It’s amazing how big a difference is made by ¼ inch when choosing the perfect glove. The most important thing when trying answer “What size baseball glove should I get?” is to find the baseball glove size that is best for you. Below is a quick guide to finding the perfect glove size by position.
Position | Most Common Glove Sizes |
---|---|
Pitcher | 11 ½” – 12” |
First Base | 12 ¼” – 12 ¾” |
Second Base | 11” – 11 ½” |
Shortstop | 11 ¼” – 11 ¾” |
Third base | 11 ½” – 12” |
Outfield | 12 ½” – 12 ¾” |
Catcher | 32 ½” – 35” |
Baseball glove sizes are not set in stone. The most important thing when trying to find a one that is best for you is something you are comfortable with. This baseball glove sizes guide is arranged by position, followed by some thoughts about my personal gloves and what I like.
Choosing the right glove size by age… These sizes are appropriate from 12 years up to adult / pro.
What size glove should I get for outfield? Outfield Glove Sizes
Lets start with the easy ones. Outfield, the same glove can be used whether you are playing left, center or right field. Outfield gloves are usually 12 ¼ inches to 12 ¾ inches.
It all depends on what you like. Some like having that extra half inch to get to baseballs, some players like less glove so they can get rid of the ball a little quicker on throws to bases.
Also most outfielders will stick their pinky and ring finger of their glove hand into the last hole which was made for the pinky. This hand configuration allows for a deeper pocket which outfielders like especially when they have to dive or make contact with a wall, it helps keep the ball in the glove.
What size glove should I get for 2nd base or shortstop? Middle Infield Glove Sizes
A middle infield glove (shortstop and second base) will be the smallest on the field. The reason is that they need to field the ball and get rid of it quickly.
A good example is on double plays, if you get the ball stuck in your glove you will not be able to get two outs on the play. Glove sizes in the middle infield range from 11 inches to 11 ½ inches.
Every now and then you will see an 11 ¾ inch glove at shortstop. Once again it all depends on how comfortable you are with the baseball glove size. Infield gloves can be worn two ways:
- One way is with two fingers in the pinky hole.
- Another way is with each finger in its own hole.
If you put your pinky and ring finger in the pinky hole you may feel you have a little more control and a deeper pocket, but you may have a problem with getting balls stuck in your glove.
The infielders that put each finger in their appropriate finger hole have a flatter pocket. This allows for the ball to almost ricochet out of your glove if you need it too. I think this allows for better ball control after you catch it. There seems to be less glove for the ball to get lost in. (Check out our Guide to Infield Gloves)
Catcher’s Mitt Sizes
Catchers mitts are pretty standard, some brands make their mitts a little bigger, some smaller, some are a little longer. Catchers mitts should be tried on because all catchers are a little different when picking out a mitt they like.
Just as with infield gloves, smaller catcher’s mitts are easier to get the ball out of if you need to make a quick move. The trade off is that if you are catching a pitcher who is a little wild or has good movement on his pitches it may be more difficult to catch the baseball.
You’ll have to decided if a bigger or smaller mitt is better for you. Catchers mitts should be very stiff, just playing catch will break them in. It may take a while but in my opinion, the longer it takes to break in a Catchers mitt, the better quality it is and the longer it will last. (More about catcher’s mitts in our Guide to buying Catcher’s Gear)
What size glove should I get for playing first base? 1st Base Glove Sizes
The first base size is between a catchers mitt and outfield glove. They have a little length to them. They range from a 12 inches to 12 ¾ inches. They have a scooped end similar to a catchers mitt without the padding, and are designed to help with scooping balls in the dirt.
