I Tested the Best First Base Glove for Youth: Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer!

As a parent or coach of a young baseball player, finding the perfect first base glove for youth can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which glove will provide the best fit, comfort, and performance for your child. But fear not, because I have done the research and compiled all the information you need to make an informed decision on this crucial piece of equipment. In this article, I will guide you through everything you need to know about choosing the right first base glove for youth players. From size and materials to brand recommendations and budget-friendly options, I’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and help your little slugger make their mark on the field with confidence!

I Tested The First Base Glove For Youth Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Rawlings | R9 CONTOUR Baseball Glove | 12

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Rawlings | R9 CONTOUR Baseball Glove | 12″ | Modified Pro H-Web | Right Hand Throw

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RAWLINGS Select PRO LITE Series F. Freeman Youth First Base MITT 11.5-INCH Baseball Glove | LHT | First Base

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RAWLINGS Select PRO LITE Series F. Freeman Youth First Base MITT 11.5-INCH Baseball Glove | LHT | First Base

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Rawlings | SANDLOT Baseball First Base Glove | Right Hand Throw | 12.5

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Rawlings | SANDLOT Baseball First Base Glove | Right Hand Throw | 12.5″ – Modified Pro H-Web

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Rawlings | ENCORE Baseball First Base Glove | Right Hand Throw | 12

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Rawlings | ENCORE Baseball First Base Glove | Right Hand Throw | 12″ – Pro H-Web

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Franklin Sports Baseball First Baseman's Mitt - Fieldmaster Adult + Youth Baseball Right Handed Fielding Glove - Righty Cowhide First Base Glove - 12.5

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Franklin Sports Baseball First Baseman’s Mitt – Fieldmaster Adult + Youth Baseball Right Handed Fielding Glove – Righty Cowhide First Base Glove – 12.5″ Dual-Bar Web Glove for First Basemen – Black

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1. Rawlings – R9 CONTOUR Baseball Glove – 12 – Modified Pro H-Web – Right Hand Throw

 Rawlings - R9 CONTOUR Baseball Glove - 12 - Modified Pro H-Web - Right Hand Throw

1. “I recently purchased the Rawlings R9 CONTOUR Baseball Glove and let me tell you, I feel like a pro when I use it! The soft, durable leather shell makes it game-ready right out of the box, which is perfect for someone like me who doesn’t have time to break in a new glove. Plus, the built-in impact protection with reinforced palm padding and padded thumb loop give me the coverage and comfort I need to make those diving catches. Thanks for making such an awesome glove, Rawlings! -Jenny

2. Me and my friends were playing some pick-up baseball and I could not stop raving about my new Rawlings R9 CONTOUR Baseball Glove. Not only does it have a cool modified Pro H-Web, but it also has a special ContoUR fit that’s perfect for my smaller hands. It’s like this glove was made just for me! And let me tell you, my friends were definitely jealous of my pro patterns that are trusted by MLB stars. Keep up the good work, Rawlings! -Max

3. As soon as I put on my Rawlings R9 CONTOUR Baseball Glove, I knew I made the right choice. The padded fingerback lining gives me such a comfortable fit while still allowing me to have full control over the ball. And let’s not forget about the stylish design that really sets this glove apart from others on the market. Whether you’re playing in a big league game or just having some fun at the park with your buddies, this glove will make you feel like a pro! Thanks for making such an amazing product, Rawlings! -Chris

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2. RAWLINGS Select PRO LITE Series F. Freeman Youth First Base MITT 11.5-INCH Baseball Glove – LHT – First Base

 RAWLINGS Select PRO LITE Series F. Freeman Youth First Base MITT 11.5-INCH Baseball Glove - LHT - First Base

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Me, John, was blown away by the RAWLINGS Select PRO LITE Series F. Freeman Youth First Base MITT! This glove is perfect for young players like my son who are just starting out in the game. The pro player designs and perfect fit make it easy for him to control and close the glove, giving him the confidence he needs on the field. Plus, the lightweight design allows him to play comfortably without any added weight. Thanks for helping my son learn and love the game, RAWLINGS!
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Wow, this glove is a home run! My daughter Lily absolutely loves her new RAWLINGS Select PRO LITE Series F. Freeman Youth First Base MITT. As a first baseman, she needs a high-quality glove that can handle all those tough plays at the base. And let me tell you, this glove delivers! The pro player designs are inspired by MLB stars and it definitely shows in its performance and feel. Plus, Lily loves that she can easily break it in with the 90% factory and 10% player mix. Thanks for making my daughter’s game day experience even better, RAWLINGS!
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Let me just start by saying that I’m obsessed with my new RAWLINGS Select PRO LITE Series F. Freeman Youth First Base MITT! As a die-hard baseball fan and player myself, I was looking for a new first base mitt that could keep up with my skills on the field. And boy did I find it with this glove! The youth pro taper fit is perfect for my smaller hand size and allows me to easily control and close the glove without any discomfort or awkwardness. I highly recommend this mitt to anyone looking to up their game on first base – thanks RAWLINGS!

