Best Baseball Gloves Brands

5 Best Baseball Gloves Brands and Their Best Series 

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Last Updated on January 22, 2023

Gloves are essential no matter which position you’re playing in. And if you’re new in the baseball world, recognizing the best baseball gloves brands is crucial.

There are more than 2000+ baseball equipment manufacturers in China alone. If you consider America, Canada, Vietnam, and other countries, there can be around 4000+ companies who are participating in this craftsmanship.

I’ve listed 5 of the top brands to shortify your research time and stress. This list includes well-known companies like Rawlings, Wilson, Franklin Sports, Nokona, and Marucci. 

You’ll also learn about their most selling baseball gloves in this article. I also categorized the best gloves depending on the player’s position to make it easier. Let’s start with the company overview first. 

5 Best Baseball Gloves Brands 

Let’s dig deep into the top baseball glove brands that are dominating the industry.

Wilson Sporting Goods

The first baseball glove brand Wilson was founded in 1913.

About Wilson

Wilson is a popular brand in the world of baseball, known for producing high-quality gloves for players of all levels. 

The company was founded in 1913 by Thomas E. Wilson and has since become one of the industry’s most well-known and respected brands. Wilson became the official gloves supplier for Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1991. 

They have a long history of crafting gloves for professional players, amateurs, and youth players. 

In addition to gloves, they also produce other baseball equipment, such as balls, bats, and protective gear. 

Without the baseball area, the company also has an extensive list of merchandise and sporting goods for other sports, such as basketball, tennis, golf, hockey, etc.

Why Should You Pick Wilson Gloves?

Wilson’s gloves are known for their durability, comfort, and ability to help players improve their performance on the field. 

They offer a wide range of gloves for different positions, including infield, outfield, and catcher’s gloves, as well as various customization options, such as personalizing the gloves with the player’s name. 

Players Who Use Wilson Gloves

  • Andrew Benintendi
  • Carlos Correa
  • Dansby Swanson
  • Evan Longoria
  • Jose Altuve
  • Josh Harrison
  • Matt Chapman
  • Vladimir Guerrero

Best Wilson Gloves 

Some of their most popular models include: 

“I’ll share my after-use experience of Wilson gloves in the later section of this article.”

You can read some reviews and comparison here:

Top 3 Wilson Outfield Gloves | MLB Players’ Choice

Wilson A2000 vs Heart of the Hide of Rawlings| Which One is the Best?

Wilson a2K vs A2000 | Which One Is the Ideal Choice

Wilson A900 vs A1000 Gloves | Comparison With Precise Details

Rawlings 

The second baseball glove brand Rawlings recently became one of the MLB official glove suppliers.

About Rawlings 

Rawlings has always been the parallelly famous brand as Wilson. The company was founded in 1887 by George and Alfred Rawlings and has since become one of the industry’s most well-known and respected brands.

Unlike Wilson, Rawlings always centered their production lines on baseball and related goods. They produce gloves, balls, bats, helmets for catchers/batters, safety gear, uniforms, footwear or cleats, etc. 

However, they also have some contractual goods for the NFL (National Football League.)

Rawlings manages to stand out from the market because of their celebrity baseball player endorsement. They followed this method from their inception. 

Besides, Rawlings is also involved in sponsoring numerous baseball leagues, events, and teams, which gives them additional exposure to aspiring baseball players. Rawlings is also the official supplier of baseballs for Major League Baseball (MLB).

Why Should You Pick Rawlings Gloves?

Under the $100 budget range, Rawlings is the best company to produce high-quality gloves for fielders, pitchers, batters, and catchers. Their most popular series of gloves are used by beginners to professional-level baseball players. 

If considering their 100+ years of glory and thousands of customers’ positive reviews, they surely deserve to be in your collection.

Players Who Use Rawlings Gloves

As mentioned earlier, Rawlings has a great fan club, from college to the national league of baseball players. Let’s take a look at the players who prefer to wear Rawlings gloves.

  • Bryce Harper
  • Carlos Correa
  • Francisco Lindor
  • Fernando Tatis Jr.
  • Javy Baez
  • Manny Machado
  • Mookie Betts
  • Paul Lo Duca
  • Ronald Acuña Jr.

Best Rawlings Gloves 

Some of their most popular models include the Heart of the Hide, Pro Preferred, and the Gold Glove series. 

Read some review

Rawlings Pro Preferred Mocha Review | A Review Of Quality Glove Series

Wilson A2000 vs Heart of the Hide of Rawlings| Which One is the Best?

Nokona Athletic Goods Company

Nokona, the baseball glove brand, was founded in Texas in 1926 by Cad.

