Nothing beats the smell of a new glove — but buying the wrong one can turn a rookie season into a struggle. Here is how our coaches guide families through the first purchase.
Fit first. A junior player should be able to squeeze the glove closed with one hand. For ages 5–8, look for 9.5 to 10.5 inches; ages 9–12 usually need 10.5 to 11.5 inches. If your player cannot close it in the store, it is too big.
Soft beats stiff. Youth-specific gloves use softer leather that breaks in within days, not months. An adult glove at a bargain price is no bargain if your child cannot close it until July.
Break it in right. Play catch. That is 90% of it. A little conditioner, a ball wrapped in the pocket overnight, and two weeks of catch will do more than any oven or steam treatment.
Still unsure? Bring your player to the field office any weeknight and a coach will size them up in five minutes — free, no appointment needed.