Choosing the Right Baseball Glove for Your Position: Complete Guide for Every Player

Choosing the right glove can make a major difference in your performance on the field. A glove that fits your position’s demands helps with faster transitions, better control, and more confidence during gameplay.

This blog breaks down how to choose the best baseball glove based on your position—whether you’re a shortstop turning two, an outfielder tracking fly balls, or a pitcher trying to hide your grip.

Why Position-Specific Gloves Matter

Baseball gloves aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each position requires different glove features, including size, pocket depth, web style, and overall shape. The right glove supports the specific movements and responsibilities of your role, improving:

• Reaction time
• Accuracy
• Consistency
• Comfort

Let’s explore glove types by position to help you find the perfect fit.

Infield Gloves

First Base Gloves

Best Size: 12.5”–13”

Web Style: Single Post, H-Web, or Modified Trap

Pocket Type: Deep

First base gloves (often called mitts) are longer, curved, and heavily padded. These gloves are built for scooping throws, catching short hops, and making glove-to-glove exchanges. A deep pocket and extended reach are key features for any first baseman.

Outfield Gloves

Best Size: 12.5”–13”

Web Style: H-Web, Trapeze, or Modified Trap

Pocket Type: Deep

Outfielders benefit from longer gloves with deep pockets to secure fly balls and line drives. H-Web and trapeze web styles help with visibility and create a natural shield against the sun when tracking balls overhead.

Pitcher Gloves

Best Size: 11.5”–12”

Web Style: Closed Web (Two-Piece or Modified Trap)

Pocket Type: Medium

Pitchers need to conceal their grip from the batter. A closed web glove hides the ball while maintaining enough flexibility to field bunts or comebackers. Pitcher gloves also typically feature minimal design to reduce visual distractions.

Catcher’s Mitts

Best Size: 32.5”–34” (circumference)

Web Style: One-Piece Closed Web or Half-Moon

Pocket Type: Deep

Catcher’s mitts are specifically designed for high-velocity catching. They’re rounder, more padded, and have no finger slots. A deep pocket and solid webbing help absorb fastballs and control pitch framing, while extra reinforcement supports blocking and durability.

Utility Glove Options

Best Size: 11.75”–12.25”

Web Style: Modified Trap, H-Web, or I-Web

Pocket Type: Medium

If you play multiple positions, a utility glove offers a flexible middle ground. These gloves work for both infield and outfield roles, balancing speed, reach, and control. They’re ideal for high school players, utility men, and developing athletes.

Custom Baseball Gloves by Position

At Boa Custom, we offer position-specific glove options for serious players. Every glove is handcrafted and made to order with premium materials. With a custom glove, you can choose:

• Exact size and web style for your position
• Preferred leather type (kip or steerhide)
• Pocket shape and stiffness
• Personalization: names, numbers, lace colors, logos

Whether you’re a catcher needing extra padding or an infielder wanting a shallow, fast glove, we help you build a glove that fits your game—not just your hand.

Quick Glove Size Guide by Position