For how long have you been involved in “Fastpitch Softball”? I’m guessing long enough to understand why this sport is so popular.
While Fastpitch Softball shares many similarities with baseball, there are some distinctions, such as underhand pitching, quicker gameplay, smaller fields, and slightly smaller-sized bats. These differences make the sport unique and appealing to a wide range of players.
Fastpitch Softball emphasizes techniques, coordination, teamwork, and more action-packed plays. It is an accessible sport for beginners, making it a popular choice for clubs, college communities, and women’s leagues.
Regardless of whether you’re playing Fastpitch Softball or baseball, protective gear and equipment are essential for minimizing risks and enhancing your performance. One such crucial piece of equipment is the glove.
In this article, I’ve compiled all the necessary information, factors, features, and tips related to Fastpitch Softball gloves. I’ve also included a list of the 10 best Fastpitch Softball gloves to consider for your upcoming games. So let’s dive in and learn more about these essential tools of the trade.
Rest assured, I’ve also included a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect Fastpitch Softball glove.
Types of Gloves Softball Players Pursue
Gloves may vary depending on the specific needs and positions of the players. In addition to the glove’s length, design, and style, it’s essential to determine whether the glove is suitable for your playing position.
I’ve categorized the various types of gloves to give you a better understanding of their differences and help you make an informed decision. So let’s explore these glove types in detail.
Catcher’s Mitt
Catchers play a crucial role in Fastpitch Softball, often determining the game’s outcome by preventing runs. Their position can be challenging, which is why they require specialized gloves called Catcher’s Mitts. These gloves feature a deep pocket with no individual finger slots, designed to protect the hand from high-velocity balls and absorb the impact.
Catcher’s Mitts are measured differently from other gloves, focusing on the circumference to provide an accurate representation of the catching area. Standard sizes range from 29.5 to 35 inches.
Pitcher’s Gloves
Unlike the other position players in Softball, pitch-holding players don’t require specialized featured gloves. All that matters is the capability and tendency to hide the ball. Besides, the comfort zone also matters here.
Pitchers are well-trained in suppressing the ball and not revealing it to the batters. Also, to not let go of the pitch before the batters initiate their motion. Therefore, pitchers often pursue sealed webbing gloves rather than open ones.
Batsmen Gloves
For batters in Fastpitch Softball, the primary requirements for gloves are better grip, comfort, and performance enhancement. Batter’s gloves feature padding to protect hands and fingers from injury due to high-velocity balls. They also come with soft, anti-blister leather to prevent blisters.
First Baseman Gloves
First Baseman gloves are similar to Catcher’s Mitts, but they have specific size restrictions – no longer than 13 inches (top to bottom) and 8 inches in width (across the palm area). These gloves have relatively shallow pockets, allowing players to transfer the ball quickly between hands. Padding is minimal, and the gloves typically measure between 11.5 and 13 inches.
Outfield Gloves
Outfield gloves are designed for aggressive players who need to catch fly balls or make diving plays. These gloves have more padding than other types, ensuring the safety of the fingers and palms during high-impact plays. Outfield gloves feature a deeper, larger pocket to accommodate the larger softball size and prevent the ball from bouncing out. Sizes for outfield gloves generally range from 9 to 15 inches.
Infield Gloves
Infield gloves are used by players at second, third base, and shortstop positions, as well as utility players who play multiple positions. There are no strict size requirements for these gloves, as some players prefer larger gloves, while others opt for smaller ones.
These are the main types of gloves used by Fastpitch Softball players. Now that you can identify which glove best suits your position, it’s also essential to learn how to maintain your glove for long-lasting use. We’ll cover this topic in the next section of this article.
10 Best Softball Gloves You Must Pursue
As you know how to pick the precise brand new gloves according to your requirements, here is a list of the ten best softball gloves that would accompany your specs. Before we go, let me clarify that these are not my picks. They are all preferred and referred by experienced softball enthusiasts who have been on the field for ages.
