Pitching and Pitchers Discussion Pitcher Glove Size

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What is the best size for a pitchers glove. My DD is in 12U, and wants a bigger glove.
What are ASA guidelines on the size of the glove.
She has a 13' glove, but she wants the webbing to be longer.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

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You're going to get a variety of opinions on this one, but the only positions that should be using a 13" glove is maybe outfield. In my opinion, infielders, with exception of 1st base shouldn't use a glove over 12". Your pitcher needs a small lightweight glove that she can quickly get up in front of her for those liners right back at her. Also, a large heavy glove will take it's toll on a pitcher on those long hot days due to all the energy they will use in the pitching motion. JMO.

 

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12U dd's pitching coach just recommended she move UP to a 12" glove as well. She said anything bigger is too much glove.

 

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DD uses a 12.5 but that is only because she is a big, strong 17 year old and sometimes plays 1st. Didn't want to have to carry 2 gloves so she with with the 12.5.

 

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My dd has used a 12.5 since she was 9 years old. It is simply what she had become accustomed too. She is now a college freshman and still uses a 12.5.

 

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What are ASA guidelines on the size of the glove.

While the best size for a given player might be debatable, the ASA rule is not.

Gloves may be up to 14" long, as measured from the top of the forefinger, down along the web, through the pocket and to the opening for the hand. This is the "pattern size" that is typically stamped on the glove and by which gloves are most commonly sized.

The ASA rule book actually has a diagram with 13 individual measurements that must be met for a glove to be legal.

No, I have never had any of these dimensions questioned during a game.

 

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DD has a 12 inch glove. Been using it now for a year now.

 

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My 12u DD uses a 14 inch glove and has for the past 2 yrs.

 

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Do not go over a 12" glove.

 

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Pitcher will not get tired because of her glove size, that is a ridiculus statement. DD uses 12.5, she is 13 and has for couple years now. Middle infield needs to have smaller gloves, others really arent that big of a deal.

 

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The most popular size glove for girls with average size hands is 12.5 inch. This glove size is very versatile and worn by infield and outfield alike. Larger gloves are more associated with outfielder's use while smaller gloves are used by infielders for a variety of reasons. If you plan to only own 1 glove, this size will do the trick.

Be concerned about the material that constructs the glove. Stay away from gloves made of synthetic leather and gloves that are 100% kangaroo skin or something of the same. While kangaroo skin is a fantastic wearing leather, it tends to get soft easily. This can be an issue for a glove while trying to get it to hold a shape or form a pocket. Some new gloves will use synthetic or kangaroo skin to make them lighter. This works very well as long as the pocket area still uses good old fashion cowhide. A combination of 2 leathers works well for catcher's mitts and 1st baseman's gloves where weight may be an issue for a girl.

It's still hard to find anything that in my mind is better than cowhide. It may be more difficult during the breaking in period but you'll get a lot of miles from cowhide as long as they remember to not leave it where they shouldn't.

 

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Glove weight does make a difference for a pitcher. DD has a very nice Schutt glove but it is very heavy. She prefers the light weight wilson A440 12.5" when she pitches. They are cheap (45.00), but that is what she likes. Just have to get a new one every 2 years.

 

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For a pitcher I would typically recommend the smaller 11.5" - 12" infielder type gloves. They need to be able to move quick and deflect the ball on those pesky line drives back up the middle. An outfielders glove is just to much to move that quick and while catching a ball is nice, is not as important as protecting herself from injury.

I also have restrung pitcher's gloves so that the knots are on the inside to reduce bruising caused by constantly slapping her leg.

 

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I would question why she is wanting a longer glove - especially as a pitcher. Keeping it as light as possible with a good quality glove should be the emphasis. Nokona makes a kangaroo back glove that uses cowhide on the front and kangaroo on the back, so it's a nice trade off. Unless she's also playing outfield, I'd try to keep as small as possible. DD used an 11.5" Nokona from high school through college as a pitcher. But it really comes down to personal preference and what she's comfortable with. This is not a one-size-fits-all type of thing.

Be sure she is catching properly with a small lightweight glove, FITTED PROPERLY, with good padding. Remember, a pitcher catches the ball over a hundred times during a game, so it's possible her hand is hurting?

From day one with a glove, KEEP A BALL IN THE POCKET when the glove is in her bag. Use a good conditioner in the off season to treat the leather, put a ball in the pocket, and wrap/tie the pocket around the ball with a long shoe lace.

A good quality glove can be rebuilt many times and made like new if it's taken care of. I highly recommend Bretman for this challenge - he also has lots of great advice on how to properly care for a glove and make it last a lifetime.

 

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Pitcher will not get tired because of her glove size, that is a ridiculus statement. DD uses 12.5, she is 13 and has for couple years now. Middle infield needs to have smaller gloves, others really arent that big of a deal.

:lmao::lmao: OK....sure.

 

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I would also say to make sure and keep the lace on the glove tight. This is a real pet peeve of mine. I see gloves where a softball can fit between the fingers because no one has tightened the lace !!!!!! Then the glove feels flimsy and the girl's can't figure out why they have a hard time catching the ball.

 

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The one that catches the ball the best for her. It's 12U don't over think it.

 

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:lmao::lmao: OK....sure.

If your dd gets tired from a 12.5" glove then you better make her lift weights. I stand by it not making her tires. What are you buying her a 14"? I could see that getting tiresome I guess but seriously all you people think way too much into this. If your DD is athletic and good enough she wont get tired by a 1" different glove, if so she should condition better.....

 

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If your dd gets tired from a 12.5" glove then you better make her lift weights. I stand by it not making her tires. What are you buying her a 14"? I could see that getting tiresome I guess but seriously all you people think way too much into this. If your DD is athletic and good enough she wont get tired by a 1" different glove, if so she should condition better.....

Actually the first time I ever heard of glove size and weight as a consideration for a pitcher was from Jennie and Doug Finch. They seemed to think it was an important consideration. Jennie recommended an 11.5 inch but nothing bigger than 12 inch for pitcher, 3rd and middle infield and this included college players. Maybe you should give them a call and educate them as to how ridiculous an assertion this is. :lmao:

I wonder why glove manufacturers are using light weight kangaroo leather and synthetics to cut weight from their gloves. Maybe you could become a sports consultant and help them direct their efforts in a less ridiculous direction.

Pitching in a rec league game or two each week, the heavy glove will be fine, but if you are pitching 3 or 4 games in a 6 or 7 game marathon on a hot Sunday in July, the heavier glove will sap energy from your pitcher. You can believe what you want.

Then of course you could have your DD do some dumbbell curls and it won't be an issue. :lmao:

 

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Glove weight does make a difference for a pitcher. DD has a very nice Schutt glove but it is very heavy. She prefers the light weight wilson A440 12.5" when she pitches. They are cheap (45.00), but that is what she likes. Just have to get a new one every 2 years.

Wow. Thought my daughter was the only pitcher doing this. She prefers this glove because it is so light weight. I order 2 every couple of years.