What Size Glove Do Most Softball Players Use?

Softball gloves are generally larger than baseball gloves and come in a variety of sizes geared toward your age and the position you play. First base and catcher are the only positions that wear mitts, and the other players on the field wear gloves. As a general rule of thumb, you should always wear what fits the best and not what you want to grow into.

  1. Gloves vs. Mitts

    • Gloves have individual fingers, whereas mitts do not. The only positions on the field that use mitts are first base and catcher. Because they are wider and deeper, mitts do a better job of scooping up ground balls and errant throws.

    Measurement

    • Gloves are measured in inches from the top of the index finger to along the inside of the pocket and out to the heel of the glove. They typically range from 9 to 14.75 inches with .25-inch incremental sizes, although smaller and larger sizes can be found. Catcher's mitts are measured in circumferences and range from 30 inches to 34.5 inches with .5-inch incremental sizes.

    First-base Mitt

    • First-base mitts are larger than other infielder's gloves. Youth first-base mitts range in size from 11 to 11.5 inches, and adult gloves range from 12 to 13 inches.

    Catcher's Mitt

    • Catcher's mitts are designed with thicker padding in the finger areas to protect the hand and control the baseball. Youth catcher's mitts range in circumference from 31 to 32 inches, and adult gloves range from 33 to 34.5 inches.

    Infield Gloves

    • Infield gloves have a shallower pocket that allows players to quickly scoop out the ball out to the throwing hand and make plays. Youth infield gloves range in size from 9 to 10 inches, and adult gloves range from 10.5 to 11.5 inches.

    Outfield Gloves

    • Outfield gloves are designed with a deeper pocket and longer fingers than an infield glove. Youth outfield gloves range in size from 11 to 12 inches, and adult gloves range from 12.5 to 13.5 inches.