5 Tips for Choosing the Right T-Ball Glove for Your Child
Choosing a t-ball glove for your child is an important step in your child’s learning of the game of baseball. Gloves must be comfortable, fit properly (not too snug, not too loose) and be durable enough to withstand regular use during the season. To help you make the right choice, we’ve compiled a list of five tips to consider when choosing the right t-ball glove for your child.
5 Tips for Choosing the Right T-ball Glove for Your Child
1. Choose a T-Ball Glove That’s Durable
T-ball gloves are commonly made from leather, vinyl or a leather-vinyl composite. Vinyl gloves are the most cost-effective, and they generally last for a season or two. Vinyl gloves, though, are often designed for limited use, and they may be more difficult to break in. This can make it harder for your child to close the glove for a catch. Leather gloves, on the other hand, are more durable, and they generally last two seasons or more. Franklin’s 9.5” re-engineered teeball Meshtek Series glove offers a fun and light-weight solution for the first-time player. Rawlings Player Series T-Ball Pattern, Left Hand Throw, 9-Inch is also a great option for t-ball players.
2. Properly Size the Glove For Young T-Ball Players
T-ball and baseball gloves are measured from the heel of the glove (just below the palm) to the top of the glove (just above the index finger). Gloves range in size from 8 to 15 inches. T-ball gloves are typically at the lower end of the size spectrum, from about 8 to 9.5 inches. For first-time buyers, trying on a few different gloves is one of the best options for getting the right fit. Look for a glove that’s not too tight around the wrist, that fits the entire palm of the hand, and that allows the fingers to move around comfortably. When choosing the right t-ball glove, be sure to have the player squeeze it a few times to ensure he or she can close it. New leather gloves need to be worked in again and again. Wilson has a variety of gloves like the Wilson A200 TeeBall Glove, Brown/Black/White, 9.5-Inch for young baseball players.
3. Don’t Purchase a Glove That’s Too Big For Your Child
For parents of kids who plan to continue on to baseball or softball, there’s often a temptation to purchase a larger glove that your child can grow into over a season or two. Buying a glove that’s two or three inches too big is not recommended; it can make it more difficult to catch and close the glove for the child, and it will be heavier on the hand. For a growing child, you might benefit from choosing a t-ball glove that’s a half-inch or one-inch up in size; but the key is ensuring that the player can easily squeeze the glove closed. Franklin Sports has several good t-ball gloves including their Teeball Performance Series Fielding Glove.
4. Help Your Child Choose a Right-Handed or Left-Handed Glove
There are gloves made for right-handed and left-handed throwers. For example, if your child throws right-handed, they need a RH glove, which sits on the left hand. Left-handed throwers need a LH glove that sits on the right hand. Franklin Sports has several good t-ball gloves including their left hand options.
5. Specialized Gloves For T-Ball Players
In baseball, position players often require a special positional glove. For instance, the catcher uses a special glove, while outfielders tend to use a glove with a larger pocket. With t-ball, special gloves are much less likely to be used, as players are still learning, but if they are required, you should consult a store attendant or coach for more information on buying a proper positional glove.
T-ball is all about kids having fun and learning new skills and a glove is an integral tool. It’s important to choose the right t-ball glove for your child that’s comfortable and fits correctly. The best option is to go to a sporting goods store and try on a few different gloves. Get a sense of what feels comfortable to your child and ask questions of the sales staff if needed. Just remember…Shopping for a glove should be fun for your child and you!
