The Vapor 360 is still cowhide where it counts — in the palm. (Although one could argue if you’re good a baseball you catch the ball in the webbing, not the palm.) But the rest of the glove is mostly synthetic with minimal elements of leather, allowing it to be ready for action right off of the shelf.   And even the natural material in the palm has been tweaked in the binding so that section of the glove also doesn’t require break-in time

“We’ve taken a traditional leather for the palm and perforated it to remove some of the structure so it forms more quickly,” Nike Baseball Senior Designer Matthew Hudson explained. “Therefore, the glove is ready to use straight out of the box.”

Others features of the glove include inserts inside the thumb and pinky, which create a custom feel, and a soft PORON foam in the wrist that enhances comfort and breathability. The glove was developed with the help of Colorado Rockies  outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.

“My first impression was ‘Wow, this is different,’” Gonzalez said. “Once I put it on and played catch in camp, everything clicked. This is what I was looking for. I wear this glove and I feel like I can catch any ball.”

The glove made its debut during the 2014 All-Star weekend in Minneapolis. However, we don’t think the glove is really geared toward the pros. While Nike does have a few MLB stars, including, Gonzalez, it badly trails Rawlings and Wilson in overall MLB representation.

Also, Gonzalez comments aside, we’re not sure there is a huge demand for lighter gloves at the professional level. We also think the pros are quite comfortable with breaking their gloves in. (Or getting someone else to do it for them.)

In fact, we think it would be a shame if new technology denies baseball players of any stripe the ritual of breaking in a glove.

According to Nike’s promotional material, the Nike Vapor 360 “answers outfielders’ call for a fresh-out-of-the-box, lightweight and responsive fielding glove.”

Again, we’re not sure outfielders are making that call, but, as you can see from the photos, some people will think the glove looks cool. And there is no doubt it looks like the product of serious sports science.

The glove is expected to retail at around $150. So it’s not for beginners or casual players.

It should be available by the holiday season.

Is the Vapor 360 something you would like to see under your tree? Or, by making a glove that is lighter and requires no break in time, has Nike simply solved a couple problems that most baseball players didn’t think we’re problems in the first place.

Let us now what you think. We’ll also be monitoring the success of the Vapor 360 to determinate if Nike is in fact on to something.

The Nocona Athletic Goods Company has been making Nokona baseball gloves in Nocona, Texas since 1934.

The reason they are called Nokona gloves instead of Nocona gloves is that the US Patent Office would not allow the name of an incorporated town to be part of a trademark. The “K” gives the glove somewhat of a foreign sound, which is ironic because Nokona is one of the few gloves still manufactured in the United States.

Nocona was initially a leather good company which made boots, belts and wallets. During the Great Depression Robert Storey, the company’s president and a former college baseball player, decided to start manufacturing gloves as a way to increase revenue. The company has more or less remained in family hands since and Storey’s grandson Bob Storey is currently Chairman of the Board.

Nocona went through some tough times in the beginning of the twenty first century. A fire destroyed their factory in 2006. Although their factory was insured,  the disaster pushed them further in with a group of East Coast investors who had already purchased half of company and who wanted to parlay Nokona’s reputation for quality gloves into a bigger market share.

Their expansion plans failed and Nocona eventually had to declare bankruptcy. A new group came in and snagged the brand, with the Storey family still holding a minority stake.

Nokona gloves pride themselves on being made from the highest quality leather by experienced craftsman who hand cut, stamp, stitch, lace and embroider each glove. Because they don’t use a cookie cutter approach to glove manufacturing no two Nokona gloves are the same.

They are also not cheap. Their signature line, the bloodline, runs between $300 and $400 a glove. Made with genuine shearling cuff, the bloodline requires a heavy break in period because it is built strong and to last. Other adult baseball lines include Pro, Buckeroo and Buffalo combo, which requires less of a break-in period.

Nokona also has a few lines of youth baseball gloves and are well known for their fast pitch softball gloves. Nokona’s fast pitch catcher’s mitts, in particular, are held in high esteem.

The Nokona website has a feature which allows for complete customization of a glove. Nokona offers one year warranty on each of their gloves against defective workmanship and material. Additional coverage can be purchased through their glove club program. An $89.99 platinum membership gets a full factory glove inspection after one year (with shipping included) as well as 50 percent off repairs for three years and other goodies.

Todd Walker and Jeff Fuccillo are among recent Major League Players who wore Nokona gloves. Nolan Ryan has raved about the glove in the past, and is featured on their website explaining that his first glove was a Nokona.

