Now that the baseball season is almost ending, it is quite normal for you to be craving to try those new techniques that they’ve been showing since April.
And just because the season is over, it doesn’t mean that you can’t indulge in some off-season playing. In fact, it is one of the best things that we baseball fans can do in-between leagues. Practice makes one perfect after all, right?
Whether you’re a baseball fan or a softball enthusiast, it is always crucial to wear protective gear including during recreational matches. Wearing gloves does not just safeguard your hands, but it can also improve your catching drastically.
Thus we have reviewed some of the best first base mitts in the market to help you pick the glove that suits you the best.
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Best First Base Mitts Reviews
Here’s our take on the most popular first baseman gloves. We have tried and tested some of the best mitts that are currently available in the market.
1. Franklin Sports Baseball and Softball Glove
If you’re looking for a versatile option that will last for a long time, then you can give the Franklin Sports Glove a try.
The synthetic leather gives good protection without restricting your movements. The hand formed pocket ensures great scoops and catches for first basemen and catchers.
The glove is semi field ready so you don’t have to wait a long time for it to be broken in. Give it a couple of weeks and it will be good to go.
We love that the glove sports not just a high quality leather but also a military grade stitch. If you’re buying this for your robust teen, and are looking for something that will hold on, then you can go for this glove any day.
Additionally, the mitt comes with a contour fit system that can be customized to fit the hands of players of all ages snugly. Even people with larger than average hands can comfortably fit these gloves after the stitches relax.
Most Liked Features
If you want a durable glove without blowing your budget, then this mitt will be a hit for you. You will surely get a great value for price with this one!
Probable Drawback
Since the glove is made of synthetic leather, it might be a little stiff and difficult to close. But it will get softer as you play.
Key Features
- Size: 12.5 inches
- Made of Polyvinyl Chloride (synthetic leather)
- Available in black and tan color
- Can be used for baseball, softball and teeball
- Comes semi field ready
2. Rawlings | Renegade Glove Series | Baseball/Slowpitch Softball
If you know about baseball, then you’ve surely heard of Rawlings. The brand is known for manufacturing some of the best softball first mitts with quality leather at an affordable cost.
The glove features a deep flexible pocket which makes catching a lot easier. Additionally, the palm and index finger pads have a high-density cushion. So if you want to play catch at your leisure, this gives a great deal of protection without being overbearing.
In fact we have found this to be the ideal glove for recreational baseball or softball. Especially for first basemen who want to casually practice.
Despite its dimensions, this glove caters to people with small and big hands alike. It features a padded Velcro wrist strap so the wearer can customize its fit. People of all sizes and all ages can comfortably use this.
As any good genuine leather glove, this needs some time to be broken in. But thankfully the glove comes semi ready, so you only need to give it a few weeks and you’ll be ready to hit the field with it.
Most Liked Features
It is common knowledge that the better the quality of leather, the more it’ll cost. But Rawlings Renegade has remained true to its nature, and created a glove whose combination of quality and price is hard to beat.
Probable Drawback
The glove has a small cutout for the palm hinge. Hence, the hinge is not suitable for everyone.
Key Features
- Size: 12.5 inches
- Made of Genuine Leather
- Available in black color
- Can be used for baseball and softball
- Comes field ready
3. Rawlings | Sandlot Baseball Glove Series
Here we have another base mitt from Rawlings. This is a first baseman glove from their Sandlot Series.
The mitt is made of genuine full-grain, oiled leather and comes 90% broken in from the factory. It is soft and flexible enough to be used right away. The H-web lets any dirt fall through the webbing but effectively catches fast or hard-hit balls.
Even though it says that it is for youths in the packaging, the glove is of a comfortable size for teens and average-sized adults. Especially if they want to play as occasional first baseman and catchers.
You are sure to enjoy the classic quality of Rawlings leather which is combined with remarkable usability. It is perfect for beginners and recreational players. However, some of our coaches love to use the Sandlot glove as their go-to mitt while training.
Its playability is unlike any other budget mitts. We have found that its execution is a lot like the high-end gloves that cost well over a hundred dollars. Yet, it comes at an extremely reasonable price.
Most Liked Features
The padded back lining makes it comfortable and ideal for catching in recreational and official games. Besides, the sturdy and plush zero shock palm padding provides superior protection and playability.
Probable Drawback
The specific dimensions of the mitt make it exclusively usable by catchers only.
Key Features
- Size: 12.5 inches
- Made of Genuine Full-Grain Leather
- Has an H-webbing
- Ideal for infielders
- Comes field ready
4. Wilson A2000 Baseball Glove Series
The company, Wilson is a household name for manufacturing remarkable sports equipment. For years, they have been easily one of the best first base mitt producers in the market.
Wilson is popular for never compromising with quality. Their expertise and standard is hard to beat. The A2000 first base gloves are an iconic series of mitts that made this brand such a fan favorites in the industry.
Firstly, the first baseman glove features a dual post web pattern which is also known as the I-Web. Additionally, it boasts a flat finger binding with double lacing which gives optimal comfort, protection, and usability.
The pocket is shallow for the accurate scoop and quick transfers. Hence, this beauty is loved by the infielders of our team. Especially the catchers and first basemen.
The unique feel and durability of the glove is ideal for teens and adults. Before you know it, you will be catching upper 80’ on the regular with this one.