So, I suggest you get ready with your wallet as you are about to get your desired gloves from this list today, I promise.
1# Rawlings Womens Infield/Outfield Gloves
Specifications
- For Infielders, outfielders, and pitchers
- 12.5 inches in Size
- Long Lasting Pocket
- Avid to Professional Players
- Full-Grain Leather
Professional softball players intend to play with Full-Grain leather gloves. Indeed, it is inside their comfort and flexible zone. Somewhat, Rawlings Liberty Advanced Softball Gloves come with 80% break-in completion. You only need to snug your hand inside it and go for the play.
This Liberty glove is mainly tailored for female softball enthusiasts with the most precise balance specifications. The double web bar makes it easy to navigate the ball and enhances its durability. Furthermore, Rawlings took safety more seriously and provided the XRD Pads of Poron. Let’s check its specs; what else it offers?
Best Suited Position
Rawlings Liberty Advanced is mostly for Pitchers, Outfielders, and infielders. They are designed and tailored to serve their optimum quality while you aim to catch the ball. Their balancing and comfort will endure high pace ball impacts without losing the comfort.
Style and Fitting
The 12.5″ inches size allows them to easily fit almost all-sized hands without leaving any space over and around the fingers. Moreover, the pull-strap closures make it more adjustable according to your hand size and prevent the hassle of wearing and taking off the glove again and again.
Pros
- Adjustable Pull-Strap Closures
- Quicker Break-In
- Comfortability
Cons
- It starts to lose its durability if not adequately maintained
2# WILSON 2022 A2000 Fastpitch Softball Glove
Specifications
- 12.5″ inches in Size
- For Pitchers, Infielders, and Outfielders
- SuperSkin Lightweight Leather
- Pro Stock Leather in the Plam
- Rolled Dual Welting
- Spin Control Technology
“Wilson” is the ultimate legendary brand for baseball and softball sports. If you are into Baseball sports, I bet you already know Wilson. A2000 is their new series that holds an insane amount of features. Its SuperSkin Lightweight Leather makes it the most durable and lightweight glove on this list.
The sturdiness of the SuperSkin Leather ensures 1000x better grip. Wilson 2022 A2000 includes deeper pockets for better cupping balls. It also has the Drawstring Wrist Closure for better adjustment. You know what? I better order this right now to enhance my catching performance in my next match.
Best Suited Positions
Like the Rawlings, the Wilson A2000 2022 series is also designed for pitchers, outfielders, and infielders. Wilson’s Spin Control Technology prevents the high-pace ball from spinning even after it’s in the glove’s pocket. The dimpled pattern of the Pro Stock Leather instantly stops the ball’s rotation with its friction. Therefore, it is a win-win glove for the catchers, even if they play aggressively.
Style and Fitting
Apart from its Dual Welting of different leathers in this glove’s front and back, it beats its mere cosmetic effect with its outlook. It is also 12.5 inches, which fits almost every regular-sized hand. On the other hand, Wilson included their Drawstring Wrist Closure, which will help you adjust the glove fitting according to your hand size.
Pros
- Enhances the Catching performance
- Lightweight SuperSkin Leather
- Pro-Stock Leather on Palm ensures Rugged Durability
- Easy to Maintain and Clean
- Moisture-Resistant
Cons
- It takes a bit of time to Break-In
3# Mizuno MVP Prime Fastpitch Softball Gloves
Specifications
- Designed for Female Athletes
- Hand-Crafted Bio-Soft Leather
- 12.5 inches in Size
- Rugged Silicon Patch
- Available in Grey, White, and Black
Considering your budget, why not find a glove that fits every requirement but is affordable? Well, it looks like I’ve found one. It is none other than the Mizuno MVP Prime. But unfortunately, MVP Prime is designed for women athletes.
Besides that, the bio-leather of this glove is entirely hand-crafted. It makes the glove super-smooth and the best fit in its comfort zone. Furthermore, the hand-crafted Leather also makes it last longer.