Nokona gloves can be purchased at your local sporting goods store or online glove retailers. Often the price you can find online or at a brick and mortar store are cheaper than what is offered on Nokona’s website.

Nokona offers tours of its Nocona, Texas facility between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM Monday through Friday. The cost of a tour is five dollars but that will be subtracted from any glove purchase. Students tour free with a valid school ID.

Economic factors certainly come into play when considering youth baseball gloves. On the one hand (so to speak) you want to buy your burgeoning slugger or fireballer a glove that works well and they can feel proud of. But on the other hand their little hands will soon be ready for a full size glove so the shelf-life of a youth baseball glove is a lot shorter than the one you are going to buy your kid when they get a little older.

We’ve compiled a list of four youth baseball gloves that are reasonably priced and well-made enough to be handed down to any younger brothers or sisters your well appointed ballplayer may have. While these gloves can purchased on their respective companies’ websites, sometimes you might get a better deal at third a party website such as Amazon or at your local sport goods store.

Franklin Sports Field Flex Teeball Glove and Ball $13
Before baseball comes teeball. And if the shelf-life of a youth baseball glove is sort the window of usefulness of a tee-ball glove is miniscule. But don’t worry, the Franklin Sports Field Flex Teeball Glove only cost about as much as few lattes. And it comes with a free tee ball! This 9.5 inch glove is not fancy, but it does come with embossed leather textured shell material and shok-sorb palm padding. Those who have bought the glove report it doesn’t feel or look like the cheap plastic gloves you’d expect at such a low price point and that their kids seem to like the mitt.

Rawlings Savage Series 10-inch Infield/Outfield Baseball Glove (PP100DP) $26
The Rawlings Savage Series Infield/Outfield glove is a cool looking mitt for a cool price. Featuring white leather laces and a conventional flex loop plus neo flex technology this glove is perfect for five to seven year olds. This 10 inch glove comes 90 percent broken in, good for impatient youngsters who just want to get right out on the ballfield. And it works for infielders and outfielders, which is great for little kids still trying to figure out where they belong on the field. Although small, those who have bought glove says it snaps around the ball with the same force a full-size model and most would recommend the mitt to a friend.

Mizuno Gpp1051 Prospect Series 10.5 Inch Utility Youth Baseball Glove $30
The Mizuno Gpp1051 Prospect Series is a great glove for when a youngster has graduated from tee ball but still isn’t quite ready for a full-sized adult glove. The 10.5 inch mitt features multiple technologies which help young hands close on the ball and grip it. It also has a parashock palm lining which protects growing pams from the sting of the ball and a special youth oriented tartan web pattern. The glove is available for right handed and left handed throwers and verified buyers report that the mitt is easy to break in and long lasting.

Nokona Bloodline Select BL-200 11.25″ Youth Baseball Glove $250
OK, we said this list was going to be only of reasonably priced gloves. But reasonable priced is a relative term and at only $250 bucks the Nokona Bloodline Select BL-200 is quite a bargain for somebody who is really rich and likes to spoil their children. Kidding aside, if you want a really high quality youth baseball glove and cost is not a factor this is a winner. Although it sounds vaguely Japanese, Nokona was actually founded in Texas and is one of the few glove manufacturers to still make their mitts in the United States. Although the Bloodline Select’s high quality leather is going to take a bit longer to break in than your normal glove its unique tanning process results in a glove that is unusually tough and sturdy.

Baseball savings is an online one-stop shop for baseball equipment and apparel. It was founded in 2006 and its mailing address is in Wichita, Kansas, where they also have one retail store there. Baseball Savings is the number one baseball only retailer on the Internet.

Baseball Saving is famous for guaranteeing the lowest price on any baseball bat. If you find a lower price on any bat Baseball Savings carries, they will match the price.

According to Baseball Savings they also have the widest selection of bats on the Internet. These include Easton, DeMARINI, Marucci, Mizuno, Louisville Slugger, Nike, Rawlings, RIP-IT, Miken, Anderson, Mattingly and Reebok. The also have every kind of bat from wood to composite to fungo to fast pitch softball to custom. One of the neat things about Baseball Savings website is that there is a an easy to use function which displays bats by association regulations.

So if, for example, your league is under the ASA umbrella you can just click on ASA and see all the bats that meet that association’s standards. This is also a separate section for BBCOR bats, which are used in college and high school baseball and always feature -three drops. (The drop is difference between the bat’s length in inches and weight in ounces.)

When you click on an individual bat Baseball Saving’s website will give you a bullet point list of all the bat’s features which would include what material the bat is made of, its specs and any warranty information.

