Ball Gloves Online

The Best Third Base Gloves for the 2023 Season, Ranked

After trying many different gloves and playing around with them at the hot corner, we have compiled a list of our favorite Third Base gloves for the upcoming 2023 season:

Wilson A2000 1787: Wilson’s 11.75″ model comes with a medium depth, flat pocket that is perfect for third base. Although a bit smaller than the above model, we feel this model is still perfect for third base. Check it out here.
Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRO205: An 11.75″ version of the #1 model on this list. Still has the H-web but with a medium-to-deep pocket, this model is great for players who like a shorter glove at third. Buy it here.
Mizuno Pro Select 11.75″: Another H-web model, this time from Mizuno. Comparable to the HOH and A2000, but is a bit cheaper ($265) and will come with a flatter and more Japanese-style pocket. Get it here.
44 Pro Gloves Custom 12″, H-web Glove: An affordable custom glove that comes with a good design and materials for third base. Only $200 with a ton of cool customization features. Start designing one here.

Best Glove Lengths for Third Basemen

12″: This is easily the best glove size for third basemen, but there are few good gloves left at this size. It makes a nice, deep pocket and gives you a lot of room to work with at the hot corner, but Rawlings discontinued their popular PRO206 model and Wilson’s 1795 just isn’t the same.
11.75″: 11.75″ gives you good control of your mitt without sacrificing length. While It doesn’t have the same reach or pocket depth as 12″, it’s great for the majority of third basemen who need something that will stop the ball and allow them to get it out of their pocket quickly.
12.25″: A glove size for bigger third basemen, 12.25″ gives you a ton of reach and a super deep pocket. While this may be a detriment to some players, having those two features can certainly be a boon for select third basemen.

Best Web Styles for Third Basemen

H-web: The H-web provides a deeper pocket that helps corral the tougher grounders you might get at third. It’s also a durable web that won’t snap when faced with hot shots coming your way, either.
I-web: The I-web is a great web for 3rd in that it provides a flexible but medium depth pocket. It’s better for third basemen who are quick with their hands, as it provides a bit shallower depth than the H-web for quicker transfers.
Cross Web: None of the gloves on our list have the Cross/T-web, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is a great web for 3rd base. It’s super flexible and can provide the deepest pocket, but both of those features can be a bit detrimental for most players.

The Best Shortstop Gloves for the 2021 Season, Ranked

Shortstop is one of the most important defensive positions on the diamond, serving as the anchor of the infield on almost every team. Therefore, you’re going to need a good glove to be the model defender of your team, and these are the best gloves that will help you do just that:

Wilson A2000 1786: An 11.5″ Infield mitt with a shallow pocket, perfect fit, and amazing longevity. The best shortstop glove money can buy, you can get it here.
Rawlings Pro Preferred PROS204: Another 11.5″ mitt that has a slightly different pocket than the above model. The best shortstop option for Rawlings fanatics, but falls a bit short of the 1786. Get it here.
Wilson A2000 1787: An 11.75″ model that still has a shallower pocket for quick transfers. The best option for players who like a bigger mitt at short. Get it here.
Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRO205: An 11.75″ option for Rawlings fans who like more glove for shortstop. Nice pocket with a solid fit and break-in. Shop it here.
Custom 44 Pro Gloves: The best affordable custom glove on the market ($185). Nice pattern, pocket, break-in, and customization options. We recommend an 11.5″ model with an I-web. Start designing one here.

Best Glove Lengths for Shortstops:

11.5″: Gives you the perfect combination of length to scoop groundballs and the perfect amount of depth to make quick transfers. The best glove length for shortstops.
11.75″: Perfect for bigger shortstops or shortstops who want a bit more glove to work with in the field. You’ll need to compensate for the deeper pocket, however.
11.25″: Great for making the quickest transfers possible at shortstop, but it takes practice to work with a glove this small and this can be limiting in many ways on the diamond.

Best Web Styles for Shortstops

I-web: Makes a shallow pocket for quicker transfers. Perfect amount of strength, flexibility, and utility to anchor the infield, and forms a perfect pocket for shortstops.
H-web: A bit deeper pocket with less flexibility than the I-web. Creates a rounder pocket that works better for players who like a more secure pocket at short.
Cross/T Web: Most flexible web design that creates the deepest pocket. You can break your Cross Web glove in many different ways, but they are also the weakest web styles to hold your pocket together.

