Sizing athletic gear typically involves physically measuring something, but it can also involve other aspects such as a player's age and the equipment's purpose. Baseball mitts in particular rely on how old the player is and what field position he plays for proper sizing; these characteristics play a larger role in sizing a baseball mitt than does the actual size of the glove. This makes it a little more confusing to buy a mitt, because it's not just a matter of measuring your hand.
Step 1
Pick out the style of mitt meant for the position you play. Catchers' mitts don't have separate, glove-type fingers and are shorter than other types of mitts; outfielders' mitts are longer than the others; first-base gloves don't have pockets as deep as the other gloves; and padding varies for all types.
Step 2
Pick the general size of mitt that goes with the player's age. This can vary a little among manufacturers, but in general, kids under 8 years old use a glove or mitt measuring between 9 and 11 in. from the tip of the portion of the glove where the index finger lies to the heel of the glove by the player's wrist; kids from 8 to junior high- or middle school-age use gloves between 9 and 12 in.; and adults use 10 in. and up. The main variation in the sizes comes from the position. For example, adult infield gloves hover around 10 to 11 1/2 in., but the outfield gloves start at 12 in. The Montville Baseball and Softball Association website suggests that 5- and 6-year-olds should stick with mitts under 10 1/2 in.
Step 3
Try on the mitt. Adjust any wrist straps as needed as if the player were really going out to play. The mitt will be stiff at first, but the player should feel like she has control of the mitt and that it's not too tight or about ready to fall off her hand.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have an old mitt that isn't marked with a size or you are faced with several unlabeled mitts, the Montville Baseball and Softball Association suggests measuring the glove almost diagonally from the top of the first finger, across the center of your palm and down to the center of the wrist. Play It Again Sports notes smaller gloves will allow the player more control and are especially beneficial for beginners.
- Do not buy too big of a mitt. This is are not a pair of pants you can hold up with a belt. The extra material will only make it harder to handle the mitt.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
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