Fielding Gloves
This table is a general guide for determining which glove size an athlete needs (from Rawlings.com)
BASEBALL
LEVEL | AGE | POSITION | GLOVE SIZE |
T-Ball | 3-6 Years Old | All Positions | 8.5in - 10in |
Youth | 7-12 Years Old | 1st Base | 11.5in - 12in |
Youth | 7-12 Years Old | Infield | 10.25in - 11.5in |
Youth | 7-12 Years Old | Outfield | 11.5in - 12.25in |
Youth | 7-12 Years Old | Catcher | 31in - 32.5in |
Adult | 12+ Years Old | 1st Base | 12in - 13in |
Adult | 12+ Years Old | Infield | 11.25in - 12.25in |
Adult | 12+ Years Old | Outfield | 12in - 13in |
Adult | 12+ Years Old | Catcher | 32in - 35in |
SOFTBALL
LEVEL | TYPE | POSITION | GLOVE SIZE |
Youth | Fastpitch | Infield | 10.5in - 11in |
Youth | Fastpitch | Outfield | 11in - 12in |
Adult (12+) | Fastpitch | Infield | 11.5in - 12.5in |
Adult (12+) | Fastpitch | Outfield/1st Base | 12in - 14in |
Adult (12+) | Fastpitch | Catcher | 32in - 34in |
Adult | Slowpitch | Infield | 12in - 13in |
Adult | Slowpitch | Outfield | 12.5in - 14in |
UNDERSTANDING GLOVE SIZES BY POSITION (from Wilson.com)
An important factor in choosing a glove is to choose the right glove for your position. Depending on what position you play, you will want to have a glove tailored to the demands of your position.
INFIELD GLOVES
Infield Gloves are often the smallest gloves on the field. They feature a shallower pocket, allowing infielders to quickly transfer the ball from their glove to throw out baserunners. A common misconception is that infielders need larger gloves, but even professional baseball players use gloves as small as 11.25” to allow them to transfer the ball quickly. For youth players, infield gloves range in length from 10.75”-11.75”. For high school through adult baseball gloves range from 11.25” to 12.25”. Fastpitch infield gloves range from 11” to 12”. Slowpitch Softball gloves range up to 13”
OUTFIELD GLOVES
Outfield Gloves are typically larger gloves designed to help players have extra reach as they track down fly balls. These gloves feature a deeper pocket that prioritizes securing the ball after the catch. For baseball players, outfield gloves range in size from 10.75”-12.5” for youth players and 12.5”-12.75” for adults. Fastpitch and slowpitch outfield gloves tend to be larger, ranging from 12”-13” and 13”-14”, respectively.
PITCHER'S GLOVES
Pitcher’s Gloves tend to be sized more closely to an infield glove, while featuring a closed-web pattern to conceal the player’s grip when throwing a pitch. They range in size from 9”-10.5” for tee-ball, 10.75”-12.5” for youth, and 11.5”-12.5” for adult baseball and fastpitch players, and can be as large as 14” in length for slowpitch players.
UTILITY GLOVES
Utility Gloves are designed for players who play multiple positions and need a glove that can handle the needs of both the infield and outfield. They tend to be on the larger end of the spectrum for an infield glove, and often feature a closed-web design to accommodate players who also pitch. For baseball players, utility gloves range in size from 11”-12” for youth and 11.75”-12.5” for adults. Fastpitch utility gloves typically range from 11.5”-12”, and slowpitch utility gloves can be up to 13” in length.