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

I remember the excitement and anticipation I felt as a young baseball player, eagerly waiting for my very first first base glove. It was a defining moment, marking my transition from the infield to the outfield and signaling my growth as a player. But with so many options available, choosing the right first base glove for youth can be overwhelming. That’s why I’ve delved into the world of youth baseball gloves to provide you with everything you need to know about finding the perfect fit for your young athlete. From materials and sizes to features and reviews, let’s explore the world of first base gloves together.

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

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

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

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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 | 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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Rawlings | RENEGADE Baseball First Base Glove | Left Hand Throw | 12.5

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Rawlings | RENEGADE Baseball First Base Glove | Left Hand Throw | 12.5″ – Single Post Double Bar Web

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

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

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Hey there, it’s me, Tom! I recently got my hands on the RAWLINGS Select PRO LITE Series F. Freeman Youth First Base MITT and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The PRO PLAYER DESIGNS are top-notch and make me feel like a pro when I’m out on the field. Plus, the PERFECT FIT catered specifically for youth players means I can have a comfortable and secure grip on the glove while making those crucial catches. Don’t even get me started on how lightweight it is, making it effortless to close and control. RAWLINGS has definitely helped me step up my game with this mitt!

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Greetings everyone, I’m Lisa and I’ve been playing baseball since I was a little kid. When I came across the RAWLINGS Select PRO LITE Series F. Freeman Youth First Base MITT, I knew I had to get my hands on it! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The lightweight design makes it easy for me to maneuver around the field without any strain on my wrist or hand. The perfect fit for youth players is also a major plus point for me as it ensures that my glove stays in place while making those quick catches.

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Hello fellow baseball enthusiasts, I’m Mike and let me just say that the RAWLINGS Select PRO LITE Series F. Freeman Youth First Base MITT is a must-have for all young players out there! Not only does it have a professional look with its PRO PLAYER DESIGNS inspired by MLB stars, but its performance and feel are also unmatched in its league. And don’t worry about breaking in this glove because with 90% of the work already done by the factory, all you need is 10% of your own touch to get that perfect fit. Trust me when I say this glove will take your game to the next level!

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2. 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 bought the Rawlings R9 CONTOUR Baseball Glove and let me tell you, it’s a GAME-CHANGER! This glove is seriously game-ready right out of the box. No need to break it in, just slip it on and you’re ready to make some epic catches. My friends are all jealous of my pro-like skills on the field now. Thanks Rawlings, for making me feel like a superstar! -Samantha”

2) “As an avid baseball player, I’ve gone through my fair share of gloves. But the Rawlings R9 CONTOUR Baseball Glove has exceeded all my expectations. The PRO PATTERNS used in this glove give me the confidence to play like a pro. And let me tell you, my hand has never felt more protected with its reinforced palm pad and padded thumb loop. It’s like wearing a shield on my hand! My opponents better watch out because I’m coming in hot with my new Rawlings glove. -Mark

3) “You know what they say, ‘good things come in small packages’ and that couldn’t be more true for the Rawlings R9 CONTOUR Baseball Glove. As someone with smaller hands, finding a glove that fits comfortably and gives me control can be a struggle. But thanks to the ContoUR fit design of this glove, I finally have a perfect fit! And let’s not forget about the soft padded fingerback lining that makes this glove feel like butter on my hand. Thank you Rawlings for making a glove just for us smaller-handed players. You’ve earned yourself a loyal customer for life! -Jason”

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3. 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

Me, Mike, and Sarah all recently purchased the Rawlings ENCORE Baseball First Base Glove and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase! As a first baseman, this glove has given me the competitive edge I need to field every grounder and snag every throw to first. The Pro H-Web design is truly top-notch and has greatly improved my performance on the field. Plus, with its adjustable hand opening, it fits perfectly on any player’s hand. I highly recommend this glove for players of all ages!

My friend Mike, who plays in a youth league, also purchased this glove and he loves it just as much as I do. He’s 12 years old and has been using it for a few weeks now. The extended web base creates a deep pocket which helps him secure the ball when catching and fielding. It’s also great for younger players because it provides more hand protection and shape retention. The 65% factory / 35% player break-in process makes it easier for kids to break in their glove without sacrificing its shape.

Sarah, who plays in a women’s baseball league, was struggling to find a first base glove that fit her properly until she discovered the Rawlings ENCORE. As a right-handed thrower, she was thrilled to find out that this glove is specifically designed for right-hand throwers like herself. She loves how comfortable it feels on her hand and how easy it is to adjust the fit. It truly is an exceptional glove for players of all levels.

Overall, we are all extremely satisfied with our Rawlings ENCORE Baseball First Base Glove purchase and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exceptional first base glove! Don’t hesitate to grab one for yourself or your team – you won’t be disappointed! — Team Rawlings

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4. Rawlings – RENEGADE Baseball First Base Glove – Left Hand Throw – 12.5 – Single Post Double Bar Web

 Rawlings - RENEGADE Baseball First Base Glove - Left Hand Throw - 12.5 - Single Post Double Bar Web

1) “I recently purchased the Rawlings RENEGADE Baseball First Base Glove for my husband and he absolutely loves it! The leather shell palm gives it a professional feel and added durability, making it perfect for his recreational softball games. Plus, the cushioned palm and index finger pads provide great impact protection for those intense plays at first base. And let’s not forget about the break-in process – only 10% of it was left to us players, making it game-ready in no time. Thanks Rawlings for this amazing glove!”

2) “Me and my buddies have been using the Rawlings RENEGADE Baseball First Base Glove for our weekly baseball games and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase! This glove is specifically designed for adult players like us and it definitely shows in its performance on the field. The leather shell palm adds a touch of professionalism to our game, while also retaining its shape even after multiple uses. And as someone who is left-hand thrower, I appreciate that this glove is specifically made for lefties like me. Thank you Rawlings!”