Most Liked Feature
The glove is made of American Pro Stock Steerhide Leather which is one of the best choices for mitts due to its pleasant feel and longevity. This is one of the few gloves that we feel is worth every penny it costs.
Possible Drawbacks
Since the glove is made of genuine leather, it does not come game ready. You need to spend some time to break it in.
Key Features
- Size: 12.5 inches
- Made of Pro Stock Steerhide Leather
- Has an I-Webbing
- Available in black and tan color
- Does not come field ready
5. Mizuno MVP Prime Baseball Glove Series
Mizuno is a Japanese sports equipment company that was formed in 1906. They are well known for manufacturing quality supplies and sportswear around the world.
The MVP Prime Baseball Glove Series includes some of the best mitts that cost under $100. They are loved for providing exceptional value for price. Hence, their gears are loved by experts and beginners alike.
The 1250 size accommodates average and larger than average adult hands. The MVP Prime Series is for recreational use but it features the same sturdy lace as the brand’s professional-level series.
So you can use the durable glove without holding yourself back.
Similarly, the mitt is produced from high-end leather with an ideal combination of oil and softness. The center pocket under the index finger allows a quick and easy break-in. Thus, this glove comes almost ready to play out of the package.
Also, we love that the glove is not just easy to control but it’s also equally easy on the eyes. The rich and deep black cherry color will surely turn some heads when you step on the field wearing this.
Most Liked Features
The unique feel and function of this mitt is the same as any high-end glove but, at a much lower price. The firm control will make you feel like a professional on the field.
Key Features
- Size: 12.5 inches
- Professional Style Leather
- Available in black cherry color
- Can be used for baseball (infielders and outfielders) and softball
- Comes game ready
Things to Consider Before Buying First Base Mitt
There are a variety of gears available in the market currently. Some of them may be the best fast pitch softball first mitt or the best first baseman glove. But with the multitude of options the process of choosing your ideal glove can be daunting.
Hence, we have narrowed down some specific matters that are extremely important and must be considered before buying a base mitt.
Stiffness and break-in time
Usually, people tend to prefer a ready-to-play or an easy-to-break glove because they seem convenient. However, if a glove breaks way too quickly, it means that it will not last for long.
The break-in time vastly depends on the leather material. Synthetic or pigskin leather can be broken in a few hours. Hence, they are ideal for an emergency match.
Also, they are comparatively cheaper and easy to replace. So, young or new players should go for soft and easy-to-break leather.
On the other hand, natural leather may take up to a few months to be completely broken in. They are also quite expensive as they are more durable. So, committed or professional players should go for a natural premium quality leather such as full-grain or Steerhide. Checking the thin work gloves will be helpful as well.
Glove vs. Mitt
Both “glove” and “mitt” are interchangeable terms used in baseball. But there is a significant difference among them. The main difference is that gloves have fingers while mitts don’t.
For young players usage of both is permissible as they are playing to gain experience and may play in different positions. The same goes for recreational matches as well.
But in professional tournaments only the first baseman and catcher are allowed to wear mitts. Besides, the catcher’s and baseman’s mitts are designed with extra padding to protect the hands of the players.
Sizing
If you look carefully at the mitts of all the players in a professional game, you may notice that the first mitts are longer than other infielders’ gloves. This happens because the first baseman mitt is designed to offer a bigger target for other infielders.
You need to look for a mitt between 12 to 13 inches long with a deep pocket for constant fielding and catching. For more suggestions, you can read about touch screen work gloves.
Webbing
Specific web designs are made to cater to infielders and outfielders. As a first baseman, you have to look for an open web design such as an I-Web or H-Web.
The open webbing creates a wide circumference that makes catching a lot easier. It also allows the debris and dirt to fall through the mitt while you are digging on a low throw. Hence, it keeps your mitt free of dirt and in tip-top condition.
Leather
We always recommend going for a good quality leather material. The leather should give you enough strength AND stiffness to make multiple catches. But it has to be pliable enough to dig the ball out of the dirt or field a ground ball.
Not all expensive leather equals optimal execution. You should choose one that suits your needs and budget.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
1. Can catcher and first baseman use the same mitt?
Yes, they can.
Mitts are designed to scoop ground balls and make short hops. They can also control the ball better if it does not hit the center pocket. So it is ideal for both catchers and first baseman.
2. Do I have to use specific gloves for specific positions?
Yes, you do.
For professional and more competitive games, it is important to wear gloves that are designed exclusively for that position. It is essential for the playability and safety of the player.
3. Is vegan leather better?
No, it’s not.
Vegan leather refers to artificial or synthetic leather. They are softer than genuine leather and have a shorter break in period. They are less expensive too.
But if you want a mitt for a long term use, they should not be your choice because they are not durable and become floppy very quickly.
4. Which is the ideal mitt for beginners?
Synthetic leathers.
They are softer so they are great for rookies and young players. Since they are cheap, you can easily replace them once your young one grows out of it.
5. Why are natural leather mitts so expensive?
Premium or professional mitts are usually made of natural leather. They provide better feel, protection, craftsmanship and longevity.
Some of the best first base mitt for baseball is made of natural leather such as Steerhide, full-grain, Taguchi or Kip. Professional or committed players usually go for these.
Final Words
As a first baseman, you are one of the most involved players on the field. So, finding the right mitt is crucial. Hence, we hope that going through this list of some of the best first base mitts helps you find your desired sports gear.
Once you find the right mitt, you will be ready to unleash your inner Lou Gehrig on the field.