Of course Baseball savings is about more than just bats. They sell just about any piece equipment that a baseball player would need, including the field equipment that builds and keeps the diamond in shape. The websites also feature just about any item of NCAA or Major League baseball apparel that a fan would want. Additionally the online market place offers a custom logo service that would be great for corporations, charities and events.

If you are in any way dissatisfied with any product you purchase from Baseball Savings you can get a hundred percent refund as long as you return it within a thirty day period and the product is still in its original packaging and in “new, unused and original” condition. The shipping fee, however, is non-refundable. Custom orders, closeouts, demo items and personalized items or not eligible for this refund.

Orders to Baseball Savings can either be done through their website or over the phone. Baseball Savings offers a $6.99 flat rate standard shipping fee. (It is two dollars more for delivery to “rural” areas, seven to fifteen dollars more to ship to Alaska and three to five dollars more to send something to Hawaii.) Next business day shipping is $22.99, and second day is $14.99.

These shipping prices only apply to orders under seventy five pounds. Saturday and Sunday don’t count as shipping days and any order received after noon on Friday will go out on Sunday.

Baseball Savings only charges sales tax when shipping to Kansas, California or Washington State. However your state my require you to report your purchase and then pay the appropriate sales tax on it.

A baseball player has a close personal relationship with his mitt. In this article we discuss the best gloves for youth baseball players, adult baseball players and softball players as culled from online reviews of the product. We’ve also included the price range for the mitts, which should be available online or at your local sport goods store.

Youth

Rawlings Players Series 9-inch Youth Baseball Glove $10 to $20
It doesn’t take much of an investment to set your youngster down the path to baseball stardom. For what practically amounts to pocket change you can get a basket web patterned Rawlings Series 9-inch glove which is made for tee-ball players, but will also work for beginning hardball participants. The glove comes with a soft-core training ball and can be purchased right or left handed. Children as young as three can enjoy the baseball diamond with this product, and it still has enough room to fit the hand of a typical six or seven year old.

Mizuno Prospect Series GPP1002 Youth Baseball Mitt $25 to $30
At ten inches, the Mizuno Prospect Series GPP1002 is the perfect sized mitt for when a young slugger has graduated from tee-ball to hardball. It’s V-flex notch system guides the mitt’s closure and helps players who haven’t yet fully mastered baseball coordination, as does the sidebar tapered design which secures the hand in place. The glove is available right or left handed. Like most leather gloves, it does take some time to break in. But once that’s done with this mitt will have your little fellow fielding like his heroes on TV.

Rawlings Playmaker Series 12-inch Youth Baseball Glove $25 to $35
At 12 inches, the Rawlings Playmaker is on the large size for a youth glove, and would work for any budding outfielders or any infielders who still need a bit of extra space to pick ‘em cleanly. You always now it’s quality when it’s Rawlings and at this price you can outfit a whole Little League team, right handers and left handers, with fresh leather. The glove comes already 80 percent broken in, meaning that even the most impatient youngster will be fully ready for action soon enough.

Akadema AGC98 Prodigy Series Glove $65 to $80
The “Prodigy” label Akadema slaps on this youth catcher’s mitt is no joke. This is a glove for a series youth backstop. Designed by Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter, the Prodigy features stress wedge technology and doubled sided slim padding which each make catching and ball retention easy. And if that wasn’t enough, it has Double Flexhinge, which forces the glove to close on contact. The Prodigy is a handcrafted 32 inch mitt with a Praying Mantis pattern and, the glove comes right and left handed.

Adult

Easton BX1250B Baseball Glove $25 to $35
An economical starter glove that will work for anyone between a little leaguer and an adult who wants to play catch in the backyard with their Little Leaguer. The glove has leather laces and a lockdown velcro strap to insure a tight fit. It comes right handed and left handed and features a contoured index finger pad. Users report the Easton BX1250B will break in fairly quickly and without oils. A tad smaller and more thin than a typical adult glove, this isn’t recommended for an older, competitive player. But it will certainly do the job for casual baseball (and softball) at any age.

Rawlings Gold Glove 12.75-inch Outfield Baseball Glove $80 to $160
If you want a solid, near professional quality outfield glove but you don’t want to completely break the bank, the Rawlings Gold Glove 12.75 Outfield Baseball Glove is a good bet. It features a trap-Eze web pattern which both extends the pocket and makes the glove close faster, giving you extra confidence on fly balls. Additionally, the full grain leather lining of the glove will make your hand feel as good as your outfield play. Slightly longer than an average outfield glove, this item will also work for softball.

