider before you buy.
Catchers mitts contain thicker finger and heel padding than most softball gloves. This is necessary in order to protect the hand from high velocity throws. Modern catchers mitts will have a larger pocket than older model mitts, however the pocket is typically not as deep in these newer models. This gives newer gloves more flexibility and allows the catcher to transfer the ball to their throwing hand quicker, great when trying to catch a runner who is trying to steal. If you’re using an older style glove you may want to consider switching to one with a modern design. There may be a slight adjustment period, but more than likely the switch will be well worth it.
When shopping for a catchers mitt the size of the glove is another thing you need to consider. Most mitts range from 31 inches to 34 inches in circumference. Adults will typically use a glove on the higher end of this range while youth players generally use a 31 or 32 inch mitt. Look for a glove that has an adjustable thumb, finger, and wrist strap. This will assure that the mitt is of a proper fit. Gloves that are too large or small or are ill-fittling in the wrist area are sure to hamper your performance on the the field. If you’re looking for a fastpitch catchers mitt you may also want to look for a model with a scoop toe design. This will help you dig out those low pitches in the dirt that many catchers have trouble with. If you handle pitchers who are prone to bouts of wildness this is an especially helpful feature.
Type of Material
The next thing to be aware of are the different types of materials available and the quality of the mitt you are selecting. Most softball mitts for catchers are made of leather, but you can also find them in a variety of synthetic materials like vinyl. Your best investment would be in a leather mitt, but if the mitt is for someone who only plays catcher part-tme then a synthetic glove is a consideration. Leather gloves come in three grades – top grain, premium steer hide and full-grain leather. Top grain leather gloves are the most commonly used type and require little or no break in. Premium steer hide is a stiffer, heavier, and more durable cut of leather. These gloves do require a longer break in period, however they are built to last and are an excellent choice for any softball catcher. Full-grain leather gloves are made with even heavier, higher grade materials. They typically come pre-oiled and are another solid option.
Catching is a rough position but choosing the right glove doesn’t have to be. A quality slow pitch or fastpitch softball catchers mitt will last for years and will allow you to compete at your best every time you’re behind the plate. Following these guidelines will help you to find your perfect match.
Fastpitch Softball Gloves
Softball players have a few things they need to consider when shopping for fastpitch softball gloves. These gloves are available in a wide variety of styles, sizes and types, so you will need to think about your own specific needs in order to make sure you have a glove that will allow you to field your position at your absolute best.
These gloves come in either an open-web or closed-web design, so which type you use will depend partially on personal preference and partially on which position you play. Most first basemen and middle infielders prefer an open-web with a T or H-web design. An open-web glove is not only lighter on your hand but will allow any dirt that has been scooped up off the infield to easily to fall out when grabbing those hard-hit ground balls. The advantage of a closed-web glove is that it can be used to shield your eyes from the sun when waiting to catch a fly ball. For this reason the closed-web design is popular with outfielders. Pitchers also usually go with a closed-web glove because it makes it easier to shield the ball from the view of the batter.
You also want to make sure your fast pitch softball glove is the appropriate size for the position that you cover. The typical softball mitt used by an outfielder will be bigger overall and have a deeper pocket. With this kind of glove you will give up some time in transferring the ball to your throwing hand, but the trade off is a bigger target with less chance that the ball will pop out of the pocket. Gloves for infielders are generally smaller to allow the player to get the ball from the glove to the throwing hand faster, so they can get that close out at first base. Players who have a set position are going to want to select a softball glove that is appropriate for their position. There are also gloves available for utility players who move around on the field rather than staying at just one position. These gloves tend to be mid-sized, and while not ideal for any specific position, they will keep you from embarrassing yourself no matter where you play on the diamond. Most youth softball gloves are intended for multi-positional use.
Lastly, you are also going to want to consider the type of material you are most comfortable with. Leather gloves tend to be the most durable in the long run and will not stiffen like those made of synthetic materials. Vinyl gloves are another option, however keep in mind that these type of softball mitts may not offer enough padding to protect your hand from repeated impacts.
It is important to take a look at several types of fastpitch softball gloves before you make your final decision. This way you will have a better chance of getting exactly what you need and you’ll be able to take your position with confidence knowing you have the right gear to help you succeed.
How to Break In a Softball Mitt
Whether you’re a novice to the game of softball or a grizzled veteran there’s one thing every player has in common — the frustration of a stiff new glove! The reason? Softball mitts are intentionally designed with some of the toughest leather available to increase the durability of a glove that is expected to take a good deal of punishment over the course of its career. While breaking in a new set of softball gloves is not complicated or expensive, it’s important to do it correctly or else minor damage may occur. The major concern is not rushing it and giving the mitt plenty of time to contour to the new folds in the material.
Upon purchase it’s important to make sure that any instructions about maintenance are carefully followed. While cheaper model softball gloves may not have much in the way of instructions, the more expensive mitts – especially those which the professionals use – tend to have specifications that need to be followed. It there is a warranty on your glove you are going to want to be particularly careful about following the instructions.
The quickest way to safely break in a new softball mitt is by using glove oil. This specially designed oil is quite inexpensive and can be picked up at just about any sporting goods store. Using a rag, apply a thin layer of glove oil to all the leather areas of the glove, starting with the palm and moving to the web, fingers, laces and back of the mitt. If you don’t have access to glove oil you can use the same method with Vaseline or shaving cream instead. Just make sure to first try the substance on an small, inconspicuous spot on the glove to make sure it will not stain it.
Once your softball glove is covered with a thin coat of oil, place a softball deep in the pocket of the glove and wrap a rubber band or piece of string around the mitt and leave overnight. This will help it to contour perfectly to the shape of the ball. It can take up to three days to get a proper memory in the leather binding, so be patient. You can still use the glove during the day, but you are going to want to store it wrapped with a softball in the pocket every night for a week before the break is just right.
Remember to use your new softball mitt regularly during the breaking-in process. If you don’t have a game, go out and play a game of catch with a teammate or even just throw the ball to yourself. The constant impact of the ball on the glove will help to soften it and give it the perfect feel that will last for years.