Searching for an infielder's glove

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Permalink Reply by Noah Zavolas on January 3, 2011 at 3:19pm

I figure I'll throw my 2 cents in too. I'd be very careful about letting the seller break in your glove for you, and would dissuade you from doing so. A glove is the most "personal" peice of baseball equipment there is, even more so than a bat. YOUR glove really needs to fit YOUR hand, and the best way to do that is break it in yourself.

 

I have had Rawlings, Nokona, and Mizuno gloves, all for infiled/pitcher positions. The Nokona gloves tend to lose shape and rigidity a little bit faster than the others. Mizuno was reccomended to me by a very good glovesmith for it's durability and light feel. Rawlings are generally pretty good gloves, both for durability and for weight, but the Primo line is a very durable, yet VERY heavy line of gloves.

 

Hope this helps!  

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Permalink Reply by Ron M on January 3, 2011 at 3:36pm

I agree with Noah.  Having someone break in your glove is like having someone break in your cleats/sneakers.  They are "personal" and "fit" to your hand / foot.  This is why it's so uncomfortable when using someone's glove.

 

Even if they break it in using a machine it will never truly mold to your hand after wards as the integrity of the leather is already compromised.

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Permalink Reply by Moises David Lee Atkinson on January 3, 2011 at 6:18pm

GOOD QUESTION -- 100 answers though.   Depends on how big your wallet is and how many chores your son

will do ??   Personally for the money - I recommend Louisville Slugger TPX Pro to my players.  The chance of

the glove getting "lost" is very high at this age level and mindset.  11.25-11.5 is the size to look for.

If your kid is responsible and will be playing TravelBall and loves the game, then we are talking something different.

I look on EBay 2-3 times per week for deals on gloves/mitts.

 My favorite is still Rawlings Heart of Hide.  I have an old Wilson A2000 that is my favorite glove of all time; but

I do not like Wilson gloves any longer.  I have 2-3 Nokonas and like my modified Trap design; but do not like any

other Nokonas.  I have 2 Akedemas and like the look and quality; but my hand does not feel right when I use it.

Mizunos are nice and they have a great infielders glove; but we are talking a couple hundred dollars !!!

 I usually purchase 3-4 gloves/mitts per year through EBay and online sales to give to my players and my

son gets a new catchers mitt every year.  Just a little note -- the better quality gloves usually will take more time

to break in.   If cost and break in are a factor, go with the TPX Omaha Pro model.

 Good luck, Coach  Randy

 

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Permalink Reply by Ted Browne on January 3, 2011 at 7:06pm

I swear by Akadema. Here's a link: http://www.akademapro.com/store/gloves.html

The only glove that's American-made, The Pro line gloves are feather-light.

Ted Browne

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Permalink Reply by Thomas Bednark on January 4, 2011 at 10:27am

I my opinion there is only one way to get a glove that you will love using. First you know you want a second baseman's glove.Now you have to pick a maker and model, smaller infield pattern is best. All quality leather or a synthethic mix . After finding a glove model that is comfortable on your hand and seems to allow retreeving the ball with your throwing side hand quickly set it aside. Hopefully there will be 5 or 6 of that model and make glove to select from. All gloves, like bats are different,they will feel a bit lighter, more stiff or supple. Check all the gloves for construction and material flaws. The best smooth leather should be in the "pocket", no wrinkles or bulges when flexed.Then select the very best one of the group to meet your needs and likes. Do not let flashey color or design make your choice for you, see what pros use. Real leather,old proven patterns are the most common in pro ball. Tom at Barnstable Bat Co

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Permalink Reply by Andy Katz on January 4, 2011 at 11:26am

Thanks, Tom. Great advice as always.

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Permalink Reply by Jim Anderson on January 4, 2011 at 11:55am

Hardly anyone knows that MaxBat has a line of exceptional fielding gloves.  Great bats, great gloves, and great company. 

Keep this in mind when you're looking for a glove:  There are typically 3 types of leather (low grade, mid grade, and high grade).  Regardless of the brand, the leather to make these gloves is going to be cut from the same part of the steer.  So if you're looking to save a few bucks, consider brands like MaxBat and check out their Classic Series gloves (equivalent to Heart of the Hide leather).

Regarding size and web design, I'd recommend an 11.5" with an I-web or Net-T.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Colby on January 21, 2011 at 6:37am

On the subject of breaking in a glove, any suggestions on the best route?  We bought a Rawlings 11.25" Pro-Preferred model for our son and being that is was his first "real leather" glove, I'm having a hard time softening it up the traditional way.

Thanks

Joe

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Permalink Reply by David LeVine on January 21, 2011 at 7:04am

I found a product to break in any glove.  I believe it's called heat or hot glove(something like that).  It's a foam you rub all over the glove and bake it for 4 minutes.  I did it a 2nd time and the glove was broken in like I had been using it for awhile.  Try this product no matter what glove you decide to buy.

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Permalink Reply by Ted Browne on January 21, 2011 at 3:00pm

David's right - this is a good product. That said, you can damage leather by baking the glove (Rawlings specifically recommends against it). I have found that simply rubbing the foam in the glove leather works great.

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