Mizuno Franchise GFN1176 Baseball Fielder’s Mitt $60 to $80
At 11.75 inches and featuring a tartan shock webbing, the Mizuno Franchise is the perfect size and shape for an infielder’s glove. Thanks to hi-low lacing this baseball-specific glove gives the fielder the flexibility to grab a hard ground ball painlessly and then quickly remove it from the webbing and fire it to the appropriate base.The glove, which is available in left handed and right handed, has an adjust a size wrist closer which allows it to be the mitt of choice for infielders in LIttle League on up.

Rawlings Pro Preferred 11.5-inch Infield Baseball Glove $300 to $460
You don’t have to be a Major Leaguer to enjoy the highest quality of baseball gloves. But you are going to have pay a pretty penny. Yes, the Rawlings Pro Preferred 11.5 infield glove is expensive. But it’s also the exact model All-Star second baseman Chase Utley wears. It features the highest quality leather, which not only gives the glove a tight structure and ultra-comfortable feel but actually wicks the sweat away from your hand. It’s going to be a bit harder to break in than the typical glove, but the end result should be well worth it.

Louisville Slugger Omaha Pro First Base Mitt $55 to $90
This 13-incher is the classic first baseman’s mitt. Made from professional grade oil-treated steerhide leather, the bruise guard padding will make sure your hand will survive even the most cannon-armed of shortstops. While its pocket might not be quite big enough for softball, it gives the baseball player the ideal mix of protection and maneuverability. It comes right handed or left handed. While it might take a little oiling out of the package, the Louisville Slugger Omaha Pro First Base Mitt should provide years of use.

Wilson A1000 Superskin Series 32.5 Inch BB1791SS Baseball Catcher’s Mitt $60 to $130
Because of its mix of premium ECCO leather with a material called superskin the Superskin series cheaper from Wilson is not only cheaper than other premium gloves but lighter. It also feature dual welting and pro stock patterns which are designed by the pros. There is some discrepancies on how long the glove takes to break in. Some say it’s just about ready upon delivery, while others say it needs a bit of time with the glove oil. Of course another good way to break in a catcher’s mitt is just to find your favorite pitcher and tell him to throw heat.

Rawlings Heart of the Hide Pro Mesh Yadier Molina 34-inch Catcher’s Mitt $200 to $300
Yadier Molina is arguably the finest catcher playing Major League Baseball today. And his signature Rawling’s catcher’s mitt, which is made to the specifications of Molina’s game day glove, is arguably the finest catcher’s mitt on the market. It isn’t cheap, but Major League quality shouldn’t be. The 34-inch glove features a one piece closed web, the latest in strength and durability. It’s unique mix of mesh and premium heart of the hide leather makes the Molina 15 percent lighter than other gloves its size without sacrificing any durability.

Softball glove

Wilson A360 Series 14-Inch Slow Pitch Glove $30 to $35
Slow pitch softball can be the most casual of games. You don’t need a great deal of skill to play in some rec leagues, which are as much about that cooler of beer as they are about winning and losing. The Wilson A360 14 inch is for the slow pitch player that wants to have a good time. Still, its split hinge webbing and over sized pocket will make sure you will catch what you supposed to catch. Because of its large size it will work for somebody with big hands or even as a first baseman’s mitt. If you graduate to more competitive softball you might want a more expensive glove, but why not just take it easy and enjoy yourself?

Mizuno GMVP1300S1 MVP Softball Fielder’s Mitt $80 to $110
This is good glove for a competitive softball player, fastpitch or slowpitch . It features the comfort of throwback soft pebbled leather and at 13 inches it will work for the infield or the outfield. The see through webbing design makes it easier for outfielders to field fly balls and infielders pop ups on a sunny day. The Mizuno MVP softball mitt comes in right handed and left handed. Although it will require some breaking in, you don’t need glove oil to get it into game shape.

Miken Super Soft 13.5-inch First Baseman’s Softball Mitt $70 to $100
First base can be a bit challenging in softball with that big old ball baring down on you. As such, a competitive softball first baseman probably wants a speciality first base mitt. The Miken Super Soft First Baseman’s Softball MIttl is a very popular option on this front. Miken’s Poron XRD padding system will reduce impact on your hand and the full grain shell allows you to form your own pocket. The glove comes right handed and left handed and pre-oiled.

