Have you ever watched a baseball game and marveled at the outfielder snagging a fly ball with incredible grace? That amazing catch often starts with the perfect tool: a great outfield glove. But choosing one can feel like trying to catch a knuckleball – tricky and a little overwhelming!
The outfield is a big place, and you need a glove that can cover a lot of ground. Finding the right size, the best material, and a glove that feels just right in your hand can be tough. You want a glove that helps you make those spectacular plays, not one that gets in your way. A poor choice can lead to dropped balls, fumbled catches, and frustration on the field.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a fantastic outfield glove. You’ll learn about the key features to look for, understand different materials, and discover how to pick a glove that fits your playing style. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a glove that will help you track down every fly ball and make every out.
Our Top 5 Outfield Gloves For Baseball Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Outfield Gloves For Baseball Detailed Reviews
1. Wilson 2022 A700 12.5″ Outfield Baseball Glove – Black/Blonde/White
Rating: 9.4/10
The Wilson 2022 A700 12.5″ Outfield Baseball Glove in Black/Blonde/White is designed for outfielders. It’s a right-hand throw glove, meaning it’s worn on the left hand. This glove is 12.5 inches long, which is a good size for outfielders who need to reach for fly balls. The drawstring wrist closure lets you adjust the fit for comfort and control. It also has a special pocket design with a half-moon reinforcement to help you catch the ball better.
What We Like:
- The 12.5-inch size is great for outfielders.
- The drawstring wrist closure allows for a custom fit.
- Rolled Dual Welting helps the glove keep its shape.
- The Black/Blonde/White color combination looks sharp.
- It’s made by Wilson, a trusted name in baseball gear.
What Could Be Improved:
- The glove might feel a bit stiff at first and need some breaking in.
- For players who prefer a very lightweight glove, this might feel slightly heavier.
This Wilson A700 glove offers a good balance of size and support for outfielders. It’s a solid choice for players looking to improve their game.
2. Franklin Sports Baseball and Softball Glove – Fieldmaster Adult + Youth Baseball Gloves – Men’s + Women’s Infield + Outfield Mitt – Right Hand Throw – 12″
Rating: 9.4/10
The Franklin Sports Fieldmaster glove is a great choice for baseball and softball players of all ages. It’s designed to be comfortable and ready to play right out of the box. This 12-inch mitt is perfect for both infield and outfield positions.
What We Like:
- It breaks in super fast because of its soft, synthetic leather. This means you can play with it right away.
- The Contour Fit System lets you adjust the thumb for a perfect, snug fit. This helps you catch the ball better.
- It’s made with thick, premium synthetic leather that feels like real leather. This makes it durable and long-lasting.
- The hand-formed pocket gives you a comfortable feel and helps you scoop up ground balls and make catches without dropping them.
- It’s versatile for baseball, softball, and even tee-ball.
- The price is usually good for the quality you get.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the synthetic leather is durable, some serious players might prefer the feel of genuine leather over time.
- Availability can sometimes be limited, especially for specific sizes or hand-throw options.
This glove offers a fantastic balance of performance and affordability. It’s a solid option for anyone looking for a reliable glove that’s ready for action.
3. Rawlings
Rating: 8.9/10
The Rawlings Sandlot Baseball Glove is a fantastic choice for any player looking to step up their game. This glove is designed for serious play, whether you’re on the baseball diamond or the softball field. Its large 12.75-inch size makes it perfect for outfielders, and the Pro H-Web design helps you snag fly balls with ease.
What We Like:
- The 12.75-inch size and Pro H-Web are perfect for outfielders in both baseball and softball.
- Full-grain oiled shell leather means this glove is built tough and will last a long time.
- Zero Shock Palm Pads give your hand extra protection when catching hard-hit balls.
- Padded finger back linings make the glove super comfortable to wear, even during long games.
- It comes 80% broken-in from the factory, so you can start playing with it right away without a lot of work.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 80% broken-in feature means you’ll still need to do a little work to get it perfectly molded to your hand.
- While durable, the oiled leather might require some occasional conditioning to keep it in top shape.
This Rawlings Sandlot glove offers a great blend of comfort, durability, and performance. It’s a solid investment for any player ready to make impressive plays.
4. Rawlings
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to hit the field with the Rawlings Player Preferred Glove. This 12.5-inch glove is designed for adult players, making it a great choice for both recreational baseball and slowpitch softball games. Its Pro H-Web design is super flexible, perfect for outfielders who need to snag fly balls.
What We Like:
- The 12 1/2 inch size is great for adults playing baseball or softball.
- The Pro H-Web is really versatile and works well for outfield positions.
- It’s made from full-grain leather, which means it will last a long time.
- Zero Shock Palm Padding helps protect your hand when you catch the ball.
- You can adjust the wrist strap for a comfy, custom fit.
- The glove feels ready to play right away with a quick break-in process.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s game-ready, some players might prefer a longer personal break-in period for a truly custom feel.
- The “recreational” focus might mean it’s not the top choice for highly competitive players seeking pro-level features.
This Rawlings glove offers a solid balance of durability and comfort for most players. It’s a dependable option for anyone looking to improve their game on the diamond.
