Baseball mitts allow players to catch a fast-moving baseball safely. The mitt was originally a simple leather glove, but now there are specialized mitts designed to accommodate the various positions on a baseball team. While most baseball mitts are still made of leather, other natural and synthetic materials are now used to make the glove lighter, more flexible and more durable.
Outfielder's Glove
An outfielder's glove is typically larger than other baseball gloves, averaging between 12.5 and 13 inches long, measured from the tip of the index finger of the glove to the heel of the glove. This larger glove size provides a long and deep pocket that helps the player reach and catch more effectively. The larger size also acts as an effective shade to help the player spot fly balls in line with the sun. Most outfielder's gloves have see-through webbing for this purpose. Outfielder's gloves are often softer and more flexible than other gloves. This allows the player to close the glove quickly to catch the ball and then to open the glove to retrieve the ball for a throw.
Infielder's Gloves
Infielder's gloves are used for first, second and third base, shortstop and pitcher positions and are usually smaller than outfielder's gloves. This makes solid catches and quick transfers of the ball from the glove to the throwing hand easier. The webbing comes in a range of styles that can either be solid or see-through. The glove has a shallower pocket than does an outfielder's glove, making it easier to remove the ball from the glove, once caught. Many infielder's gloves are designed with open backs to provide flexibility and comfort. The glove used by the the second baseman is usually the smallest glove on the field, averaging between the 11 and 11.5 inches from index finger tip to heel. Gloves for the first baseman, third baseman and shortstop are larger, ranging from the 11.75 to 12 inches long. Because first and third basemen require a glove better suited for snagging catches, the pockets on their gloves are somewhat deeper than a shortstop's glove.
Catcher's Mitt
The catcher's mitt is the most specialized of baseball gloves. Rounder and more open than other baseball gloves, the catcher's mitt acts as the target for the pitcher. These gloves are constructed with heavy padding to protect the catcher's hand from the impact of a baseball thrown at speeds often exceeding 90 mph. Catcher's mitts are designed with heavy rims around the edges and a very deep pocket to ensure a solid catch. They also have a large, flexible hinge at the bottom of the glove to allow it to completely close and enclose the ball, once caught.
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