Baseball and softball are very similar sports. In general, when a game is termed slow pitch it refers to slow pitch softball. Baseball refers to fast pitching, or Little League baseball. Softball uses slightly different rules and marginally different equipment. In slow pitch softball, you should consider the differences between standard baseball gloves and those made for slow pitch.
A glove's pocket is the natural space formed inside the glove when the glove is closed, or pinched shut by your hand. The pocket is meant to provide an area to catch and hold in the ball. Because softballs are larger than normal baseballs, softball gloves are designed to have larger pockets. Usually the size of the pocket is made bigger by making the webbing---area of material between thumb and index finger---larger.
Length
Similar to pocket size, the length of the glove has implications on what size ball they can accommodate. A softball glove is typically longer than a standard baseball glove. Length is measured from the wrist opening, along the interior of the glove, to the tip of the index finger part of the glove. Softball gloves range from 11 3/4 inches to 14 inches long.
Position
In slow pitch, glove size and length is typically associated with your position on the field. In general a softball glove for infield positions is smaller, ranging from 11 3/4 to 12 3/4 inches long. The smaller size allows infielders to get the ball out of the glove quicker, in order to turn double plays and throw players out. Larger gloves, from 12 3/4 to 14 inches, are reserved for outfield positions, allowing them to increase their reach for fly balls.
Considerations
In regular baseball and fast pitch softball, players use either a glove or a mitt depending on their position. A mitt is used in baseball and fast pitch, by first basemen and catchers. A mitt is different than a glove because it does not have individual finger holes. For a catcher, mitts are especially important because they provide increased cushioning for high-speed pitches. In slow pitch, mitts are not required by first basemen or catchers.
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