5. Franklin Sports Throw Baseball Gloves – Pro Flex Men’s Adult Outfield Right Hand Mitt – Black – 13″
Rating: 9.2/10
Gear up for the game with the Franklin Sports Throw Baseball Gloves – Pro Flex Men’s Adult Outfield Right Hand Mitt in Black. This 13-inch glove is designed for serious players who need a reliable and comfortable mitt.
What We Like:
- The glove is built to last with a tough cowhide palm and a strong PU-Laminated PVC hybrid shell.
- You get a perfect fit every time thanks to the adjustable wrist strap.
- It’s ready to play right out of the box – no waiting for a break-in period!
- This glove works for baseball, softball, and even t-ball, making it super versatile.
- The 13-inch size and Basket Web design give you great flexibility and control for snagging those fly balls in the outfield.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, some players might prefer a softer leather feel for a more broken-in touch right away.
- The PU-Laminated PVC shell, while tough, might not offer the same premium feel as an all-leather glove for some users.
This Franklin Sports glove is a solid choice for outfielders looking for immediate performance and lasting quality. It’s a glove that helps you play your best, right from the start.
Choosing the Right Outfield Glove for Baseball
Finding the perfect outfield glove is a big deal for any baseball player. It helps you catch fly balls, snag grounders, and make strong throws. This guide will help you pick a glove that fits well and performs great.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an outfield glove, keep these important things in mind:
- Size: Outfield gloves are usually bigger than infield gloves. They help you reach farther and catch balls in the air. Look for gloves that are between 12.5 and 13 inches long. A bigger glove gives you a larger catching area.
- Pocket Depth: A deeper pocket helps secure the ball. It makes it harder for the ball to pop out after you catch it.
- Webbing: The webbing connects the thumb and index finger. Outfielders often prefer a closed web, like a H-web or a basket web. This helps hide the ball from the batter and makes it easier to catch fly balls.
- Fit: The glove needs to feel comfortable on your hand. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. Your fingers should fit snugly in the finger stalls.
Important Materials
The material of your glove affects its feel, durability, and how well it breaks in.
- Leather: Most good baseball gloves are made of leather.
- Full-grain leather: This is the best quality. It’s strong, durable, and molds to your hand over time. It’s also the most expensive.
- Top-grain leather: This is also good quality, but it’s not as strong as full-grain. It breaks in nicely and is a popular choice.
- Cowhide leather: This is a common and affordable option. It’s softer and easier to break in than higher-quality leathers, but it might not last as long.
- Synthetic materials: Some gloves use synthetic materials. These can be lighter and cheaper, but they usually don’t last as long or feel as good as leather.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a glove great or not so great.
- Construction: How the glove is put together matters. Good stitching makes the glove stronger and last longer. Look for gloves with strong, even stitching.
- Padding: Some gloves have extra padding in the palm. This protects your hand from hard-hit balls. Too much padding can make the glove stiff, though.
- Break-in: A glove needs to be “broken in” to fit your hand perfectly. Leather gloves require more break-in time. Some gloves come partially broken in, which can save you time.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known baseball brands often make high-quality gloves. They have experience and use good materials.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the glove and how it feels in your hand is very important.
- Comfort: A comfortable glove makes playing baseball more enjoyable. It should feel like an extension of your hand.
- Grip: The glove should help you grip the ball securely. The pocket and webbing play a big part in this.
- Durability: You want a glove that will last for many seasons. Good leather and strong construction help a glove last longer.
- Throwing Accuracy: A well-fitting glove helps you transfer the ball from your glove to your throwing hand quickly and accurately. This is key for making outs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How big should my outfield glove be?
A: Outfield gloves are typically between 12.5 and 13 inches long. This size helps you catch fly balls more easily.
Q: What is the best material for an outfield glove?
A: Full-grain leather is the best material because it’s very durable and molds to your hand. Top-grain leather is also a great choice.
Q: What kind of webbing is best for outfielders?
A: Outfielders often prefer closed webs, like an H-web or a basket web. These webs help hide the ball and make catching easier.
Q: How do I break in a new leather glove?
A: You can break in a glove by playing catch with it often, using glove oil or conditioner, and sometimes by placing a baseball in the pocket and wrapping it tightly overnight.
Q: Does the color of the glove matter?
A: The color of the glove doesn’t affect its performance, but many players prefer brown, black, or tan gloves.
Q: Can I use an infield glove in the outfield?
A: While you can, it’s not ideal. Outfield gloves are bigger and have deeper pockets, which are better suited for catching fly balls.
Q: How often should I condition my glove?
A: You should condition your leather glove every few months, or whenever it starts to feel dry.
Q: What is the pocket depth and why is it important?
A: Pocket depth refers to how deep the catching area of the glove is. A deeper pocket helps you hold onto the ball better.
Q: Are synthetic gloves ever a good option?
A: Synthetic gloves can be a good option for very young players or for those on a tight budget, but they are generally not as durable or comfortable as leather gloves.
Q: What should I do if my glove feels too stiff?
A: If your glove is too stiff, you can try using glove oil or conditioner, and playing catch with it more often to help it soften up.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.