Best First Base Mitts for Baseball and Softball

That a first baseman glove is different than other gloves might not be a surprise. All the different features that these glove have might are! If you want to buy a new first baseman glove this guide will help you to learn more about it.

First Basemen might be the most involved position players on the field. They have to catch the receiving throws from other infield players, catching attempts of a pickoff from pitchers and they have to field their position. This asks a lot from a player and even more from their glove. First base gloves look different compared to regular gloves you spot on the field. First Base gloves are also called mitts.

Why a First Base Mitt Is Different?

A First base mitt has no individual finger slots and is one solid piece. This allows for a larger catching surface and better ball control. Only first basemen and catchers are allowed to wear mitts — all other fielders must use standard gloves. This curved, one-piece design provides:

• A larger catching surface
• A deeper pocket to handle wild throws
• Extra padding for protection
• A shape that helps with scooping low balls

Materials & Stiffness

Just like you need a catcher’s mitt to be sturdy enough to keep catching pitches on a daily basis, you need a first baseman’s mitt to be stiff enough to catch a high number of throws as well. Your mitt should also be flexible enough to scoop ground balls and wild throws and meet basic fielding requirements.

The material of your mitt affects its durability, feel, and break-in time.

• Leather mitts: Strong, durable, and stiff. Best for frequent use and long-term play.
• Synthetic mitts: Lightweight and easier to break in, but less durable.

Something you have to check before buying is the varying degrees of wrist adjustments. Some gloves offer an adjustable opening for the wrist. Most of them are in the form of a Velcro Strap, additional lacing or a D-ring. These adjustment options function so that a player can create a more narrower or tighter fit to their hand. All of these different ways of adjustment function the same, but the choice of adjustment is up to the player.

Last but not least, also the most important thing, is personal comfort. Make sure to choose a mitt that makes you feel comfortable and fits comfortable on your hand.