The Best Infield Gloves for Stability, Quick Reception & Ball Return

Why spot the best infield gloves? Can’t you use any baseball gloves in the market? The answer is a solid no! Baseball gloves come in various types, designs, and configurations to accommodate diverse positions and their corresponding needs in the field.

Their name suggests that the infield gloves serve players in the infielder position. Thus, any kind of baseball glove would not be able to deliver to such a specific position in baseball. The infielder position, first and foremost, demands agility, flexibility, and a certain degree of lightness from the players.

Understandably, these fundamental characteristics in the baseball position determine, more or less, the kind of baseball glove to wear, hence the creation of the infielder’s glove.

With the above idea in mind, let us now delve into the criteria expected of the infield gloves. These criteria, which also serve as the top three qualities of the top-rated infield baseball gloves, can ultimately guide you in picking your right infield baseball glove.

Four players are in the infield positions: the shortstop, the third baseman, the second baseman, and the first baseman. Each player juggles specific skills to get through the game and eventually score. Different as they are, these player roles share a commonality: they move a lot throughout the game.

With these qualities and positions in mind, in addition to the product review and buying guide below, you can be confident in buying your perfect glove for the upcoming game.

Best Infield Baseball Glove Reviews

1. Rawlings Sandlot Baseball Gloves

Fortunately, after much research, I had stumbled upon these good infield gloves by Rawlings for my next season’s games. Actually, a friend of mine introduced me to a newly-released catcher’s mitt by the famous brand.

This mitt was bigger than the usual catcher’s mitt, but it certainly had a well-placed and shallow pocket. The leather was fine. Although it has some folds when squeezed, it responds well when treated with some leather glove conditioner.

The mitt proved to be highly secure, responsive, and super comfortable with its leather quality. Furthermore, its thick zero-shock palm padded thumb sleeve reduces injury upon first wear by adding comfort through the finger back lining. The padded finger back lining adds to the overall comfort of the piece.

The mitt sizes up to 11 3/4 inches. It should fit adults with average-sized hands and are throwing by the right hand. But even kids aged 8-12 can get to wear it too. So I would give it a 10/10 for fit.

Compared to other Rawlings signatures like, for instance, the R9, the Sandlot has a more full-grained oily-leather sheen. But given that, the Sandlot is not as durable as the R9.

 Heads-up:  The only slight problem with this infield glove is that it takes some time to break in.

 Pros:   Cons:  Bottom Line:  This Rawlings infield glove possesses all the suitable forms and shapes to sustain itself as the top baseball glovesor for youth and adult catchers!

2. Wilson A2000 Infield Gloves

Two main things that attract me most about the Wilson A2000 infield gloves are their iconic pro stock leather and webbing design! In short, this product carries with it the iconic Wilson standard!

My fifteen-year-old teen, a rookie infielder on his team, experienced this good infield glove standard firsthand. Compared to the A1000 series, the Wilson a2000 is best suited for mature, big-sized, and pro-infield baseball players.

Based on my son’s experience, the leather allows for fast and extended movement without slightly creasing. We can apply conditioner oil on its surface along the leather’s grain to get a great feel. The pro stock leather material makes the glove a rigid, durable material. On the side, the feel also gets to earn an unmatched quality.

Like most Wilson A2000 gloves, this glove may lack a superior pocket placement. However, it also makes up for that with a duel-welding design patterned and its finger back. This design allows for stability, quick reception, and ball return. Nevertheless, it adds protection to the finger.

The Wilson A2000 infield glove stays ahead of the game due to its 11.75-inches size that is not limited to an adult demographic such that it includes 10-11u kids. My son, who is basically in transition, felt no single trouble upon wearing it.

The product is designed for abuse. Right-handed infielders can benefit significantly from its shape and webbing design intended for fast traffic necessary for fielding performance. Add in the fact that it has rapid break-in quality.

 Heads-up:  My son thinks its hand orientation is not well-established, so it confuses him at times whether he is going for a left or right hand.

 Pros:   Cons:  Bottom Line:  The Wilson A2000 infield glove boasts a pro stock leather material that maintains its good shape and rugged durability.