Signs you need (and don’t Need) a New Baseball Glove

Reasons you probably need a new glove:

The form is super floppy and simply doesn’t hold anymore. Whether your perfect break-in is gone of your glove feels like a pancake, the form going is the first sign the glove is on its last legs.
There is a ripping or cracking: Whether it is in the palm of the back of the mitt, ripping and cracking are signs of severe deterioration of the leather. Of course, this is a telling sign the glove is done.
It starts to feel very heavy when you use it: A build-up or tons of grime and dirt in the glove causes it to feel very heavy. This not only makes the performance of the glove worse, but depletes the quality of the leather, as well.
The padding feels nonexistent: The felt padding thinning out is a key sign the glove is fully worn out. You’ll feel unusually strong pain after catches in the palm and pocket, which are both bad signs.

Signs you don’t need a new glove:

You want a glove for a secondary position: Unless you play the secondary position as much as your main position, there’s little reason to buy a second glove (unless it’s a catcher’s mitt or 1B mitt).
You just want a new glove: Unless you can buy 10 of them, don’t buy a new glove just because you want a new one. You’re better off saving your money for more necessary future expenses.
Your glove is old but isn’t worn out: Some gloves will hold their form for longer than others, and just because your glove is old does not mean you need a new one. Older gloves are typically better built, somehow, anyway.

The Best Ambidextrous Mitts for Those Who Throw with Both Hands

Being able to throw with both arms is a unique trait, and one that should be celebrated for its intricacy and elongated learning curve. However, if you are one of the few people who is considered ambidextrous, there are few baseball gloves to accommodate your skill.

In this article we will break down the best ambidextrous baseball gloves to ensure that you are properly equipped on the mound to protect yourself and be able to utilize your skill on the bump.

Rawlings XLE 12″ Ambidextrous Glove: The best combination of affordable price, quality, and break-in time in this category. Gamer XLE models are good enough for this unique situation, cost $150, and have minimal break-in time. Purchase one here.
44 Pro Gloves Ambidextrous Mitt: The only customizable mitt, and the one with the best materials. Will come stiff and is a bit more expensive than the alternatives ($230), but the quality and uniqueness are unmatched in this segment. Here’s a video on it and you can start customizing here.
Akadema ABX 00 Ambidextrous Mitt: A 12″ mitt that comes broken-in from unboxing. The materials are not the highest quality, but it’s a good option for ambidextrous pitchers who don’t want to spend time breaking in a glove. Here’s a 360 of the glove, and you can buy it here.

What is Superskin? A Complete Guide

Superskin is a synthetic material Wilson is increasingly using on their new mitts, making it a good idea to know exactly what Superskin is. In this post we break down the facts about this material:

Superskin is a synthetic material with a soft, supple feel. Wilson claims it decreases the weight of the glove in half while doubling the strength of traditional leather.
Is it truly lighter weight? It definitely feels like it, whether placebo or not. Wilson’s own tests have said it is, as well, so the answer to this question is a definite yes.
Is it truly stronger? It’s hard to tell objectively. We’ve used Superskin gloves for a few seasons without the glove breaking down, but that is the standard with Wilson gloves. We can’t say its stronger, but we can say it doesn’t decrease the durability of a mitt.
Superskin is also water-repellant. Rain, sweat, and other liquids will slide off the Superskin without any damage or soaking in. In addition, it’s super easy to clean this material without ruining it, unlike leather.
Is it worth it? It depends. The feel of the material takes getting used to and some traditionalists probably won’t like it. But if you want a lighter glove that uses new-age materials, you should definitely check out Wilson’s Superskin models.

Wilson Glove of the Month August 2017: Daniel Norris’ Wilson A2K DW5

August may mean back to school for some (while others are gearing up for the year), the month change means another thing: the Wilson Glove of the Month August is now available.
The GOTM August is one of the coolest models released this year: the Daniel Norris Game Model, a model many have been calling to be released.
Although your eyes can do a good portion of the talking, this post hopes to clear up some more pertinent information about the latest installment of the Glove of the Month Program.

