Youth entering Little League need a plethora of new equipment. Uniforms, bats, balls, cleats and gloves are all part of the initial setup. While some items are easy to size---like cleats and uniform---other equipment can cause confusion. Understanding how glove sizing works ensures that you get the right glove for your youth.
Measurement
All baseball gloves, including youth gloves, are measured from the heel of the glove, where the wrist enters, to the top of the webbing along the inside of the pocket. Most youth baseball gloves are sized from 9.0 to 11.5 inches. Smaller gloves are usually reserved for those in T-ball, or just starting out in Little League. The larger sizes are for those youth players who are just about to enter high school play.
Position
Depending on a player's position in the field, different size gloves can offer certain benefits. For example, outfielders choose larger gloves with deeper pockets that can help increase their ability to catch fly balls. Infielders generally choose smaller gloves with shallow pockets, allowing them to access the ball quickly after fielding a ground ball or when turning a double play. However, many youth baseball teams encourage athletes to play several different positions, so choosing a glove based on position may prove impossible. In this case, fit is the most important consideration.
Fit
A youth baseball glove should fit snugly around the hand, though not so tight as to be uncomfortable. The glove should remain secured to the hand when impacted with a ball and be easy to maneuver, opening and closing the pocket. Many gloves come with a strap that tightens around the wrist. You can use this to fine-tune the fit of your glove. If you wear a batting glove, make sure to wear it when sizing new gloves.
Considerations
The best way to find a glove that is the proper size is to go to a sporting goods store and try several on. Consider the features, size and material of each glove. For very young baseball players, consider that they will probably grow out of the glove within a year or two. With this in mind, you may want to choose a more affordable glove rather than spend the extra money on a glove that may have more durability.
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