Gear

The Best Kids Baseball Gloves For Every Style of Play

The right mitt can make all the difference between a player who snags every fly ball and one who hates taking the field.

by Dave Baldwin
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
The best kids' baseball gloves and mitts, against a multi-colored background

Playing little league or youth baseball — or just having a throw with dad — is a rite of passage for many kids. Whether your child is just starting out and needs a toddler baseball glove or has already has a few seasons under his or her belt, the best kids baseball gloves are those that are comfortable, durable, and flexible for all styles of play. Sure, different kids (and positions like catcher) need specific kinds of mitts, but the best youth baseball gloves are, above all else, forgiving enough to be used in nearly all scenarios.

The proper glove can make all the difference when it comes to scooping up a grounder or snagging a fly ball. Many T-ball or youth gloves are often designed to open and close more easily than a standard baseball glove, for instance. And many come 100 percent broken-in, so kids can play from day one rather than spend a week oiling/staring at a belt-wrapped glove on the shelf. Most use a soft leather or leather-like material with extra palm padding to protect little hands. Finally, baseball gloves for kids under 10 are generally sized between 9- and 11.5-inches although some even come with adjustable wrist cuffs to ensure the perfect fit.

The Best Kids Baseball Gloves

Kids Baseball Glove by Franklin Sports

This is 9.5 inch glove is what you get for your up and comer who's yearning to practice his or her catching and throwing skills. It's made in both right- and left-handed versions. It's constructed with lightweight mesh for comfort and ease for young players just starting out. And unlike other gloves, these don't need to be broken in, thanks to their RTP II construction.

$23.99
Select Pro Lite Kids Baseball Glove by Rawlings

If your kid plays second or third base, or is a shortstop, this is the 11.5 inch glove you want. It has all-leather lacing, comes 90 percent broken in, and has a taper fit. Meaning, it incorporates smaller hand openings and lowered finger stalls. It's essentially a pro style model for growing players.

$139.99
2021 A500 Utility Kids Baseball Glove by Wilson

This 12 inch glove has a redesigned smaller hand opening, so it fits just right. It's made entirely of leather, and has a double palm construction for pocket stability. Plus, dual welting provides long-lasting shape and quicker break-in; it does not come broken in, to be clear. This glove is ideal for players who are at home in any position on the diamond.

$60
A200 Kids Baseball Glove by Wilson

This a 10-inch mitt that is made of EVA — that means, it's not leather — and has an H-pattern webbing. It's designed for kids just hitting the baseball diamond for the first time. For some added flair, the glove is available in colors to match all 30 MLB teams, and with the team's logo emblazoned on the pocket.

$35.99
Player Preferred Kids Baseball Glove by Rawlings

This adult-sized glove is ideal for more experienced players (and older players). The leather glove is pre-oiled to decrease player break-in times, has palm padding to absorb the impact of the ball, and a combination of pull straps and Velcro closures to customize the perfect fit. You can choose one for a rightie or a leftie.

$70

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