The length comes in handy when a throw is not on line and the first baseman needs every ¼ inch he can get to either catch it or knock it down. Be sure not to get a one that is too long, it can get floppy and balls can fall out of the webbing. A first base glove can only be used at first base it is illegal to use it on the field at any other postion. (More about 1st base mitts in our Guide to Best Infield Gloves)
What size glove should I get for playing third base? 3rd Base Glove Sizes
Third base gloves are a little bigger than the gloves for shortstop and second base. The main reason is balls are hit very hard and the more leather to knock the ball down the better. Also you normally don’t need to get the ball out of your glove really quickly like the middle infielders need to do when turning a double play.
The most common baseball glove size for third base would be either an 11 ½ inch or 11 ¾ inches. Every now and then you will see a person using a 12 inch glove but that is pretty big for the infield. (Check out our Guide to Infield Gloves)
What size glove should a pitcher use? Pitcher’s Glove Sizes
Pitchers will use any type of glove from really small to outfield size. The one thing that all pitcher gloves have in common is that they have a closed web, so the hitter will not be able to see the pitcher moving his fingers inside the glove to see what pitch he is about to throw.
Hitters and coaches alike are always trying to find any tip given by pitchers that will show what pitch they are about to throw. Many pitchers are using gloves that have finger sleeves that the index finger will slip into for pitchers that expose that finger. Some times pitchers will move this finger on certain pitches giving away what pitch he is about to throw. A pitchers glove is mostly used to disguise what pitches he is going to throw.
Choosing a Glove – Learning from a Pro’s experience
I have played every position except for pitcher and catcher, so I have many different sized baseball gloves. I have an average sized outfield and first base gloves. Normally, I play all infield positions so I need a one for third, shortstop, and second base.

If you don’t like the glove, you can return it with free return shipping from our affiliate Baseball Rampage.
I used to use a different baseball glove at every position until I started feeling comfortable with one. I use an 11 ¾ inch infield glove and for infield standards that is pretty large. I formed it with a very shallow pocket, so it is large, but balls don’t get lost in it.
I started using a bigger glove when I spent some time playing third base, then when I moved around the infield I kept the same glove. At second base, I tried using a 11 ½ inch glove but was having trouble forming it with a very shallow pocket and balls would get stuck on double plays. I have used gloves as small as 11 inches, but over time I have realized that a little bigger one gives you more room for error.
However, the size of the baseball glove can make it harder to get the ball out in a hurry, and it is just as important that you can get the ball out quickly when you need to. Its amazing how much a ¼ inch can change the feeling of a glove. No matter what size you use, the best glove is always the one you feel most comfortable with.
—————
I hope this baseball glove sizes guide has been helpful for you. If so, I hope you’ll share it with your friends and help us spread the word about the free baseball tips and info from PBI. Also, I welcome you to ask questions or leave feedback in the comments section below. Play hard! – Doug
More awesome stuff from Pro Baseball Insider:
- Best Infield Gloves
- Guide to buying Catcher’s Gear, includes Catcher’s Mitts
- Guide to Metal Bats
- Training Aids and Protective Gear
<– See all free baseball instruction articles
18 Comments
Both the length and circumference of your hand can be measured. I suggest measuring your hand in inches as is normal. Both online and offline sports goods retailers use inches on their baseball glove sizing charts.
This article was really amazing. It has a lot of information and instructions about Baseball glove size. Also has a complete glove sizing chart list to know how to perfect size for anyone. Thanks for providing the informative article. I wrote an article about baseball gloves for adults. You can read it once if you want.
Generally the largest glove you can handle is best unless you are good and prioritize getting ball out-fast. Large in outfield – definitely; deep pocket can also be desirable. If pitching, stay away from WHITE and GRAY/SILVER – even on patches and lace. I find that the two-tone glove rule for pitcher is mainly enforced when one color is white/gray/silver – especially WHITE.
Thank you for writing this, I am looking to buy gloves for my son but don’t know what size is suitable for him as he is underage.
If he’s a young kid like under 11 go with Wilson A500 I web 11.5″ infield glove.its got a great pocket and the leather is subtle and ready for game use right away. The Rawlings Pro Lite gloves are very nice as well. Both those models sell for under 60$USD.
