Construction

• Pocket
• The size of the pocket depends on your position
• Shallow pockets really help middle infielders quickly grab the ball and throw
• Deeper pockets help outfielders shag down fly balls
• Softball players also need a bigger pocket to catch the bigger ball
• Webbing
• Different styles of webbing are available to either help you better field your position or to fit your preference
• A closed web is preferred for pitchers who want to hide the ball from the batter
• Outfielders and third basemen like the extra support from a closed web
• An open web helps middle infielders get the ball out of their gloves quicker to make throws
• Backs
• There are two choices of backs, open or closed
• The type of back is matter of personal preference, but some styles fit some positions better
• The open back leaves a space open across the glove's back
• Middle infielders prefer this for the flexibility
• Outfielders prefer a closed back with a "finger hole" for extra support
• Wrist adjustment
• Gloves come with an adjustment to keep it snug. Not all gloves have these "fit systems."
• A D-ring fastener allows you to pull on the lacing and make the glove tighter or looser
• A Velcro fastener although it may wear quicker, offers convenience of pulling and adjusting to fit your comfort level
• A Lacing adjustment allows you to loosen or tighten the wrist fastener with leather laces.
• A Buckle system adjusts the glove with a buckle similar to an adjustable hat
• Padding
• The amount of padding in the pocket depends on the position played
• The catcher's mitt has more padding to handle hard throws from a pitcher
• Glove makers have been adding more padding for other positions as well to help players handle the sting of hard-hit balls
• There also may be padding in the wrist area to make the glove more comfortable

• Materials

Gloves come in a variety of materials, with the difference being in the feel and durability.

• Leather
• Materials of choice for gloves
• Leather offers the best comfort, control and feel
• The better the leather, the better the glove
• Treated leather
• Leather is treated and softened with chemicals for faster break-in and increased durability
• Treated leather also reduces the care needed for the glove and helps the glove keep its shape
• Synthetic materials
• A lighter, less-durable material
• Less expensive, good for youngsters
• Won't withstand the wear and tear of playing ball nearly as well as leather

• Fit the Glove to Your Hand

Although age is also a factor, the position you play is the most important consideration in choosing a baseball or softball glove.

Youngsters/Beginners

• Youth models are smaller to help kids maintain control
• Avoid the urge to buy a bigger glove that you'll grow into
• Kids under the age of 8 should stick with a glove from 9 to 11 inches
• Kids from 8 to early teens, consider an 11-inch glove
• Beginners also benefit from the added control that they get from smaller gloves

• High School/ Adult

• Outfielders need 12 to 12 1/2 inch gloves with deeper pockets
• Infielders need smaller gloves (10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inch) with shallower pockets for better control and quicker ball transfer
• Pitchers can go with a slightly larger glove than infielders but still need a small enough glove for fielding and throwing quickly
• Softball players require gloves that are slightly longer in length and deeper in the pocket to help field the bigger ball

Buying a Ball

Balls come in different sizes, materials and hardness.

• Baseballs are 9 inches in circumference
• Leagues for under-10 year old players may use a slightly larger ball
• Softballs used by FCYSA are 10-inch in circumference for 6U, 11 inch for 8U and 10U, and 12-inch for 12U and 14U.

Materials

Balls are manufactured out of leather or synthetic leather. There are also safety balls for younger players.

• Leather is used in the Major Leagues and other upper-level leagues
• Synthetic leather is used primarily for balls at younger levels
• "Safety balls" are engineered to play like a real ball without the sting of a hard ball. Easton makes a ball for younger players called an “incrediball”, Worth makes a ball known as "Reduced Injury Factor" or RIF balls, which roll and bounce like their harder cousins, but don't hurt as much if the player gets hit.