What kind of glove should I have to play third base? Good question, different players will tell you different things. There are a couple of things you need to look for. First off, realize that you are not playing middle infield. The majority of the time you won’t be turning double plays.
This allows you to have a bigger glove. I know when you are younger it is the “cool thing” to have a small glove, but get over being cool. Be better. Reasons for a bigger glove:
- Your playing third base, you will not be turning a massive amount of double plays, defeating the purpose of a small glove.
- Balls are usually smoked at you when you are playing third, you will have plenty of time to get the ball out of your glove, defeating the purpose of a small glove.
- You will be diving a lot, give yourself that extra inch. You may become the pitchers best friend.
- We all play on bad fields every now and then (maybe every game), the bigger glove may save you some embarrassment when you close your eyes and turn your head. “Oh, look what I found.” Advantage, big glove.
Size Details
I would recommend a glove size anywhere between 11 1/2 and 12 1/4. That gives you a pretty good range on the size your looking for. You can find almost any glove style you want within those parameters. Any smaller and you are losing some range, we all know baseball is a game of inches.
Webbing
Up to you, different players like different webs. Find out what you like! Look at other players gloves. Some webs are difficult to break in just the way you like. I will never forget getting a Wilson Conform glove, $300, with a trapeze web. I could never break it in to my liking. Expensive purchase, lesson learned.
Also with the web, if you get an “H” web or similar (we will review different glove web types later), make sure you take care of it and tighten the laces. You don’t want balls getting stuck in the web, causing you to throw your entire glove across the diamond to make the play.
Material/Leather
You want good leather. How do you know it’s good leather? If your looking for a glove to last a while, which you should, find one that feels stiff. You shouldn’t be able to go out right away and start fielding backhands cleanly. It will take time, your glove should be your best friend, treat it good. I couldn’t even squeeze some of the best gloves I’ve ever had the first day I got them.
That wraps it up, if you have any questions, leave a comment. Main point, go big and look at other gloves, seeing if you will be able to break it in to your liking. Nothing worse than talking mom and dad into buying you an expensive glove only to find out you don’t like it!
2 Responses
Any suggestions on brand of glove?
Personally, I have always been a big fan of Rawlings. They make a pretty good glove, good leather and last forever. It really depends on how much you are willing to spend. Prices have gone up so much, kind of sad.