What Are Softball Gloves Made Out Of?

If you want to field a softball, you'll need a glove. While many former baseball players turn to softball later in life, as a more easy going, less physically demanding game, they'll want to get a softball glove as opposed to using an old baseball glove. Softball gloves are larger to accommodate the larger ball. Here's a look at the softball glove.

  1. Identification

    • To simply answer the question most softball gloves are made of leather. Leather may be treated with chemicals to provide a quicker break-in. Some inexpensive gloves are composed of synthetic material, but leather is the best and most common material used.

    Significance

    • Although leather is standard, the type of leather may vary. Most top-quality gloves are made using full-grain leather which provides greater durability and performance. Full-grain leather gloves will also hold up longer than others. Other types of durable leather used in softball gloves include top grain and premium steer hide. Although, rugged and durable, these leathers are heavier and more difficult to break in. Leathers like cow hide and pigskin are lighter, softer, and less expensive, but also lower quality and less durable.

    Size

    • It's important to get a softball glove that fits your hand and is the appropriate size you need. Softball gloves are larger than baseball gloves, employing a deeper pocket to effectively wrap around a softball which is much larger than a baseball. Softball gloves are measured from the top of the index finger down to the heel of the glove and range in size from 11 to 15 inches. Catcher's mitts are measured using circumference and therefore have greater sizes ranging from 31 to 34 inches. Be sure to try the glove on and determine the right fit.

    Types

    • Gloves also vary depending upon the position that you play. Mitts (gloves without fingers) are used for the first base and catcher's positions. Mitts are larger and use extra padding to help protect from hard, constant throws. Fielding gloves are used for the rest of the positions; however, middle infielders should consider a smaller glove, allowing for an easier transfer from fielding to throwing while outfielders and third basemen generally want a larger glove for properly securing hard hit balls. In the end, glove size really depends upon the player's preference and what he is most comfortable using.

    Function

    • Another key distinguishing characteristic of softball gloves is open or closed web, which refers to the structure of the webbing on the inside/back of the glove. Open web gloves allow for a quicker, smoother transfer from catch to throw and are a good choice for middle infielders like shortstops and second basemen. Closed webs, on the other hand, generally provide a more secure catch and are good for outfielders and third basemen. Pitchers may also opt for a closed web because it can effectively hide their hand and the ball prior to pitching. Again, this is really a matter of player preference.

    Considerations

    • Leather is a rugged, stiff material and requires some break in. The more quickly and effectively you break in your softball glove, the better it will perform on the field. Playing catch frequently and using oils designed specifically for breaking a glove in are the best ways to break the glove in quickly.