3 Simple Steps to Choose the Right Baseball Infielder’s Glove

If you’re thinking about buying a new baseball glove, it’s important to understand the key features that make a glove ideal for your position. This infield glove buying guide will help you choose the best baseball glove, making it easier to find the perfect fit for your infield needs.

Infielders—whether you’re a shortstop, second baseman, or third baseman—are known for their fast reflexes and quick ball transfers. Your glove should support those skills with precision and comfort.

Here are the three most important features to consider when choosing an infielder’s glove:

1. Proper Sizing

Infield gloves are generally smaller than outfield gloves to allow quicker transfers.

• Second basemen typically use the smallest gloves, around 11" to 11.5", prioritizing speed and control over reach.
• Shortstops and third basemen go slightly larger, with sizes between 11.5" and 12", giving them a bit more reach for hard-hit balls and tough plays.

2. Shallow Pocket Depth

A shallow pocket allows middle infielders (shortstop and second base) to make faster transfers, ideal for double plays. Third basemen, on the other hand, often face hard-hit balls and need a slightly deeper pocket for secure catches and added control.

3. Web Design

For fast ball handling and grip, I-Web, Single Post, or Dual Post webs are popular among shortstops and second basemen. These open designs help dirt fall out, maintaining grip during plays. Third basemen benefit more from closed web designs, like a Two-Piece Closed Web, offering better support and ball control when stopping high-speed line drives.