If he’s playing first base you can’t go wrong with a Rawlings R9 or Sandlot series gloves. Very soft and great patterns. For first base for a young kid make sure the glove isn’t too heavy or he won’t be able to control it.
If your kid is older like over 12 Wilson A1000 is a great step up towards the more professional leather. 11 3/4 would allow him to play all positions comfortably…
My son plays 1st base and is needing a new glove. He is 12, but I want this glove to last. Looking at an A2000 but I am hearing a A2K is better. Which would you suggest and size? 12.75?
a2000. There is a larger price difference for not a extremely noticeable amount change at his age. Unless your willing to pay the price. And 12.5 – 12.75 would be perfect for his description if he plans of carrying the glove through high school and other teams.
Love your site. Doug, my son is 12 years old, almost 13, and plays shortstop. Should I be getting him an 11.25″ or 11.5″ glove? Also, is it a big advantage to have a lighter glove, as opposed to one that weighs more?
11.5
Do you prefer a glove brand? Does one brand last longer than the other? I like Rawlings but I’m thinking about trying a Wilson or possibly a mizuno. Thoughts?
First off, just want to say this site is AWESOME. I am a solid baseball player in 8th (going to 9th) grade. I’m a great fielder, and have average hitting skills. I would like to strengthen my arm, any tips? I’ve started long tossing but I was just wondering if there was anything besides that, that could help.
Thanks, Seth
This is exactly the 3rd posting, of your site I personally went through.
Yet I like this one, “Glove Sizing Guide and Chart” the best.
Thank you -Alecia
Thanks for the info. I currently play third base for my high school team and am thinking of getting an 11 3/4 inch glove. I was just curious how you formed your glove with ” a very shallow pocket” because my last gloves pocket was too deep and the ball would get stuck in it.
Thanks in advance, Ryder.
Ryder,
Thanks for your question. My favorite size glove is the 11 3/4 inch it will be perfect for third base.
The way I form my glove is first of all I only put my pinkie in the last finger hole. Some people put 2 and that can give a deeper pocket.
I play catch with my glove and really work the outside (thumb and fingers) by bending it back and forth. I keep notice of my pocket and if it starts getting deep I push it from the back side of my glove so it flattens out.
I will hit the pocket with bat to loosen it up but i don’t take the end of the bat and drive it into the pocket, that will definitely deepen it. I always store my gloves open, I have noticed that if you keep a ball in your glove the pocket will start to form around the ball and it will deepen. If you like keeping something inside you can use a soft ball or there are plastic inserts that have straps that don’t put pressure on the leather in the pocket.
This sounds weird but you can throw up your glove and hit it with a bat. It will loosen up the fingers but will not stretch out the pocket. I like to form the pocket only by playing catch.
I hope this helps. If you check back on our website in a few days we are planning to put out a video on forming a glove. It may make a little more sense watching a video.
Doug Bernier
Pro Baseball Insider
THANK YOU FOR THE WEBSITE AND THE TIME IT TAKES TO PUT INFORMATION ON IT. IM A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL AND IM READY TO GET STARTED TOWARDS MY FUTURE IN BASEBALL. IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE ADVICE PLEASE EMAIL ME I WOULD LIKE TO GET MORE ADVICE THE BETTER.
ANTONIO (15 YEARS OLD)
BOLTON HIGH SCHOOOL
ALEXANDRIA, LA. 71303
Antonio,
Thanks for the kind words. Good luck this year with baseball, if you have any questions we will be here. We will email you once a month with new things we are doing on our site. Also, we started adding instructional videos to our YouTube Channel or facebook. Check them out and good luck.
Doug Bernier
Pro Baseball Insider
Alright I play outfield and my glove size is normally a 11. Is that too small size for being in the outfield.
yes that is def too small for outfield! Try at least a 12 to 12 3/4 for outfield… The bigger the better for outfield. Not sure why peoples queations arent being answered here!!