How to Buy the Perfect Baseball Glove for Your Child

A baseball glove is the most personal piece of equipment in the sport. Unlike a bat, which can be swapped between players, a glove is fitted to a specific hand and broken in over months of use. Getting the right glove matters.

The Fit Test

A properly fitting glove should:

• Slide onto the hand without forcing
• Feel snug but not tight
• Allow the fingers to reach the finger stalls
• Close naturally when the player squeezes

Have your child try on several gloves before buying. The right fit is immediately apparent.

Breaking In a New Glove

New leather gloves require break-in before they're game-ready. The process:

1. Apply a small amount of glove conditioner or petroleum jelly to the leather
2. Work the conditioner in with your hands
3. Place a ball in the pocket and fold the glove around it
4. Secure with a rubber band or glove wrap overnight
5. Repeat for several days, playing catch as much as possible

Synthetic gloves require less break-in but also have less longevity.

The Price Question

You do not need to spend $150+ on a youth baseball glove. For players under 12, a $30–$60 glove is entirely appropriate. Players grow quickly, and an expensive glove purchased at age 9 may not fit at age 11.

For players 13 and older who are committed to the game, a higher-quality glove ($80–$150) is a reasonable investment that will last several seasons.