Little League baseball is one of the most exciting times in a youngster’s childhood, and having the right baseball glove can make that experience better or worse. There are few pieces of baseball equipment that are more vital to your Little Leaguer’s success than the right baseball glove. Here are some tips to consider when you go purchase that first ball glove:
1. Resist the urge to base the size on “what they will need later” even though the cost is fairly high. A small baseball glove will be a whole lot less than a large one, but their is a good chance that in a couple of years you will have to buy the bigger one. Many parents buy the larger one right up front but this is a mistake. The young baseball player needs a glove that fits correctly to get the nuances and hand/eye coordination that he will need for the future. Get the one that fits.
2. Always have the child try on the glove before taking it home. Many sporting goods stores will not accept returns on baseball equipment because of the used factor. Once it leaves the store, it is considered used in most cases.
3. Always try the glove with a batting glove on. Many coaches and parents will have the child wear batting gloves (recommended) to help protect their hands. This can drastically alter the size of baseball glove that the child may need. Give them a test with and without the batting glove.
4. If the child is to be playing soon, make sure you buy a glove that is already broken in. The old stiff baseball gloves are a nightmare to play a game with, and the child will likely have serious problems with a stiff glove. You do not want his first experience with the game to be ruined because of ill fitting sports equipment.
5. Consider the position your child is likely to play. While they have specific gloves for first basemen and catchers, usually just a standard issue baseball glove is just fine to start out with. If you know they are going to play hind catcher, however, you will need to buy a catcher’s mitt instead. No way will a catcher be able to work with a standard baseball glove.
6. Have your child practice with their new glove at home with you for a while before sending him out on the practice or playing field. A new glove is an adjustment for young players, and you can control the speed and difficulty of thrown balls out in the front yard. His fellow little leaguers will probably not afford them the same kindness.
Though a Little Leaguer will not love the game of baseball based only on sports apparel or equipment, picking the right ones can surely make the game more fun. Having the wrong equipment of sizes can certainly contribute to him not liking a particular sport. Grab a baseball glove that fits him just right, and give him a sporting chance!
