Baseball glove sizes vary based on the position that you play. Glove sizes change because different positions on the field require different actions and skills for the player. You can divide gloves into four types: those for infielders, outfielders, catchers and first basemen.
Infielders' Gloves
Infielders gloves are used by second basemen, shortstops, third basemen and often pitchers as well. It is important to note that even though first basemen are considered infielders, they do not use the same type of glove as the rest of the infield. According to Dick's Sporting Goods, infielders' gloves are usually between 10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches in length. Middle infielders, or shortstops and second basemen, usually use the smallest sizes of gloves on the infield, while third basemen and pitchers generally use the larger sizes of infield gloves.
Outfielders' Gloves
Outfielders' gloves are worn by the players who play the three outfield positions of left, center and right field. In some rare cases, a pitcher might wear a version of an outfielders glove if he prefers a larger glove size. According to Sports Unlimited, outfielders gloves usually range from 12 to 12 1/2 inches in length. Most outfielders use the largest glove they can find and some wear models that go up to 13 inches. Outfielders prefer longer gloves because it gives them more room to make catches when an extra inch can mean a great catch instead of an opponent's home run.
First Basemen Mitts
First baseman mitts are worn by the first baseman, who plays on the infield. On most ground balls, the ball must be thrown to the first baseman to record a putout. That requires the first baseman to catch many more balls than other players and since first basemen are still required to field ground balls, they require a special type of glove. These gloves are made as a cross between an infielder's glove and catcher's mitt, but they are also longer to allow the player more room to make catches. According to Sports Unlimited, most first basemen's mitts range from 12 to 12 1/2 inches in length.
Catcher's Mitts
Catcher's mitts are worn by catchers and they are the most distinctive baseball glove used. Pitchers throw the ball hard and catching pitches with a regular glove would be very tough on the hands. Catcher's mitts are made with extra padding so that the impact does not hurt or sting when the ball does not hit right in the pocket. According to Sports Unlimited, catcher's mitts are measured, unlike other kinds of gloves, by the circumference and not the length. The usually measure about 32 inches. However, since the mitts are so heavily padded, they look like one of the smallest gloves on the field.
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