Outfield gloves are necessary equipment for every outfield baseball player. This is an important detail to consider, because there are a wide variety of different types of baseball mitts. You need to find the perfect one that conforms to the position that you or your child most often plays. Outfield gloves are specially manufactured to conform to every action that a player would need, while protecting your hand from the impact of the ball. They feature a very different construction than any other type of glove, and finding the right one is important, so that you can play to the best of your ability.
The fundamental difference between outfield gloves and those intended for infield players, is that an outfielder requires a deeper glove to safely catch the ball. Because the ball is usually harder to catch when it’s coming from a high angle, a deeper pocket will allow you to have a slightly wider margin of error. This means you’ll still be able to make the catch, even if the ball doesn’t hit your pocket in the perfect spot. Plus outfield gloves allow you to maintain possession in any circumstance, so that you can make the play every time.
What you’ll notice as a stark contrast with infield gloves, is that they feature pockets that are nowhere near as deep. This is because they are intended for quick catch and throw motions, the way that outfield gloves just aren’t intended to be used. As a part of that, the infielder variety also features a little less padding, because you need to be as absolutely maneuverable as possible. With outfield gloves, padding is a chief concern because of the massive amount of force that the ball takes on when flying over long distance. An outfielder needs a deep pocket to make the catch, and enough padding to protect their hand from harm.
When shopping for outfield gloves, you’ll always want to try before you buy. This way you can ensure that you purchase a glove that fits your hand comfortably. With a child, it’s okay if the glove is slightly too large for them, so long as they can still use it. They will grow in to the size before you know it, and buying a slightly larger glove can be a way to get more use out of one piece of equipment, before having to purchase another one. Remember that any glove needs to be broken in before game time also, that means playing catch as much as possible, to get accustomed to the new feel.
When you’re looking to buy any brand of outfield gloves, the best place to go is always going to be a sporting goods store. Although you can find plenty of options at department stores, they don’t always have the top brands like Nike, or Rawlings. Buying from a known manufacturer is the only way to guarantee the quality of your outfield gloves. On average you can expect to pay between $40 for a basic glove, and $80 for a really good one.