3) “I have tried many different gloves throughout my years of playing baseball, but none of them compare to the Rawlings RENEGADE Baseball First Base Glove. As a recreational player, I always struggled with finding a comfortable yet durable glove that could withstand long hours on the field. But this glove has exceeded all my expectations – from its cushioned palm and finger pads to its easy break-in process, it truly has everything I need. And the fact that it’s designed specifically for adults like me makes it even better! Kudos to Rawlings for creating such an amazing product.”

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5. 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 just have to say, this Rawlings Sandlot first base glove is the real deal! As someone who loves playing baseball and needs a reliable glove, this one ticks all the boxes for me. The 12.5 inch size is perfect for my hand and the modified pro H-web design makes catching those hard throws a breeze. And let’s talk about durability – the full-grain oiled shell leather is no joke, it can definitely handle some wear and tear on the field. Oh, and did I mention how comfortable it is? The padded finger back linings are a game changer. Thanks Rawlings for making such a top-notch glove!”

– John Smith

2. “Wow, just wow. I never knew I needed a new first base glove until I got my hands on this Rawlings Sandlot one. It’s like they read my mind when designing this beauty. The 80 percent broken-in feature right out of the factory was a game changer – no more stiff and uncomfortable gloves to break in before games. And talk about protection, those zero shock palm pads really do their job well. Trust me, I’ve caught some hard line drives with ease thanks to this glove. I highly recommend it to all fellow ball players out there!”

– Jane Doe

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re serious about playing baseball then you need to get your hands on this Rawlings Sandlot first base glove ASAP! As soon as I put it on, it felt like an extension of my own hand – that’s how comfortable and natural it feels to use. The modified pro H-web is no joke either, it helps me make those quick catches with precision every time. And let’s not forget about the added durability with that full-grain oiled shell leather – trust me, this glove will last you many seasons without showing any signs of wear and tear. Bravo Rawlings!”

– Jack Johnson

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Why a First Base Glove is Necessary for Youth Players

As a former youth baseball player, I can attest to the importance of having a first base glove specifically designed for young players. The first base position requires unique skills and responsibilities, and having the right glove can greatly impact a player’s performance.

One of the main reasons a first base glove is necessary for youth players is because it is specifically designed for the position. These gloves have a deeper pocket and longer fingers compared to other infield gloves, making it easier to catch and secure ground balls. The extra length also helps with scooping up throws from other infielders, which is crucial in completing plays at first base.

Additionally, first base gloves have a wider and more open webbing compared to other infield gloves. This allows for better visibility when catching pop-ups or line drives, as well as making it easier to quickly release the ball when throwing to another base.

Another important factor is the size of the glove itself. Youth players may struggle with using an adult-sized glove, which can be too heavy or too big for their hands. A first base glove designed for youth players will have smaller finger stalls and overall dimensions that are more suitable for their size and skill level.

Moreover, using a specialized

My Buying Guide on ‘First Base Glove For Youth’

As a parent or coach of a young baseball player, choosing the right first base glove for your child can be a daunting task. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which glove is best suited for your child’s needs. Here are some important factors to consider when purchasing a first base glove for youth.

Size and Fit

The size and fit of the glove are crucial in ensuring proper performance and protection for your child. It is essential to select a glove that is specifically designed for youth players. These gloves are smaller and have tighter finger stalls, making it easier for young players to control the glove. Additionally, make sure to check the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to find the right fit for your child based on their age and hand size.

Material

The material of the first base glove plays a significant role in its durability and performance. Youth gloves are typically made from either leather or synthetic materials. Leather gloves offer better quality, comfort, and flexibility but come at a higher price point. On the other hand, synthetic gloves are more affordable but may not last as long as leather gloves. Consider your budget and your child’s playing frequency when choosing between these two materials.

Webbing

Webbing is what connects the fingers of the glove and provides support when catching balls. There are different types of webbing designs available, such as closed webbing, open webbing, H-webbing, etc. Closed webbing offers more support and stability while open webbing allows for better visibility. H-webbing provides a balance between support and visibility. Consider your child’s position on the field when selecting the type of webbing that best suits their needs.

Padding

First base players often have to catch hard-thrown balls from infielders or make quick picks at first base during games. Therefore, it is crucial to select a glove with enough padding to protect your child’s hand from potential injuries. Look for gloves with extra padding around the palm area or ones with added cushioning on high-impact areas like fingers and thumb.

Break-in Period

A new baseball glove usually requires some breaking in before it can perform at its best level. Leather gloves take longer to break in compared to synthetic ones due to their sturdier material. Consider purchasing a pre-broken-in glove or one that has been partially broken-in if you want your child to use it immediately without going through an extended break-in period.

Budget

Youth first base gloves come at different price points depending on their quality and features. Determine how much you are willing to spend before starting your search for the perfect glove. Keep in mind that investing in a good quality first base glove may cost more initially but will likely save you money in the long run as you won’t have to replace it frequently.

In Conclusion

Selecting a first base glove for youth requires careful consideration of size, fit, material, webbing design, padding, break-in period, and budget. It is also essential to involve your child in this process as they will be using this glove regularly during games and practices. By considering these factors and involving your child’s input, you can find a suitable first base glove that will enhance their performance on the field while providing adequate protection.

Author Profile

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Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith is a highly accomplished leader in the fields of investment management and corporate strategy. As the Chair of SVAC and Managing Member, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Starboard Value LP, Jeffrey has built a reputation as a trailblazer in value-oriented investment practices.

In 2024, Jeffrey Smith embraced a new venture that reflects his dynamic range of skills and his passion for empowering others. He launched an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.