3. Franklin Sports CTZ5000 Infield Gloves

My son loved this game-ready glove that exudes comfort, security, and firmness. These youth infield gloves by the famous Franklin Sports stand out for their incredible softness.

The softness stays around to keep pressures out. The product’s soft palm lining makes all this pleasure possible. The palm liner also keeps the glove lightweight and flexible.

Its cowhide construction makes for a hard-rock durable gear. Players planning to wear gloves or mitts for extended periods should seriously consider this durable product by the Franklin Sports brand. Remember: cowhide quality is as promising as treated leather.

Another robust quality of the infield glove is its fast break-in property. And these placements exist because of the beautiful integration between the pocket and the basket webbing.

The product ranks as a top choice in terms of design and packaging, thanks to its elegant and professional color choices, stitching quality, and overall shape.

It should fit kids aged twelve years old-up to adults who have a right throwing hand. Infielders like 3B or shortstop fond of hiding balls and returning them fast should find extra help from this glove’s specially-designed I-webbing.

Caution: there is a need to resize the glove’s heel and opening if the wearer has an extra-large hand. While the glove can accommodate the extra size, the heel feels too tight for a fitting.

 Heads-up:  The CTZ5000 H-Web differs from the CTz5000 I web in size and break-in quality. The former features 12.5” and a slower break-in quality. On the other hand, the latter features 11.5” and a faster break-in quality.

 Pros:   Cons:  Bottom Line:  The Franklin’s gloves feature durable construction and soft palm lining, making it one of the top-tier infielder gloves.

4. MacGregor Infield Training Glove

Nothing compares to how the infield baseball gloves by the MacGregor brand enhance physical command and the player’s corresponding skills.

With its “glove to throw” transitions, the MacGregor glove can work at the eleventh hour. When other gloves fail on injured players, this one secures the opposite. The people in our team were in a hold when our injured infielder was finally wearing the eighth glove in a row. The tension was ripe!

MacGregor’s all-leather (treated leather) pancake-style right-hand glove turns out to be a breath of fresh air. Thanks to its ultra-strong and durable leather construction, it moves smoothly with the legwork when making contact with ground balls.

Its smaller pocket makes for a quick return and recovery. In addition, the pocket-size maximizes the strategic functionality of the pancake design. This particular glove feature also makes it a perfect drill option for kids eight years old and above.

The unusual pancake design did not just exist without a very crucial purpose. It exists to keep the glove solid even with swift movements and tight impacts.

 Heads-up:  In the context of this glove, the concept of stiffness shall have to be evaluated on personal experience. One cannot rule out a single opinion on stiffness. But in the context of the infielder, the glove feels a bit too stiff. And, it does not easily yield to a fast break-in.

 Pros:   Cons:  Bottom Line:  The MacGregor brand boasts as the most favorite infield baseball glove that enhances player performance and promises to last for a long time!

5. Rawlings Select PRO Youth Baseball Gloves

Parents looking for the ideal gloves for their traveling kids should be happy with this infielders glove by the Rawlings brand.

I was instantly astounded by the extreme lightness of the material. When I researched the glove, I found that it has palm and index finger padding. The cushioned finger back lining ensures the construction’s durability and holds its shape.

The glove’s 11.5-inches size also promises a pocket quality perfect for fielders- not too big, not too small. Meanwhile, the pocket complements the other construction areas: pro taper fit, i-web leather, and many more.

The pro taper fit in the side, turns the glove into a flexible fit-all wear (particularly for right-throwing hands). The pro taper fit also ensures that the glove is easily broken-in.

This lightweight glove delivers to shortstops, second basemen, and third basemen. My son has been traveling with his team on the interstate, and he is happy with the glove’s bulk.

 Heads-up:  But the product is not at all that perfect. The webbing design can be high-maintenance. The straps tend to loosen over time without regularly (at least once a month) conditioning the web straps. It still does not affect the glove’s overall durability, though.

 Pros:   Cons:  Bottom Line:  Finally, the top-rated baseball glove that is not bulky! The highly-durable Rawlings PRO youth gloves is perfect for traveling kid players. This infielder glove also fits all ages.

6. Wilson A2000 Baseball Glove Series

The Wilson A2000 infield baseball glove is simply superior. It earns a royalty badge in terms of durability, material construction, and pocket size.

