Infield Glove Buying Guide
Size by Position
Shortstops and second basemen want the smallest glove they can control, typically 11.25 to 11.5 inches, because a shallow pocket gets the ball to the throwing hand faster on double plays. Third basemen and utility infielders go up to 11.75 or 12 inches for a little more reach and a deeper pocket on hard-hit balls. Youth infielders should size down rather than up; a glove that is too big teaches one-handed fielding.
Web Styles
The I-web is the classic middle-infield web: open, light and quick to the ball. H-webs and single-post webs add depth and are common at third base. Modified traps and cross webs sit in between. Pitchers who play the infield often choose a closed or basket web so the grip stays hidden.
Leather and Break-In
Kip leather is lighter and breaks in quickly; steerhide is heavier, stiffer and lasts longer. Pro-grade gloves in either leather need real break-in time, so buy before the season, not the week of the first game.
Train the Hands, Not Just the Glove
The best infielders pair their gamer with a training glove. A flat trainer like the Valle Eagle KK builds two-hand fundamentals, and an undersized trainer like the Eagle K47 or Eagle 975S makes every catch in practice cleaner than it has to be in a game. See the full Training Gloves collection.
