A baseball glove is one of the most critical essentials in baseball, besides other things like bats.
You can significantly improve your skill to grab and capture a baseball by wearing high-quality mitts that are cozy and well-fitting.
However, nothing lasts forever. When should you get a new baseball glove? This article will show you the exact answer and some buying tips!
Let’s check it out to get into the details!
When Should You Get A New Baseball Glove?
No baseball mitt can ever last forever, regardless of the perfect maintenance. To determine whether you require new gloves, read the guidelines below.
It’s Hard To Catch A Baseball During A Match.
Gloves may undoubtedly affect your playing skills if they become overly worn.
Consider purchasing a new mitt if you can’t grab baseballs as usual rather than becoming irritated with yourself.
It’s Challenging To Release A Ball During The Game.
Another indication that you might need to buy a new glove is if you experience issues attempting to throw a ball.
According to some statistics, an outdated mitt is to blame for more than 70 percent of all throw errors.
The Baseball Glove You’re Wearing Hurts Your Fingertips.
A pair of worn-out, arid gloves may be highly stiff and unpleasant. It will damage the glove’s elasticity, which might impact the caliber of your performance.
When this sign happens, you should consider purchasing a new mitt. Check whether tightening the laces for improving your discomfort if the mitt isn’t too old and well-maintained.
Instead of tying the laces too tightly or loosely, sometimes all it takes is getting the tension right.
You Want To Play In Another Position.
You may buy a new mitt than the one you’re now using if you want to play a different role on the court.
Ensure you research carefully which glove is most suitable for the intended position you are looking to play.
Tears And Rips Appear.
Replace your mitt immediately if there are even obvious tears or rips. One catch throughout the game might damage your equipment and cause you injury.
Some players have attempted to stitch or use glue to fix their damaged gloves, but these methods are insufficient. You’ll have to admit that you must purchase a new glove.
It Gets Heavier.
When your glove gets heavier than before, it’s the best time to invest in a new pair for better performance.
Heavy mitts may get heavy because you leave them in the rain or lubricate them with excess oil.
The Cushion Seems Nonexistent.
If you notice the cushion gets thinner and thinner, which makes you painful when catching, it’s time to throw this pair.
The Leather Gets Cracked.
Crackled leather is an obvious indication that your mitt needs to be replaced. It won’t get better and will worsen the state of your equipment.
It may also injure your hand and make your performance worse than before.
How Often Should You Oil Baseball Gloves?
It would be best to consider your local temperature when choosing how frequently to lubricate your glove.
It’s preferable to lubricate your mitt once each week if the environment in your region is hot and dry. In other places, once a month, oiling should be adequate.
If you do not intend to use your baseball equipment for a long time, keeping it in cool and dry storage places is best.
Investing in a specifically formulated baseball oil, like a leather treatment restorer, is the best approach to lubricating your equipment.
Taking proper care of the baseball gear is crucial if you appreciate it and expect it to endure for an extended period.
If you have ever put your hand inside a mitt that has dried out, you have experienced how hard and unpleasant it is. It also affects your performance.
For this reason, it’s best to maintain and regularly oil your baseball glove properly to make it softer and more comfortable.
How Long Does A Baseball Glove Last?
Your mitts may last up to ten years if you maintain and care for them properly and regularly.
Several players can stick with the same mitt for the whole four-year career in high school.
Some MLB players may play using the same equipment for four years or more.
If you want to increase the longevity of your equipment, let’s consider the following tips:
- Your baseball mitt can survive for, at minimum, a couple of seasons, but it’s better to care for it to prolong its lifespan.
- If you always want your glove in the best condition, it’s a good idea to store it in cool, dry places.
- Intense temperatures or humidity may harm the material and stitching, impairing the glove’s function.
- Thus, keep your baseball equipment out of the sun’s rays and too much moisture when storing it.
- Avoid using chemicals, alkalis, acids, and other harsh substances on your mitt since they can harm the cushion and leather.
- Use a microfiber cloth, mild detergent, and water to frequently clean your glove and eliminate any dust or dirt accumulated over time.
What To Consider Before Getting Baseball Gloves?
If you have a hard time selecting the best-suited baseball glove, here are some factors to consider to make your buying experience better:
Age
Even though it’s simple, it’s crucial. For instance, young players should prioritize finding a mitt that fits them rather than one that matches a specific position.
Many adult-sized gloves are too large for young players, affecting their performance.
Young athletes should focus immediately on acquiring gear that helps them handle the ball and move smoothly.
For instance, a high school third baseman often uses a glove 11.5 inches or 11.75 inches. If the glove is much larger, a child aged eight years can’t carry it.
Below are some recommendations for choosing a size:
- 9 – 10 inches: 4 to 8 years old
- 10 – 11 inches: 8 to 10 years
- 10 – 12 inches: 10 to 12 years
- 11 – 13 inches: more than 12 years
You can discover anything suitable if you follow those general recommendations.
Position
Adult mitts are often made for a particular position. Webbing, pocket depth, and sizes differ depending on the position’s requirement.
If you want to know about the positions in this sport, you can watch this video:
Pitchers Gloves
A closed webbing design is the best option. This way, you may ensure that your grasp on the baseball is hidden before throwing each pitch.
Some pitchers use a finger cover, protecting the fingers when out of the mitt.
Catchers Mitts
You should be able to catch the ball in many different places while having your hand protected by a proper catcher’s mitt.
Youth sizes range from 31.5 – 32.5 inches. Adult sizes are from 33.5 – 35 inches.
First Baseman Gloves
A glove with the ability to grab and secure is what you want for a first baseman. Most first-base mitts range in size from 12 to 12.5 inches.
Second Baseman Mitts
The standard size of the second baseman’s mitts ranges from 11 inches to 11.5 inches. In amateur games, 11.25 inches is perhaps the most common size.
Outfield Gloves
Outfield mitts are essentially the same for all positions, between 12.25 and 12.75 inches in size.
Playability
You may pick different options from other players in the same role for factors including glove materials, pocket depth, webbing, and size.
FAQs
When Should I Buy A New Baseball Glove?
If the leather gets cracked and your mitt appears to have various tears or rips, it’s time to invest in a new pair.
How Often Do Baseball Players Get New Gloves?
These players often get new pairs once a year, in the springtime.
How Long Does A Glove Last?
This equipment can be in good condition for approximately ten years or four seasons in their career.
How Do You Know If A Baseball Glove Is Good?
You can check the following factors to ensure the mitt is good:
- Fit: Select gloves that are snugly fitting. Avoid buying a glove that is too large for your palm since it could affect your performance.
- Feel: Your mitt should be flexible enough to allow fast movements and control while remaining rigid enough to offer strength.
- Style: Pick a color and style that suits you.
In A Nutshell
When should you get a new baseball glove? If it shows signs of cracked leather, tears, rips, or heavier weight, it’s time for a replacement.
You should maintain and care for your equipment regularly to prolong its longevity.
Hopefully, you will select the best-suited glove with our guides.
Thanks for reading!