The Wilson A2000 glove champions as a responsive mechanism fit for fielding. Its rugged pro stock leather material, spin control mechanism, and well-integrated parts ensure precise actions.

Its flat-finger design provides greater ease and snugness to the fingers extending outside the glove. The looseness between the fingers can no longer intervene in the control with this feature. The same thing applies to the back of the fingers.

All right-handed throwing infielders should benefit from the H-web of the gloves. Furthermore, the gloves come with DriLex wrist adjustments, rolled dual welting, a thin heel pad, and many more, all contributing to its durable materiality.

As I mentioned earlier, the glove’s 11.5″ size can be too small for some players. Thankfully, users can address this over a quick break-in episode. And that is all that!

The Wilson infield gloves differ from the SSK gloves in shape, throw, and leather feel. It has a dimpled pattern for controlling spin; it has a right-handed orientation; it also features a hard, tough, and rugged leather feel and durability.

It has its faults, like the tendency for its stitches to come off (although it is still durable) and to be too small for some hands.

 Heads-up:  The SSK gloves, in comparison, features a dimple sensor technology for gripping, a left-handed orientation, and a soft, flexible, lightweight, and durable leather feel.

 Pros:   Cons:  Bottom Line:  Overall, Wilson’s champion A2000 infielder glove proves that its series holds a bright future in materiality, durability, and overall design!

7. Franklin Sports Infield and Outfield Baseball Gloves

These right-hand throw professional baseball gloves by the Franklin Sports brand are simplistic, straightforward, and rockstar-efficient wears. These particular high-quality gloves, for instance, resemble a fundamental mechanism.

This expensive glove is worth it! The most vital points of the glove include its unmistakably durable pigskin leather material. It already works wonders with just a few oil applications and a quick breaking-in.

Those who are particular about the leather quality in the face of overuse, dust, dirt, moisture, and other factors, will be the glove’s turnabout.

The glove’s trapeze web pocket maximizes the twelve-inch size to a close-fit. But it also makes sure not to keep it too tight for the hand to respond. This pocket placement in the glove justifies the flexibility needed for fielding and even outfield demands.

It is also worthy to point out that the glove is not entirely leather. Its additional shell, apart from the PU layer, is made of synthetic materials. Therefore, it does not stiffen over time, provided that conditioning is maintained regularly. Breaking in the glove takes the shortest time and least effort possible. In addition, it only gets better in time.

 Heads-up:  Meanwhile, its major drawback is its a little tight opening for the hand.

 Pros:   Cons:  Bottom Line:  No other baseball glove brand can equal Franklin Sport infield baseball glove’s marksmanship in the market today. This simplistic wonder serves both infield and outfield demands.

8. Buckler Core Infield Baseball Gloves

These middle infield gloves from the Buckler Core series with good appearance, feel, and efficiency. This model features the perfect shape for infield contexts.

Let us start by talking about its KIP high-quality leather. It has a certain lightness, making the piece flexible for fastball transfers.

Furthermore, I appreciate the extra-thick but comfortable padding on the back of the hand. Padding of this thickness shields the glove from penetrative exposures. At the same time, this great infield glove also protects my hand from getting hurt.

Players can expect a more comprehensive and flatter pocket and an I-web dual welting package for its pocket and webbing designs. These features work together in tandem; they also further improve the product’s break-in ability.

Players throwing with the right hand and preferring a bold black or gray outer tone should seriously consider picking this infield baseball glove.

The glove measures 11.5 inches. Not too bad for my flat hand. The product would have been perfect if not for its awkward thumb dent.

 Heads-up:  It does feel a tad too tight from time to time, but once the wearer begins using it, it loosens up from time to time. My suggestion is to use this infielder glove as frequently as possible. Also, it would be more effective if conditioned regularly.

 Pros:   Cons:  Bottom Line:  The Buckler brand has done it again with this great addition to its infield baseball glove series – superior, hand-crafted, and an absolute pro-preferred glove!

9. Players Brand Pro 9.5-inch Infield Baseball Glove

I bought these baseball gloves for infielders by the Players Brand Pro recently. It is also a new product. So there has to be not much I can say in terms of a long-term truth.