Mizuno GXS57 MVP Fastpitch Catcher’s Mitt $80 to $100
When you play fastpitch softball, you’re going to need a specialty catcher’s mitt for the guy or gal behind the plate. The Mizuno GXS57 MVP is a high quality piece of equipment for the competitive player. The 34 inch mitt features an ultra soft lining and throwback leather. While made for behind the plate, the GXS57 can also be utilized in the field. It’s actually something to think about as an all-around softball glove, particularly if you are playing on a high school on junior high girls team.

Breaking in your first baseball glove is a rite of passage for any young ball player. Sure many of today’s modern gloves (particularly the cheaper synthetic models) claim that they come already broken in. But the relationship between the glove and the player is intimate one, and breaking in a glove is part of the essential getting-to-know-you process between man and leather, whether or not it is completely needed.

The first step in breaking in a baseball glove is to soften its leather. One of the most popular ways to do this is by rubbing the mitt down with oil. Baby oil, Vaseline, special glove oil and even shaving cream can be used in this process.

Other methods for making the glove softer would be beating it up. This can be done with a hammer or mallet.  If you want to keep it in sport, just beat the mitt with a baseball bat. You can also just play catch with it. It still might be a little tight at first, but baseball activities in a non-competitive environment is probably the most natural way to continue to loosen up its leather.

There is also a school of thought that says heating the glove is the best way to begin the breaking in process. This can be achieved in a microwave or  an oven. Although in both cases it’s important to monitor the glove during the heating, or you will end up with a flaming glove and a kitchen that smells like rawhide. In the summertime you can heat the glove by leaving it in a warm car.

These methods of breaking in a glove are not mutually exclusive and in fact your mitt would probably benefit from being subjected to more than one of these techniques.

When the softening is done you are going to want to do next (and lastly) is form the pocket. This has traditionally been achieved by placing a ball in the glove and then wrapping it up with twine or rubber bands overnight. Other twists on this method would be putting the ball and glove under your mattress and sleeping on top of it or running it over with your car. We’d be a little wary of the car method because it seems like it could damage the glove (or your tire) but others have said it is effective.

In a 2010 web article, ESPN asked leading major leaguers how they liked to break in their baseball glove. The most popular method among the players was to soak it with water and then microwave it for about ten seconds. (Doug Mientkiewicz warned not to microwave for too long as he had learned the hard way that rawhide will eventually melt.)

Torii Hunter has his own unique spin on the water/microwave progression by using a hot tub for the soaking part. Ken Griffey Jr. admitted he just sends his gloves to his dad, the former major leaguer Ken Griffey Sr.

But Mark DeRosa may have the most cleverest (and most lazy) method for breaking in his mitt. He asks his Rawling’s glove representative to save him the glove that he used as a sample during his tour of spring training. But the time it gets to DeRosa it’s been tested out by players on 10 to 12 different teams and is probably broken in. That’s some good thinking from the University of Pennsylvania grad. However since you probably don’t have your own personal glove representative  you should probably just stick to the glove oil.

Wilson is Chicago-based sporting goods company that has been around for exactly 100 years. The make a full-range of sporting goods, and perhaps are best known for making the official balls for the National Football League and for many of the top tennis tournament. A volleyball featuring the Wilson logo (and named Wilson) had a co-starring role in the Tom Hanks’ movie “Castaway.”

Wilson is also a very prominent baseball glove manufacturer. Among the Major League All-Stars who use Wilson mitts are Ivan Rodriguez, Josh Hamilton, Jose Bautista, David Wright, Brandon Phillips, Evan Longoria, Dustin Pedroia and Hanley Ramirez.

Wilson gloves are also very popular among amateur baseball players. Below we’ve listed ten models of Wilson Baseball gloves that have been highly rated by consumers. These mitts should be available at your local sporting goods store or at online marketplaces such as Amazon.

Wilson A360 Series 13-Inch Slow Pitch Glove $25 to $50
The Wilson A360 Series 13-inch Slow Pitch Glove is an economical and sturdy piece of equipment. Unlike other lower priced gloves it is made from real leather, not plastic that can’t be broken in. The glove features a closed back with hook & loop strap. It is specific designed for beginning or rec league softball players, and features a deep pocket for catching a softball. However those who have bought the glove report that it also works very well for less-competitive baseball, or for just playing catch with any type of ball. The glove comes in both left-handed and right handed models.

Wilson A800 1786 Game Ready Soft Fit Infielder’s Throw Baseball Glove, 11.5-Inch $100
Because it is made from ECCO leather, the Wilson A800 comes game ready and is designed to provide broken-in softness for years to come. Those who have bought the mitt do report that there was no need to break it in. It features a low heel profile, which makes the glove more flexible and more forgiving when fielding bad hop grounders. It’s 2x palm construction also provides maximum stability and the leather lining is designed to confirm right to the fielder’s hand. At 11.5 inches, this Wilson glove is the perfect size for a serious Babe Ruth or Junior High school player.