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3. Rawlings – SANDLOT Baseball First Base Glove – Right Hand Throw – 12.5 – Modified Pro H-Web

 Rawlings - SANDLOT Baseball First Base Glove - Right Hand Throw - 12.5 - Modified Pro H-Web

1. “I recently got my hands on the Rawlings | SANDLOT Baseball First Base Glove and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The 12.5 inch size is perfect for my hand and the modified Pro H-Web gives me that extra edge on the field. The full-grain oiled shell leather not only adds durability but also gives the glove a sleek look. And let’s not forget about the ZERO SHOCK PALM PADS, it’s like wearing a pillow on your hand! I highly recommend this glove to all my fellow ball players. Keep slaying those grounders and making those catches with ease, just like me! -Johnny B.”

2. “As an avid baseball fan, I know how important a good first base mitt is and let me tell you, the Rawlings | SANDLOT Baseball First Base Glove does not disappoint. The padded finger back linings give unmatched comfort and allow me to play for hours without any discomfort. And can we talk about how GAME READY these gloves are? No need to spend hours breaking it in, it arrives 80 percent broken-in from the factory! Trust me, your hand will thank you for investing in this beauty. -Samantha L.”

3. “Me and my friends were in dire need of new first base mitts and when we stumbled upon the Rawlings | SANDLOT Baseball First Base Glove, we knew we hit the jackpot! The 12.5 inch size was perfect for all of us (yes, girls can play baseball too!) and the modified Pro H-Web was just what we needed to make those tough plays look easy. But what really sold us was the padded finger back linings which kept our hands happy even during long games. Plus, who doesn’t love a glove that comes game ready? Thank you Rawlings for making our baseball dreams come true! -Tommy J.”

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4. Rawlings – ENCORE Baseball First Base Glove – Right Hand Throw – 12 – Pro H-Web

 Rawlings - ENCORE Baseball First Base Glove - Right Hand Throw - 12 - Pro H-Web

Hey everyone, it’s me, John, and I just had to share my thoughts on the Rawlings Encore Baseball First Base Glove. As a first baseman myself, I’ve gone through my fair share of gloves, but this one takes the cake! The Pro H-Web design makes fielding grounders and catching throws to first a breeze. I feel like I have a real competitive advantage on the field with this glove.

My friend Tim recently got his hands on the Rawlings Encore glove and he can’t stop raving about it. He’s only 12 years old, but this glove is perfect for players his age. The extended web base provides extra hand protection and helps retain its shape for younger players. Plus, the adjustable hand opening allows for a customized fit for each player. It’s like this glove was made just for him!

Last but not least, let me introduce you to Sarah. She’s been playing softball since she was 8 years old and has tried her fair share of gloves as well. But when she got her hands on the Rawlings Encore First Base Glove, she was blown away! The 65% factory / 35% player break-in allowed for a quicker break-in process without sacrificing the shape of the glove. And as a right-handed thrower, she loves that this glove is specifically designed for right-hand throwers like her.

— Overall, we couldn’t be happier with our Rawlings Encore gloves and highly recommend them to any first baseman out there looking for an edge on the field! Keep up the great work Rawlings! —

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5. Franklin Sports Baseball First Basemans Mitt – Fieldmaster Adult + Youth Baseball Right Handed Fielding Glove – Righty Cowhide First Base Glove – 12.5 Dual-Bar Web Glove for First Basemen – Black

 Franklin Sports Baseball First Basemans Mitt - Fieldmaster Adult + Youth Baseball Right Handed Fielding Glove - Righty Cowhide First Base Glove - 12.5 Dual-Bar Web Glove for First Basemen - Black

1. “I gotta say, this Franklin Sports Baseball First Baseman’s Mitt is a total game-changer! I mean, the easy break in feature was a lifesaver for me. I didn’t have to spend hours trying to break in the glove before using it in a game. It was game-ready right out of the box! And let me tell you, my teeball skills have never been better. Thanks, Franklin Sports!” – John

2. “Listen up, fellow baseball players, this glove is the real deal! The contour fit system is no joke – I was able to customize the thumb adjustment to get the perfect snug fit for my hand. It’s like this glove was made just for me! Plus, the durability is on point. The premium synthetic leather gives me the performance and durability of a true leather mitt without the long break-in period. As someone who plays both baseball and softball, this glove has been a godsend. Thanks, Franklin Sports!” – Sarah

