12/10/2022
Let’s say your little player is beginning their baseball career in T-ball this spring. You have no idea what glove to get them. I can help and this post will get you pointed in the right direction.
First and foremost, all leather must be broken in. If you do not have experience in this area, my suggestion is have the manufacturer do it at their price. If that price is too high, contact me, or as a final resort, I believe some franchises will do it as well. Do not chance trying a “home remedy”, as the leather may get ruined unintentionally.
I caution against getting gloves steamed or baked. This can cause the laces to become hard and brittle, meaning it was overcooked. The laces will break and internal damage is variable based on leather and materials used in the glove. Essentially, the glove becomes ruined or the safety of the glove is compromised.
Second, break in time varies from less expensive leather used in youth gloves to top grade leather used at the professional levels. Look for key phrases like super, light, quick break in, etc… long story short, lower quality leather means less leather to have to break in. On the flip side, it means the glove is less durable. That balance must always be kept when purchasing the right glove, especially when you factor in the change in velocity year after year until the player hits HS. This is where most buyers get mixed up with the glove options/names.
Third, if you try to decide age-appropriateness based on size, it will leave you feeling confused. The size of the glove is more closely related to the position your child plays. Web type is also closely related to position. The idea is that the web type always or restricts visibility if you need to see through it. The IWeb is used in the infield and is easier to see through than the modified trapeze that should be used in the outfield. Your outfielder gloves are typically an inch to an inch and half larger than your infielder gloves.
Fourth, everything is based on your player’s primary field positions. The two gloves below are a perfect combination of infield and outfield for a 5yr old to 7yr old baseball player. The modified trapeze also restricts the view of the ball in the pocket, which means it can be used as a pitcher’s glove. These gloves will cover you for at least two years. That two year turnaround time generally matches their growing years. It is best to financially plan on swapping out gloves every two years. Keep in mind, break in time is usually 1-2 seasons based on use and leather quality.
Finally, we get back to the leather. The gloves below are made by a company called Shoeless Joe. They are produced in Mexico with a to***co tanning process. They are also the first company to have game ready gloves right from the box. They use 100% leather on their gloves and the company gives all credit to their tanning and break in processes. I have worked on a couple older models and they hold up well past the two years needed. Meaning, these gloves can be passed down or paid forward to the next owner.
So that is what I’m going to do now: pay it forward to the next owner. Both of these gloves have the same last name written on them, so if you are okay with that, I will sell them to you for what I paid!
Both gloves are in great shape and I can tighten the wrist straps to the size/s needed. For two gloves your price is $50 total.
Msg me if you are interested. Right now I’m selling this item locally only.
Happy Holidays, Everyone!