A look at the GOTM August's colorway

Wilson Glove of the Month August 2017 Daniel Norris’ Wilson A2K DW5 2

The Wilson Glove of the Month August's colorway features an all-Vintage Tan base, Vegas gold lacing, and gray/Wilson yellow logos.
This design was created by Daniel Norris before the start of the 2017 MLB season. You can read more about this later in this article.
This is one of the few Vintage Tan glove left in circulation, as Wilson has not released a stock-ish VT glove in years.

Our Take on the GOTM August's Colorway

I have been a huge fan of this design ever since Daniel Norris' Glove was showcased by Wilson in Spring Training. The Vintage Tan look is simply amazingly clean, and the logos are surprisingly beautiful.

Although the GOTm August is Technically a Pitcher's Glove, it Features a 3b Pattern

Because of it direct linkage to Daniel Norris, a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, the Wilson Glove of the Month August is generally considered a pitcher's glove.
However, this mitt is a Wilson A2K DW5 - the pattern created by New York Mets third basemen David Wright.
The DW5 pattern is characterized by its 12 inch length, H-web, and extra long and deep pocket design, all of which are perfect for the hot corner.
Despite its portrayal as a 3B mitt, a deeper look into this pattern reveals that it may work on the mound: the length and pocket depth are perfect, and the H-web generally provides good grip concealment.

Our Take on the DW5 PAttern

Personally, I am not a huge fan of the DW5's narrower width, but it does seem to work well for others at the hot corner and also seems to be a good fit for the bump.

The GOTM August is a Replica of Daniel Norris' Glove

Daniel Norris' Glove: Custom Wilson A2K DW5

Wilson first released pictures of Daniel Norris' in the Spring Training of 2016, and even went as far as to make a Glove Day video for him and his mitt.
Over a year later, Daniel Norris' has finally reached the open market as a limited edition glove. Whether this is a response to the many pleas by Wilson glove fanatics is unknown, however.
All of the aspects of the Wilson Glove of the Month August are replicated from Daniel Norris' glove, save for the "Just Keep Livin'" embroidery on Norris' mitt.

The GOTM August Packs only the Highest-Quality MAterials

As is the case with all of Wilson's top-of-the-line series, the A2K, the Wilson Glove of the Month August features high-quality and durable materials.
The most important material is the GOTM's Pro Stock Select leather, a smooth, thick, and extremely durable American Steerhide.
In addition, this A2K comes with Double Palm Construction - a technology that inserts a thin piece of leather underneath the palm for a firmer and more durable pocket - and an ultra-soft liner.
If taken care of correctly, an A2K model like this will last you a lifetime.

Our Take on the GOTM August's MAterials

As you seen in all of our posts about A2K gloves, we always rate the mitt's materials deservedly well, because they are indeed very good. However, Wilson needs to simply improve their lace.

Recommendation

The Wilson Glove of the Month August is perfect if you want to pitch with something that is very flexible yet not considered a pitcher's glove, even though it would work well on the mound.
In addition, the awesome (and quite rare) colorway on this GOTM add more appeal to this mitt.
Lastly, the GOTM will be the ideal glove if you are willing to drop a pretty penny - anywhere from $349.99 to $379.99, depending on retailer - for a top quality glove.

Buying Options

eBay

Prices and availability will vary greatly, especially as time progresses.

Shop Now on eBay

Your Local Glove of the Month Dealer

Prices will generally stay stable, but availability is typically limited to two models per retailer.

Find Your Local GOTM Dealer

The 5 Best Rawlings’ Second Base Gloves

Have you ever went on Rawlings's website and been completely baffled by the sheer amount of middle infield gloves they sell? The amount of models they sell is truly ridiculous, but this post should easily help you find the perfect Rawlings mitt for second base.

Heart of the Hide PRO314-2BC

A Brief Overview of the PROS314-2BC

In addition to its 11.5 inch length and I-web, the Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRO314-2BC has a few unique and noteworthy bonus features:

Clawed, Dual Welted Back: a new feature from Rawlings, this welting style makes a shallower, rounder, and wider pocket.
Narrow Fit: another new feature from Wilson, narrow fit emulates Wilson's Pedroia Fit with its tighter wrist and finger stalls.

All in all, the PRO314-2BC is a perfect model for those middle infielders with smaller hands that still want a top notch glove.