This PBPRO infield glove fits kids as young as nine or even younger. Thus, it comes with a relatively small size of 9.5 inches. Fortunately, even though I am fifteen-year-old, I have tiny hands. I do not know whether I will outgrow this glove, or the other way around. Only time can tell.

I am sure that it features high-quality cowhide leather firmness vital for an infield player. At the first handle, the infield glove, with its elite shape and lacing, exudes an incredible sense of durability. It manages to be flexible despite such solidity.

What I can say about its dynamic funnel is that pocket design and size are optimal! This particular optimal aspect of the glove makes it responsive to high-pressure mobility. Because of that, it does serve up as a great starter or training wear.

In my first few days of experience with it, given its funnel design, I immediately felt a sense of connection, particularly when picking balls up.

 Heads-up:  I have not experienced much negativity with the glove so far. Perhaps, its break-in property may have much to improve. And as I have said earlier, it might be too small for other adult players with normal to larger hands.

 Pros:   Cons:  Bottom Line:  This PBPRO infield baseball glove ranks as promising game-ready wear. I deem it one of the top baseball gloves for youth.

10. Mizuno GGE61VAXBK Infield Glove

Here come the baseball infield gloves by the Mizuno brand that do not require constant oiling! This 11.5-inch right-hand throwing glove features an updated, or should I dare say, slightly enhanced version of the products in the brand, at least in the context of emergency use.

This recent addition marks a particular game-ready performance command for the first time. I only had it broken overnight; it was ready for use the next day! My overall verdict is that it does not feature a genuine full-grain or cowhide leather quality. But it does work wonders at a moment’s use.

In short, players should enjoy it while it lasts. As indicated, the infield glove delivers to eleventh-hour immediacy. So although it may not end up being a long-lasting pro glove, it should come in handy during training, emergency games, and the like.

Let me emphasize that I did not regret, not even once, using it since I knew what it is designed for, and that is what matters. Even its pocket size fits perfectly for infield situations.

However, pro players aiming for rugged, long-term glove performance should prefer non-VOP models in the Global Elite series. Unlike this product featured herein, most of them have steer hide leather.

In its terms, the glove truly delivers with its roll welting feature, T2 web, and a polyurethane patch. Add in also its well-cushioned wrist shape for the best fit.

 Heads-up:  However, speaking of fit, players with extra-large hands may have to reconsider using this model.

 Pros:   Cons:  Bottom Line:  Mizuno gets better and better with its Japanese signature baseball gloves! This latest infield glove model, for instance, is a testament to its responsiveness and efficiency!

11. SSK Z5 Craftsman Infield Baseball Glove

If one thing sets the SSK middle infielder glove apart from the rest, it would be being elite! All infield players- from 1B to SS – in my team proudly use SSK gloves. And it does not to be without reason.

Despite its rather expensive package, the infield glove is affordable, given its superior package. The SSK company takes pride in its materials, heritage, craftsmanship, etc. But what I like so much about their gloves is that they are perfectly tanned and cut.

There is so much to unpack about their gloves. A good match for the SSK glove is the Wilson A2000 glove. Both are alike in terms of pro-eather or cowhide material. And both deliver resilience with 100% success! Both gloves boast top grain leather material- even better than cowhide/leather.

If not for its laces that easily detach and its bottomless pocket, I would say that the product works perfectly. With its Dimple Sensor tech and its Z5 craftsman mark, it does enhance ball gripping.

With a Shokunin-approved leather material control and processing, this 11.5-inch left-hand throwing SSK glove gets better at each use. Thus, breaking it in would prove delightful.

 Heads-up:  Moreover, in terms of comfort and protection, its finger linings possess good shape, padding, and support necessary for absorbing impact and vibration. As far as my players are concerned, it does its job well!

 Pros:   Cons:  Bottom Line:  This SSK infield glove is a glory to see and behold. Durable, premium, and elite, it delivers to professional game-ready needs.

What to Look for When Buying Infield Gloves

In this section, we will be talking about the indicative properties of the most suitable infield gloves for youth and adults.