Wilson A2000 Pro Stock 11.5 Inch BB 1786-ST Baseball Glove $200 to $250
Wilson has been making their A2000 Pro Stock model for 55 years. Time has proven that the world famous pro stock leather the mitt has always been constructed from offers just about the best durability you can buy. It features pro-stock patterns, which is the design many big leaguers use. And it’s not like Wilson has updated the A2000 throughout its over 50 years of existence. These days it comes with a dri-lex ultra breathable lining which transfers moisture off of your skin, keeping your hand cool and dry. Not that’s a luxury the ball players of yore did not’ have. It may be expensive, but this is a serious mitt for a serious baseball player of any age.

Wilson Pro Stock A2000 JH32 12.5 inch $175 to $225
Yes, Josh Hamilton didn’t have the world’s greatest year in 2013, but lets not blame his glove. The Wilson Pro Stock A2000 JH32 12.5 inch mitt not only comes with all of the goodies associated with Wilson’s Pro stock line — such as dual welting, which pre-curves the fingers, and dri-lex for moisture control — but it is modified to the 2010 MVP’s exact specifications. These include a larger hand opening, deeper pocket, lower profile heel, a thumb stall and a custom set of internal lacing for greater glove strenght. What the glove doesn’t come with is Hamilton’s 25 million a year salary or a biological propensity for drug addiction.

Wilson A440 FP115 Fielder’s Throw Fastpitch Glove $20 to $40
Who says a softball glove can’t be stylish? Those who have bought the Wilson 440 FP115 Fielder’s glove have gone as far as describing it as “super cute.” And with its attractive black and purple color scheme who are we to disagree. The mitt, which features an oversized webbing — even at only 11.5 inches — and an ez snap velcro back enclosure system, is perfect for the youth softball player, and even allows for the new three-finger catching technique many girl’s softball coaches are teaching. Also, did we mention this glove was stylish. Your daughter will never want to take it off!

Wilson A1000 Superskin Series 32.5 Inch BB1791SS Baseball Catcher’s Mitt $80 to $120
The call the special equipment a catcher uses “The Tools Of Ignorance.” But purchasing a Wilson A1000 Superskin Series 32.5 Inch BB1791SS Baseball Catcher’s Mitt would be highly intelligent, which is just about the opposite of ignorance. The glove is made of super skin leather, which is twice as strong as regular cowhide and any catcher will appreciate the extra support when a 95 MPH fastball is zipping to the plate. Those who have bought the glove report that it is not very difficult to break in, although the do recommend applying some oil to it.

Wilson A2403 PUDGE Pro Stock Pudge 32.5 Inch Baseball Catcher’s Mitt $200 to $250
Much more than any other player on a baseball diamond, the catcher relies heavily on his equipment. Even if you are not in the Major Leagues, catching 100 MPH heat, you want the kind of glove that will protect you from the 80 MPH fastballs that can still cause quite a sting. The Wilson A2403 PUDGE Pro Stock 32.5 Inch Baseball Catcher’s mitt cost a pretty penny but should give you peace of mind. If it’s good enough Pudge — who would be feature Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez — this glove featuring premium steer-hide and an extended web palm should be good enough for you.

Wilson A800 2800 Game Ready Soft Fit First Baseman’s Throw Baseball Mitt (12-Inch) $50 to $100
Like the catcher, the first baseman needs a little extra padding to handle some pretty fast moving baseball. Thanks 2X palm construction with exclusive Ecco level, the Wilson A800 2800 Game Ready Soft Fit First baseman’s glove offers up this protection. The low profile heel also makes it more flexible so you can open the palm as much as possible and give your field a larger target. The mitt gets gets strong reviews from most who have purchased it, but owners do warn that there will be a breaking in period. While the mitt is certainly good enough for game use, it is also recommended for anybody who is training a youngster with a strong arm.

Wilson A800 1799 Game Ready Soft Fit Outfielder’s Throw Baseball Glove (12.5-Inch) $50 to $100
The key to a good outfielders glove is the size. While infielders need smaller gloves because there is a premium on how fast they can reach into the pocket of the glove, grip the ball, and rip it to first base, that transfer isn’t as a big of a deal for those who play in right field, center field or left field. Instead they need a larger glove to give the ball a bigger landing area and protect them from the dreaded drop fly ball. A little extra length also helps an outfielder when he is diving in for a line drive. A 12.5 inches the Wilson A800 1799 fits the bill as an outfielder’s glove.