Best Suited Position
According to my research intel, I have found that Mizuno MVP Prime is for those who play on Infields and Pitches. Apart from that, females who have been into softball for a long time can use this glove. Even if they are new to softball, Mizuno MVP Prime is highly recommended.
Size and Fitting
Besides its specialties and characteristics, MVP Prime is also considered the universal fitting for every player. They wrap up to 12.5 inches in Size. Moreover, the padding makes it much smoother to snug your hand inside and pull it out. Sadly, it’s a bit hard to break in initially, but once it gets out of its boundary, it’s ready to go delicate and lovely.
Pros
- Affordable in Price
- Female Oriented
- Long Lasting Leathers
Cons
- Very stiff and time taking to break in
4# Easton Fastpitch Softball First Base Glove
Specifications
- USA Steer Hide Leather
- Adjustable Quantum Closure System
- 13 inches in Size
- Oriented for Fastpitch Players
Now then, you know a lot of best-suited gloves for pitchers, infielders, and outfielders. Well, here goes another one mainly oriented for only Fastpitch athletes. The Easton Professional Gloves come with intensive premium quality materials, including the Steer Hide leather of the USA. Apart from that, the laces are of rawhide USA-Tanned with professional grade.
Moreover, this elite-level glove also includes a system of quantum closure. It ensures a secure, tight fit for the user without falling off from the high pace ball impacts. And as it includes the Steer Hide leather, you can already guess it will last season after season.
Best Suited Position
Since their hyped-up match, enthusiasts fond of softball or baseball know Easton’s D1 Softball Team. Fastpitch’s position pro-style players use these Easton Professional Collection gloves for their best performance. Do you also play in this position? If yes, I suggest you take out the full benefit of this Easton Professional Glove.
Size and Fitting
USA pro-grade Steer Hide leather ensures complete fitting and comfort for almost all sized hands. Yet, it comes 13 inches in Size. On the other hand, the quantum closure system with rawhide laces also makes it adjustable for short hands. The optimum control system with secure fitting plays a prime part in this glove.
Pros
- Leather quality ensures longevity
- Adjustable closures enhance its fitting.
- Moisture Wicking Wrist Lining Pad
Cons
- Pretty Stiff on Break-In Period and Takes Longer Time
5# Rawlings Fastpitch Softball First Base Glove
Specification
- 12.5 Inches in Size
- Suited for Avid to Professional Players
- Steer Hide Leather
- Comfortable, Durable, and Strong
- Pro-Grade Leather Laces
If you are more into believing expensive things come with expensive values, then Rawlings Heart of the Tide won’t defeat your expectations. They are the most expensive glove in the present market. But then, they also include many value-for-money features. Undoubtedly, you will get to see this glove on any of the professional competitive player’s hands.
Having the 12.5 inches size, Rawlings Heart of the Hide can ensure better stretch plays with much more comfort. It also includes better stability around the stall areas of our fingers. Thus, it won’t bend back even if high pace ball impacts right at it. Indeed, that is what players hate the most.
Best Suited Position
Heart of the Hide is oriented for the first base and pitch players. First-base gloves are mostly cross-wise between the fielders and the catcher’s mitt. Therefore, they come with a few strong characteristics. On the other hand, they are also versatile so that any stroked balls that come in between while fielding in first base, then players can efficiently deal with it.
Sizing and Fitting
Rawlings Heart of the Hide also arrives at 12.5 inches in size, like the Wilson A2000. It also has a customized fitting feature, including pull-strap closures. Therefore, you can easily snag your hand inside the glove and pull them out with a lot of ease. Besides, it arrives with a 40% break-in from the factory. You have to complete the rest 60%. Still, isn’t it convenient?
Pros
- Comfortable and lasts longer
- Padding around the Thumb Sleeve
- Beginner to Professional Players can Use
Cons
- It takes a bit of practice to Break-In