Finding the right glove for a young ball player can make a significant impact on their success in the field. But the best baseball glove for one child may not be the best for another. There are several factors that come into consideration when selecting the best youth baseball glove for a particular player.
Key thing to consider when you buy
When making your choice, it’s important to understand the different features offered by various types of gloves and sports gloves manufacturers. The glove needs to be a good fit, easy to use, durable, and the right price. In addition:
- The size of baseball gloves for kids typically range between 9 – 11.5 inches long.
- Baseball gloves are classified by which hand the athlete throws with, not which hand it is worn on. So, a right hand throw mitt is worn on the left hand.
- Most are utility gloves that can be used to play any position, but some are designed for specific positions such as catcher, first base, or general infield.
There are a wide range of baseball mitts available across all of these factors, and below are those that consistently rise to the top in user reviews and ratings of quality, enhanced performance, and overall satisfaction.
Mizuno Prospect Youth Baseball Glove
Learning to play the game with proper technique as a young player is what will lead to success in the long run. One of the best youth baseball gloves is the Mizuno Prospect series, which is a popular choice among youth players and leagues. This is due to its advanced technologies designed to assist in proper trapping and catching of the ball.
Mizuno is known for its high quality sports gloves for players of all ages and skills, and the Mizuno Prospect series certainly stands up to its brand name for use by experienced young players. Reviewers consistently give these gloves the highest of ratings for quality, durability, and ease of use.
Features
- Choose from all position utility glove, catcher’s mitt, or first baseman’s glove
- Patented PowerClose makes catching easy, providing leverage and control
- V-Flex power lock closure technology provides a break point which makes closing the glove easier, and provides maximum performance
- Teaches player to catch properly, in the pocket
- ParaShock palm padding provides extra protection against sting of catching fast moving balls
- Adjustable wrist strap for best fit
Recommendation
Beyond a beginner’s glove, the Mizuno Prospect glove is an overall great glove for any youth infielder with some experience and is playing at a competitive level. It’s comfortable, fits well, and is designed to help take the player’s game to a whole new level.
Louisville Slugger Genesis Baseball Glove
The distinctive black and brown Genesis infielders glove is made by Louisville Slugger, the experienced glove maker known for producing quality baseball equipment for all ages and skill levels. This series of youth baseball gloves is specifically designed for young players who are ready to get out there right now and want to learn and work on improving their game.
These traditional style gloves are made of a game-ready, feel good right-off-the-shelf buffalo leather. They’re available in half size increments ranging from 9.5 inch to 12 inch.
Features
- Extra durable genuine buffalo leather palm requires no break-in period
- Game-ready, ultra-soft materials improve comfort and playability
- Lightweight nylon mesh back for easy closure
- Comes with a manufacturer’s 1 year limited warranty
Recommendation
The Louisville Slugger Genesis Baseball Glove is designed for new and developing players. These sports gloves are built with buffalo leather, which provides a traditional, durable feel while the performance mesh keeps the glove lightweight and comfortable.
Note: If you’re set on a Louisville Slugger brand of baseball glove but are looking for one for a young player who is more experienced and ready to up their game to a more competitive level, you’ll want to check out the outstanding line of Louisville Slugger Omaha Select gloves. These types of gloves are specifically for those training to be more serious players, and have such features as their patented “Bruise-gard” padding designed to absorb the sting from those harder hit and thrown balls.
Rawlings Players Series T-Ball and Baseball Glove for Kids
Ideal for younger players just getting going in baseball or T-ball, the economical Rawlings Players Series is a great starter glove for playing any position. The composite leather shell is soft and comfortable, requiring virtually no breaking in.
Features
- Relaxed faux leather composite, soft inner lining, and pliable shell, for easy close with no break-in needed
- Basket Web forms a deep pocket for easier catching
- Velcro wrist strap for custom fit
- Cheap youth baseball glove receives consistently high ratings for the price
Recommendation
The Rawlings Players Series of youth baseball gloves is a great value option that’s ideal for younger kids just getting started in playing t-ball or baseball. It’s also a great choice for playing catch on the field or in the yard.
Like all baseball gloves, the Rawlings Players Series are suitable for boys and girls. What sets them apart though is that these sports gloves come in a variety of colors kids like. This includes traditional tan, brown, blue, red and pink baseball gloves.
Akadema Prodigy Series Youth Glove
The Prodigy series from Akadema offers a high-end, full featured leather glove for the serious young ball player. While there are several models in this series, the Akadema Prodigy AZR95 consistently receives highest ratings. It’s thick and tough, yet lightweight, providing ideal toughness and padding while also being pliable and comfortable.
- Constructed out of U.S. steer hide throughout webbing and pocket
- Back of glove features exclusive “AkademaLyte” leather, designed to decrease overall weight, and improve playability
- Narrower finger stalls and smaller hand opening provide an optimal fit and improved control for young players
Recommendation
The Akadema Prodigy series is a good choice for young players who are just starting out through to a more competitive level. It does require a bit of a break in time because of the high quality leather, and once broken in is sure to be a favorite.
This glove is very versatile and can be used to play any position, whether infield, outfield, 1st base, or pitcher. And if you’re looking for a great glove for a catcher, the Akadema AGC98 Prodigy Series catcher’s mitt is a top pick.
Easton ZFX Youth Z-Flex Series Ball Glove
Kids need a glove that’s easy for their hand to squeeze, and everything about the design of Easton’s Z-Flex Series gloves help make that happen. With elastic strips on either side of the palm and ultra-soft leather, these types of gloves are among the most flexible out there. Their unique Grab All web design together with the 2-1-1 palm with extended finger stalls and combined pinky and ring finger give young players the best advantage in being able to keep that ball in the pocket.
- Z-Flex technology uses elastic strips on both sides of the palm to assist in glove closure
- 2-1-1 design combines pinky and ring finger for increased leverage in closing the glove
- Easton’s Grab All web design is 40% larger than traditional webs on youth gloves, providing a greater change of the ball hitting the pocket, and staying there
- Adjustable velcro wrist straps help keep a secure fit
- Choose from brown, red, or blue
Recommendation
Easton Z-Flex Youth Series gloves are perfect for those just getting started in the game. They’re super soft and designed to be easy to use, improving catching skills and building confidence from day one.
Whether your child is just learning to play catch or is a strong developing player at a competitive level, one of the most essential tools to their increased ability in the field is their baseball glove. Kids are bound to be much more successful, and happier players, when they have the best youth baseball glove that’s designed for their level of experience.