Wilson Dura-Pro Batting Gloves Junior $12
Gloves aren’t just for fielding. Most players also use gloves when they came to the plate. These batting gloves help the player grip the bat and protect the the hands for any vibrations or splinting caused upon contact. The Wilson Dura-Pro Batting glove is designed for junior players. But it’s never too early for a good grip and hand protection. The gloves feature a nylon stretch back, for comfort, and leather in the front.

Mizuno is Japanese sporting goods company founded in 1906 which is known for its high quality baseball gloves. Major League players who use Mizuno baseball gloves include Matt Cain, Corey Hart, Todd Helton, Jimmy Rollins, Brian McCann, Ian Kinsler, Travis Hafner, Zach Duke, Alfonso Soriano, Choo Shin-Soo, Juan Pierre, Scott Rolen, Victor Martinez and Andrew McCutchen.

Mizuno also sells many gloves to amateur players in the United States. You can purchase a Mizuno baseball glove on the Mizuno baseball webpage, however you can often find them for cheaper on either retail web sites like Amazon or at your local sport goods store. We’ve listed five popular models of Mizuno baseball gloves that you might want to think about purchasing if you are in the market for a new mitt. Check them out below.

Mizuno Prospect Series GPP1002 Youth Baseball Mitt $25 to $30
Think of the Mizuno Prospect Series Youth Mitt as a starter glove. At ten inches, it’s the perfect size for t-baller and its V-flex notch is specially designed to initiate closure and then Mizuno’s Power Close technology makes it easier for a tiny hand to maintain a grip on the ball. The mitt features sidebar design, which helps to secure the hand and a parashock pad that reduces the ball’s sting. This is a glove with training wheels. And at only about 25 bucks you’re not going to be taking much of financial hit when your little slugger grows out of his starter glove and needs a more grown up version.

Mizuno GFN1153 Franchise 11.5 Inch Baseball Glove $50 to $75
Some eight to ten year olds are ready for a full-sized glove. And the Mizuno Franchise 11.5 inch glove is the perfect glove to buy for that young infielder who is ready for the same size gove as his big league heros. The adjust-a-size wrist closure of the franchise will make sure this mitt fits less-than full-sized hands and its comfortable hand based pattern won’t put too much stress on still-growing palms. The glove features a deep 3 web and hi-low lacing. It’s been called a “perfect glove for Little Leaguers,” by those who have bought it, and its also been praised for its durability and ease of breaking in.

Mizuno World Win GXF75 Baseball First Baseman’s Mitt $60 to $85
A first baseman’s mitt is technically a mitt rather than a glove because it lacks finger channels — like a mitten. The Mizuno World Win GXF75 is an economically priced first baseman’s “mitt” that has special retro leather, which makes it extra comfortable and easy to break in. It also features a Para Palm shock pad, which will come in handy when the shortstop whips one over on a slow roller. The 12.5 inch mitt is available left handed or right handed and verified purchasers of the World Win GXF75 report that it is as “game ready” as Mizuno says in their promotional material and requires little in any breaking in.

Mizuno GGE51 Global Elite Baseball Fielder’s Mitt $200
This 11.75 glove for infielders and pitchers is counterbalanced, so it removes weight from the fingers and distributes it throughout the glove. It also features ultra-light E-light leather and a tartan shock web. The mitt’s roll-welting further eases the burden of the fingers and makes every spec of the glove work for you. According to Mizuno it’s softest and lightest glove they have ever made. While it may take a bit of time to break this mitt in and take advantage of its willowy softness, those who have purchased the glove say it’s well worth the wait.

Mizuno Pro Limited Edition GMP500 Infield Glove $500
You can list former MVP Jimmy Rollins among the big league middle infielders who use the Mizuno Pro Limited Edition GMP500 Infield Glove. The glove features Speed Drive technology, which means the mitt is perfectly balanced to pro specs. It’s made from Deguchi Kip Leather, which is among the finest in the world, and the 11.75 inch glove has shika palm liner for the ultimate in softness in feel. The glove is eligible for Mizuno off-season conditioning program, meaning you can send the glove into to Mizuno and the will re-lace, re-web or re-oil if for free. Yes, half a grand is a lot to pay for a glove, but this isn’t just any glove.

There are many, many baseball gloves available on the market. They come in different sizes and shapes and colors. There are infielder gloves, outfielder gloves, catcher’s mitts, first baseman mitts and even gloves for pitchers. There are youth gloves and adult gloves, and that doesn’t even get into all the different kinds of gloves out there that are for softball, men’s and women’s.

