What Is the Difference Between a Baseball Glove & a Soft Ball Glove?

The rules and equipment of softball and baseball are nearly identical, except for a few small differences. Softball uses a larger ball than baseball, which means it needs a larger glove, both in length and in pocket size.

Length

The main difference between softball gloves and baseball gloves is length. Glove length is measured in inches from the wrist opening, along the interior of the glove to the top of the index finger hole on the glove. Baseball gloves typically range in size from 11 inches up to 13 inches. Softball gloves start at 11-3/4 inches and go up to 14 inches. Larger glove sizes in both sports are better if you have larger hands or play an outfield position. If you have smaller hands or play in the infield, a smaller glove size will be better for you in either sport.

Pocket

Another size difference between softball and baseball gloves is the depth of the pocket. The pocket refers to the area that is formed inside the glove when the glove is closed. The pocket should be the same size as the ball that you are using. As such, softball gloves have larger pockets because they use bigger balls. The increase in pocket size is usually created by making the webbing area larger.

Glove Types

You might see several types of softball glove including youth, slow-pitch and fast-pitch. Youth softball and baseball gloves are often harder to differentiate because many youth softball leagues use a smaller softball -- 11 inches rather than 12. Slow-pitch and fast-pitch glove notations are mostly a product of marketing and have no real differences. Both feature an enlarged pocket and longer length. Youth baseball gloves, on the other hand, are not different than normal baseball gloves in any way other than size.

Considerations

If you play baseball and softball, you might want to only purchase one glove that works for both sports. In this case, you should choose a softball glove. The enlarged pocket of a softball glove can accommodate the smaller size of a baseball, but a baseball glove is unlikely to hold and contain a full-sized softball. Above all else, when choosing a softball glove, pick a glove that fits your hand snugly and allows you full control of the glove.

References

• Dick's Sporting Goods: How to Buy a Baseball Glove
• Baseball & Softball Gloves: How to Choose a Glove
• Hit Run Score: Softball Glove Buyer's Guide