The infield baseball gloves’ top three criteria are pocket-size, material, and durability. They are highlighted in the beginning section, and they will still reappear in this section for emphasis.

The rest of the properties in this buying guide shall further supplement and revolve around the three main variables of the top-rated infield glove.

Durability

Many factors determine how durable an infield baseball glove is. One main factor that decides the glove’s durability is leather quality. Thus, a glove design without leather, or made mostly of synthetic fabric, might not be able to withstand heavy abuse.

For your informatin, an average baseball glove lasts for at least two years. Above-average products made of professional-grade leather, on the other hand, can last longer.

It is essential to decide on the glove’s purpose: for recreation or travel games. The best, durable gloves are a combination of both.

Palm

The palm is a significant consideration in looking for the top-rated infield gloves baseball. The palm of an infield baseball glove functions jointly with the webbing design to keep the ball gripped in the perfect position. In addition, gloves with reinforced palm pad or double palm construction can protect your hands from possible injuries.

When feeling the palm of the most trusted baseball gloves, see that it positions comfortably with the webbing.

Material

When choosing an infield glove, go for treated or cowhide leather. However, spotting such leather material and construction would prove difficult without knowing its categories.

The types/categories of leather include:

Web Type or Design

The best web types or designs for an infield baseball glove include the post-web, I-web, H-web, and the groundbreaking webbing design by the Mizuno model: the T2 web.

Pocket Size

When spotting the size of the infield baseball glove, one should not rely on figures. Thus, always put on the gloves to get the feel and fit.

As mentioned earlier, infield positions require the fast and easy retrieval of the ball.

A small or shallow pocket size proves to be the best choice!

What Is the Best Size for an Infield Glove

The best size for an infield glove lies between 11.5 to 12 inches. However, each position in the infield posits slightly differing sizes.

The standard glove size for the first baseman settles between 12 ¼”– 12 ¾ inches. The second baseman requires measures between 11 – 11 ½ inches. The third baseman requires 11 ½ – 12-inch size to secure a good feel.

Finally, the shortstop needs 11 ¼ – 11 ¾ inches of baseball glove sizes to pursue the game.

Why Do Infielders Use Smaller Gloves

Infielders use smaller gloves like the Wilson infield baseball gloves to support their speed in catching and transferring balls.

Infielders, particularly middle infielders, navigate the field using speed as an essential ability. However, some baseball gloves affect the ease in catching the ball, especially the bigger ones. The bigger ones have more padding in them.

Although the padding protects the hand from injuries, they also weigh down on the hand. Thus, infield baseball glove designers put less padding without sacrificing protection. They do this by integrating the reinforced palm padding with the webbing’s overall construction.

Also, for this reason, baseball gloves work differently for every position.

Is A2000 Better Than A2K

In the simplest sense, nothing is better between the Wilson A2000 and A2K. But using specific contexts and circumstances, a buyer should be able to determine and spot the more functional pick.

In the context of infield positions, the A2K rules out to be the preferred type since it is lighter and more flexible. It also feels softer than the A2000, a quality necessary for fast-action roles. Given this, the AK2 is easier to break-in. But that does not make A2000 challenging to break in.

Regarding the glove stiffness and durability, the A2000 model champions as the best choice. But in terms of recreational purposes, the AK2 is the most viable.

In terms of affordability, the A2000, despite its pro package, has a surprisingly cheaper rate than the AK2. The AK2 still figures as affordable, though, given its short-time wonders.

In conclusion, players or buyers looking for challenging, inexpensive gloves for long-term use should go for the A2000. But those who are looking for a game-ready recreational, and starter infield baseball glove should go for the AK2!

It all boils down to the reason for using the infield glove.

Where Can I Buy an Infield Glove

There are many stores where one can buy infield gloves. But considering the pandemic, here are top online stores in the world that sell and deliver infield gloves:

And many more.

Or, you can directly make an order at the brand’s website. These top brands include:

Conclusion

As mentioned in our introduction, playing in the infield area requires using the best infield gloves in 2022. Meeting specific needs between the position and the tool is the team’s stepping stone to success.

Spotting the right infield baseball gloves would prove impossible without the top three criteria: durability, material, and pocket size. For further help, the buying guide should define the varied contexts for buying.