Infield vs Outfield Gloves: What Are Major Differences?

Aside from bats, baseball has other vital equipment to help players fulfill their roles in the game.

Baseball gloves would initially seem to be all the same. Still, they have lots of different features depending on the position you need! Finding the right kind of glove

Here is a quick table comparing infield vs outfield gloves:

What is a Baseball Glove?

A baseball glove, sometimes called the mitt, is equipment baseball players wear. The defending players need this large glove to help them catch balls they receive from the batter or a fellow teammate.

The common material used in making baseball gloves is leather, but many options are available for recreational baseball players.

Moreover, the throwing hand of the player does not have a glove. The right-handed player would only need a baseball glove on their left hand and vice versa.

The infielders and outfielders play different roles in any baseball game.

• Infielders are tasked to catch batted balls in the infield and tag a base or a runner. Therefore, their glove is designed to quickly transfer and release the ball.
• On the other hand, outfielders prevent home runs and catch fly balls. So an outfielder Outfield Glove vs. Infield Glove: The Difference

So, the glove for infield and outfield has some variations due to the distinction between their roles.

A prominent difference between infield glove vs. outfield glove is the size and pocket depth:

• The outfielders are tasked to chase and catch fly balls and need a suitable glove to succeed.

There are differences in baseball glove size by position. Outfielders’ glove sizes are larger because they are designed to have extra reach. The longer the reach provided by the glove, the better chance the outfielder will make a successful catch.

On average, the size of outfield glove is 12.5″ to 12.75″ for adult players. Longer outfield gloves are available for fastpitch and slowpitch users. These can reach up to 14 inches.

• For infielders, their role revolves on quickly transitioning between catching a ball and throwing it back to their baserunners. These players would surely not benefit from the massive gloves designed for outfielders.

Compared to the MLB outfield glove size, infielder gloves are shorter. The usual length of adult infielder gloves is 11 to 12 inches.

Aside from the size, the pocket depth of outfield gloves is deeper because this will prevent the ball from bouncing away from the glove once caught. An outfielder will have an easier time maintaining possession of the ball.

Moreover, the depth of the pocket of infielder gloves is shallower.

The combination of these designs gives them a lighter and smaller glove that allows easy access to a ball, so they can throw it as fast as possible after catching it.

There are also differences on the back side of the outfielder gloves. Many used outfielder’s gloves have a closed back and rigid wrist support. However, some athletes choose these features depending on their personal preferences.

• Two common variations of the outfielder gloves are the H-web baseball glove and the Rawlings baseball gloves.

The H-web baseball glove has posts that look like the letter “H.” Two vertical posts and one horizontal posts make an opening in the web that allows players to see through the glove when they catch a ball.

Wilson is a famous H-web glove brand that you can check out. On the other hand, the Rawlings gloves have a six-finger design with a solid pocket. This design looks like it has extensive webbing that some outfielders would prefer.

• The webbings of infielder gloves are looser than that of outfielders. Infielders usually skidded and slid on the ground to catch balls, and the looser webbings helped prevent too much dirt accumulation.

These are differences in glove web for outfield glove, but players are free to choose whichever they find more comfortable and useful.

Pros and Cons of Having the Correct Baseball Glove

The size, pocket depth, and back designs are the usual baseball glove differences. Each type of glove is designed to suit the role of the player.

• A major pro of having the correct baseball glove is that it helps carry out your position for the team.
• An appropriate baseball glove for a role helps make each catch and maneuver more successful.
• Furthermore, it can help prevent injuries from catching speeding balls as it offers protection.

On the contrary, a con that some might say is that playing different roles for a team would entail more expenses for each glove.

A good quality baseball glove would surely be a worthy investment for players with a passion for baseball!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use an outfield glove for infield?

The difference in the configuration of the infield and outfield glove would entail difficulty switching the two.

Given the differences in the type of balls caught and the roles of these fielders, they may only be successful in their positions if they have the appropriate glove.

Hence, using an outfield glove for infield is not recommended.

Should I get an infield glove for the outfield?

Similarly, using an infield glove for playing in the outfield is not recommended. An infield glove’s pocket depth, size, and webbings would make it difficult to catch the long fly balls on the outfield.

What size glove do MLB outfielders use?

The glove size for MLB outfielders is between 12.5″ to 12.75″, as these are the standard sizes for adult athletes. It offers a range because the fit of gloves depends on which size fits best a particular athlete.

What is the design of a first base glove?

Part of the infield position is the first base. The first baseman usually has a lot of work for the game. They get to catch faster balls. Because of the velocity of the balls they encounter, the first baseman usually uses a larger and more padded glove.

Conclusion

Gloves used in baseball are an extension of the player’s hands. With these, they can perform their duties and help their team get closer to victory.

Infield vs outfield gloves have numerous differences that are important in carrying out their roles for the team.

Outfield gloves are larger, have deeper pocket depth, are more rigid, and have webbings. Some even have rigid wrist support for maximum player comfort.

On the other hand, infielder gloves are smaller with shallower pocket depth for easier transition between catching and throwing the ball.

Hopefully, you can buy the most appropriate glove for your key role for your team!

Andrew Coatess

A powerful swing and the ball is flying across the field, just one hit, and we might never forget the thrill it brings. I do not know about you, but I never do. Every baseball game is the chance to compete with others and cooperate with your teammate. It is among my biggest passions.