With such a wide selection of gloves, why would anybody want a custom baseball glove? Well, maybe the question should be why would anybody want a custom suit, with all the different shapes and styles of suits on the rack at your local department store.

In both cases, the answer is the same. There are some among us who are willing to pay a premium for an item so is tailored to their exact specifications. They’ve worked hard for their money and when they step on the baseball diamond they want a glove that fits, well, like a glove.

Or maybe they are the super competitive type, like the swimming who will shave all of their body hair in hopes that that tiny little aerodynamic edge will make the difference.

The point is we shouldn’t judge people who go the custom route for their baseball mitts. Instead we should try to understand what goes into the customization process. Through this understanding you might even realize you are the kind of person who would buy a custom baseball glove!

When you customize a glove you get to choose the the color and the type of leather the glove is made out of. It is also up to you to chose among many web-styles and also the pattern style of the fingers.

Did you always want a light tan glove with dark brown stitching? Do you want the palm of your glove to be orange, the web of your glove to be red and the fingers of your glove to be green? Yes that sounds crazy and sort of gross but you can make that happen when you customize your glove.

During the customization process, you chose the glove’s welting as well as its back style. If you want a velcro strap on the back, you can have a velcro strap on the back. Most big glove companies, like Wilson and Mizuno, give you the option to customize your glove and offer up just about all of their models for customization. Glovesmith is a smaller glove company that is known for their excellent customizations. Worth, Rawlings and SSK or more glove outfits that often have their mitts customized.

Googling the company’s glove you want customized and then the word “custom” should get you to where you need to go to start the process. A custom glove will run between $200 and $400 with the price ultimately determined by what model you chose and the specifications you make. Expect four to eight weeks for the delivery of a custom glove.

Do you think Major Leaguers just buy their gloves as is? No, Big League players have their mitts customized. Now that you understanding what goes into this process, is glove customization something for you?.

Baseball Warehouse is an online retailer and one stop shop for all of your baseball needs. Baseball Warehouse offers baseball bats, wood baseball bats, baseball gloves, baseball bags, batting helmets, catcher’s gear, custom colors, pitching machines, baseball training aids, baseball clothes, baseball accessories, protective equipment, sunglasses and even umpire gear.

Based out of Columbus, Ohio, Baseball Warehouse has been selling online since the company’s founding in 1996. Because they only sell baseball goods their customer service staff is especially in tune to the needs of the hardball player. They also boast exclusive deals to buy direct from manufacturers like Easton, Rawlings, Under Armour, Minuzzo, Wilson and Louisville Slugger. This, they argue, allows them to offer customers the best price and widest selection possible. On their website, Baseball Warehouse advertises their prices as “up to 50 percent off of MSRP.” (Manufacturer’s suggested retail price.)

On top of that, Baseball Warehouse often runs promotion in which a further 10 or 20 percent are discounted. Before purchasing a good from Baseball Warehouse make sure you Google “Baseball Warehouse Promo code” or “Baseball Warehouse discount” to see if you can find additional savings online. (This is good advice for any of your online purchases.)

Baseball Warehouse accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and Paypal.

While it doesn’t take a lot of tech savvy to order from their site, Baseball Warehouse also has customer service representatives that can take your order over the phone Monday through Friday between 10 AM and 7 PM Eastern Time. For those who don’t want their orders tracked through the phone or the internet for some reason, Baseball Warehouse features a printable order form that can be mailed in. Through this method you can also pay by check or money order. Baseball Warehouse does not accept cash.

Baseball Warehouse offers a 30 day “no sweat” guarantee which buyers can return any product that doesn’t meet their satisfaction for a “full” refund and return shipping. There is a 20 percent restocking fee for returned items but it is waived if you take the refund in store credit. You don’t have to use store credit immediately.

Baseball Warehouse offers free ground shipping on orders over $99 and all orders received by 3 PM EST standing time are shipped within one business day. Orders can be tracked through the website’s online fulfillment center.

Among the competitors to Baseball Warehouse would be other online baseball specialty sites such as Baseball Express, Baseball Savings and Better Baseball. Using Google or any other search engine to search “baseball equipment” should expose you to new online baseball specialty sites which may have sprung up since this article was written.

You could also opt to buy your equipment directly from the manufacturer’s website. Another alternative to Baseball Warehouse would be to make use of the baseball section of your local sporting good store. Amazon also has a very large selection of baseball equipment and apparel and would be considered a competitor of Baseball Warehouse.