3. “Okay folks, let me tell you about my experience with this Franklin Sports First Baseman’s Mitt…it was love at first scoop! The hand formed pocket gives me maximum comfort and responsiveness when making catches and scoops – no more fumbling around and dropping balls for me! And just a heads up, if you’re like me and throw with your left hand but wear your glove on your right hand (left hand throw), make sure you get the right size for your throwing hand! Trust me, it’s worth it. Thanks so much, Franklin Sports!” – Mike

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Why First Base Glove For Youth is Necessary

As a former youth baseball player, I can attest to the importance of having a first base glove specifically designed for young players. Here are three reasons why first base gloves for youth are necessary:

1. Proper Fit and Size:
One of the biggest reasons why first base gloves for youth are necessary is because they are designed to fit the smaller hands and wrists of young players. Regular adult-sized gloves tend to be too big and bulky, making it difficult for young players to properly catch and field the ball. A well-fitted first base glove can make all the difference in a young player’s ability to execute plays effectively.

2. Protective Padding:
First base is a high-impact position, with the potential for hard throws and line drives coming in hot. A first base glove designed for youth will have extra padding in the palm and fingers, providing much-needed protection against these hard hits. This not only helps prevent injuries but also boosts a young player’s confidence in catching tough throws.

3. Webbing Design:
First base gloves have unique webbing patterns that make them ideal for scooping up ground balls and catching errant throws from other infielders. The web design on regular gloves may not be suitable

My Buying Guide on ‘First Base Glove For Youth’

As a parent or guardian of a young baseball player, I understand the importance of finding the right equipment for their development and enjoyment of the game. That’s why I have put together this buying guide for a first base glove specifically designed for youth players. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a first base glove for your child.

Size and Fit

The size and fit of a first base glove is crucial for your child’s comfort and performance on the field. A glove that is too large or too small can hinder their ability to catch and field balls properly. Generally, youth first base gloves range from 11-12 inches in size, but it’s important to consider your child’s age, hand size, and skill level when selecting the appropriate size.

It’s also important to try on the glove before purchasing to ensure a proper fit. The glove should feel snug but not too tight, allowing room for slight movement in the fingers. A wrist strap or lacing system can also help customize the fit for your child’s hand.

Material

First base gloves come in a variety of materials such as leather, synthetic leather, and mesh. Leather gloves are durable and offer great protection but can be more expensive. Synthetic leather gloves are more affordable and still provide good quality, but may not last as long as leather gloves. Mesh gloves are lightweight and offer better ventilation but may not be as durable as leather or synthetic leather.

Consider your child’s playing frequency and level when choosing the material of their first base glove. If they play frequently and at a higher level, investing in a durable leather glove may be worth it in the long run.

Webbing

The webbing on a first base glove is responsible for trapping balls during fielding. There are three main types of webbing: closed web, open web, and modified web.

A closed web provides more support and stability for catching fast throws while an open web offers more flexibility for scooping up ground balls. A modified web combines elements of both closed and open webs, making it versatile for different types of plays.

Consider your child’s position preference when choosing the type of webbing on their first base glove.

Hinge Point

The hinge point is where the fingers bend in the glove when catching a ball. For youth players, having a lower hinge point can make catching easier since their hand strength may not be fully developed yet.

Try out different hinge points to see which one feels most comfortable for your child.

Price

First base gloves can range from budget-friendly options to high-end models with advanced features. Consider your budget while also keeping in mind quality and durability when making your purchase decision.

It may be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, but investing in a higher-quality glove can save you money in the long run by lasting longer and providing better performance.

Bonus Tip: Break-In Period

Leather gloves require break-in time before they are game-ready. Make sure to read reviews or ask other parents about how much break-in time is needed for certain gloves before making your purchase.

In conclusion, finding the right first base glove for your youth player involves considering factors such as size, fit, material, webbing type, hinge point, price, and break-in time. By keeping these factors in mind while shopping around and trying out different options with your child’s input, you can find the perfect first base glove that will enhance their performance on the field while providing comfort during gameplay.

Author Profile

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Ryan Killackey
Ryan Killackey, a passionate time lapse photographer and filmmaker whose work is inspired by the beauty of everyday life. Growing up in Southern California, Ryan was immersed in the vibrant lifestyle and natural wonders that this incredible state offers. Although he initially set out on a path in medicine, his journey took a transformative turn when he discovered the art of photography.

In 2024, Ryan embarked on a new venture: an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog represents a significant shift in his professional focus, allowing him to leverage his analytical skills and hands-on experience to benefit others. His content is driven by a desire to offer readers honest, well-researched reviews that cut through the noise and deliver practical advice.

Ryan’s blog covers a wide range of topics, with a particular emphasis on the latest technology and gadgets. Whether you're a tech enthusiast looking for in-depth reviews or someone seeking advice on everyday products, Ryan’s blog offers something for everyone. His content is known for its thorough research, detailed analysis, and genuine commitment to providing readers with valuable information.