Shop Now

Pro Preferred PROS2172-2MO

A Brief Overview of the PROS2172-2MO

The shortest model on this list, the 11.25" Rawlings Pro Preferred PROS2172-2MO is the best model if you are looking for something that:

Plays much like my favorite middle infield pattern, the Wilson 1786.
Has a shorter length and therefore a shallower pocket.

Few 11.25" gloves can compete with the PROS2172-2MO's stunning mocha and camel colorway and its top-tier material quality. The price tag on this bad boy is $359.99.

Shop Now

Pro Preferred PRO204-6BC

a Brief Overview of the PROS204-6BC

The Rawlings Pro Preferred PROS204-6BC is an 11.5 inch/H-web model, making it perfect for middle infielders looking for a deeper pocket than what the I-web models have.

In addition, the PROS204-6BC comes in a gorgeous black and camel colorway and features the Pro Preferred's top notch materials. The retail price on this model is $359.99.

Shop Now

Heart of the Hide PRONP4-2BC

A Brief Overview of the PRONP4-2BC

The Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRONP4-2BC is yet another 11.5 inch model with an I-web, but lays both flatter and shallower than the other 11.5" mitts on this list. Therefore, purchase it if you want a glove that plays shallow and will stay shallow.

Also, the PRONP4-2BC comes in a classy camel and black colorway and has the Heart of the Hide's signature durable materials. The cost of this glove is $249.99.

Shop Now

Heart of the Hide PRO200-2

A Brief Overview of the PRO200-2

The Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRO200-2 is the best Rawlings Second Base Glove, and here is why: the 11.5" PRO200 pattern is simply the best pattern Rawlings makes for the middle infield. In addition to a shallow and round pocket, the 200 pattern comes with an unrivaled squared-off heel design that makes for a perfect break-in.

In like manner, the PRO200-2 comes with Rawlings' durable and good-looking tan Steerhide leather (it is not Horween, however) and is priced at $249.99.

Shop Now

The Best Infield Training Gloves for the 2021 Season

Wilson A2000 9.5″ Training Glove: High quality materials and the perfect design for infield training, the A2000 Training mitt is the gold standard for smaller gloves that make you a better infielder. Get it here.
Allstar “The Pick” 9.5″ Training Glove: A cheaper option that will still help you improve your fielding game. Not the greatest materials but still gets the job done at a high level. Check it out here.
Rawlings Heart of the Hide Training Glove: Another pricey, high quality option, this time from Rawlings. The design falls a bit short of the A2000, but is still a top option. Buy it here.
Valle 9.75″ Infield Training Glove: A bigger option from a company that focuses on training gloves. We don’t have a ton of info on these, but we have heard they are very good. Check this mitt out here.
Rawlings R9 9″ Training Glove: Another cheaper option that makes for a great infield training glove. Decent materials and design for the player looking to get a more affordable training option. See it here.

Wilson A2K or A2000?: The Complete Guide

About the A2K: Pro Stock Select Leather (Top 5% of Wilson Leather), Double Palm Construction, Softer liner, and 3X craftsmanship. Priced at $380.
About the A2000: Pro Stock Leather, Wilson’s other high quality A2000 materials, etc. (liner, construction, and craftsmanship). Priced at $280.

Given these features, price points, and our own tests, we believe the A2000 is the best bang for your buck. This was not an easy decision, so let’s explain our reasoning:

The A2K has many great additional features, but they’re not overwhelmingly better. The A2K is softer and feels sturdier, but the A2000 also feels like a top-tier glove (because it is).
The durability difference isn’t notable: We’ve seen both gloves last years and years of daily use, and, honestly, we didn’t see a huge difference in each models’ longevity on an extended timeline.
The A2000 has more options: The A2000 comes in a ton of different models, makes, and with different features. You’re pretty limited when it comes to the A2K options, however.
The price difference is simply not worth it for many: Given what we’ve found, we can’t recommend spending $100 more for an A2K. If you can get one for the price of an A2000 (usually at the end of the baseball season), we’d jump (and have) on that opportunity.

We loved the A2K models we used on shorter and longer timelines, but the A2000 models we used gave us similar euphoric feelings. Therefore, if you’re shopping for a new Wilson glove, we recommend saving that extra $100 and going with a Wilson A2000 model you want.

Shop Wilson A2000 – the best option for the majority of players
Shop Wilson A2K – for those players with a larger budget

Newer Posts