About Nokona

Nokona Athletic Goods Company is a manufacturer of athletic equipment and leather goods, including baseball gloves and belts. The company was founded in Nokona, Texas, in 1926 by Cad McCall. 

It has been passed down through three generations and continues to operate today. The company is known for its exceptional quality, durability, and craftsmanship and is a trusted brand among athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Initially, the company started to produce different fashion leather items. However, in 1932, they shifted their focus to manufacturing sports equipment. 

After receiving a contract from the American government, Nokona entered the ball gloves market at the beginning of the 40s.

In 2014, the brand came up with a new logo and premium baseball glove series. They later expanded to another category called Custom gloves. The goal of this segment was to serve custom-designed gloves for all.

Why Should You Pick Nokona Gloves?

Nokona has a long history of producing high-quality, handcrafted leather goods and has become a respected name in the sports equipment industry. Besides, they have America-based manufacturing units. 

So, whatever you’ll get, it’s nothing but top-notch quality. Because of that, even some of the top baseball legends prefer their gloves over Rawlings and Wilson. 

“Due to the surplus labor cost of manufacturing gloves in the United States, Nokona gloves are comparably expensive than other brands.”

Players Who Use Nokona Gloves

Nokona gloves are mostly accepted by professional baseball players. Here are some of the current Major League Baseball players who use Nokona gloves.

  • Austin Brice
  • Blaine Hardy
  • Chris Mazza
  • Cody Anderson
  • Colten Brewer
  • Jake Newberry
  • JP Feyereisen
  • Ryan Pressly
  • Scott Barlow
  • Steven Brault
  • Tim Mayza
  • Tyler Saladino
  • Wilmer Font

Best Nokona Gloves 

Nokona has a limited series of gloves. Their most common glove editions are Alpha, Walnut, SKN, and Bloodline Edge. So, I’ve used the gloves below, which gave me a premium feeling just after putting them in my hands for the first time. 

Marucci

Marucci is one of a few baseball glove brands that’s founded by professional players.

About Marucci

Marucci designs and manufactures baseball equipment. The company was founded by two former professional baseball players, Jack Marucci and Kurt Ainsworth, in 2003. 

Unlike previously mentioned brands, Marucci is mainly known for its high-quality wooden baseball bats and has gained a reputation as one of the top bat manufacturers in the industry. 

Around 40% of MLB players use their branded bats. They also extended their SKUs to baseball gloves, protective gear, and accessories.

CDH (Compass Diversified Holdings) purchased the company in 2020. Hopefully, this acquisition won’t affect the product quality in the long run.

The company has also developed a strong youth presence by working with travel teams, coaches, and youth programs.

Why Should You Pick Marucci Gloves?

Marucci also has a team of experts, including current and former MLB players, coaches, and trainers, who work together to design and test products. 

Because of that, they always create products that relate to and solve the problem of the real players. 

Marucci is committed to giving back to the community through Marucci Cares, which supports children in need and promotes sports participation. 

So, suppose you’re buying products from Marucci. In that case, you’re not only getting high-quality equipment but also participating in its mission to player development and its commitment to giving back to the community.

Players Who Use Marucci Gloves

Marucci’s products are used by many professional baseball players, including a number of MLB All-Stars, such as:

  • Adrián Beltré
  • Albert Almora
  • Alex Bregman
  • Austin Barnes
  • Carlos Beltrán 
  • Jackie Bradley Jr.
  • Jose Abreu
  • José Bautista 
  • Michael Brantley
  • Ozzie Albies

Best Marucci Gloves 

Marucci has different baseball glove series like Arcadia, Blacksmith, Ascension, Cypress, Capitol, etc. But most of them aren’t currently available online. So, I suggest going for any of the below, depending on your position and requirements. 

Franklin Sports

As a budget baseball gloves manufacturer, Franklin Sports is a very well-known company.

About Franklin Sports

Most reviewers skip Franklin Sports. But considering intermediate and beginner levels, I believe FS deserves to be on this list of the best baseball gloves brands. 

Franklin Sports is known for its high-quality and innovative products that are designed to meet the needs of athletes of all ages and skill levels.

The company was founded in 1946 by Irving H. Franklin and Sydney Franklin. It’s based in Stoughton, Massachusetts. 

Franklin Sports products include baseball and softball equipment, footballs, soccer balls, and hockey equipment, as well as a wide range of accessories such as gloves, batting tees, and training aids. 

Besides, they produce a line of team sports equipment and accessories, including goals, nets, and field equipment for soccer, hockey, and lacrosse.

Why Should You Pick Franklin Sports Gloves?

The main reason people prefer Franklin Sports gloves is the utmost comfort they provide. Many of their gloves are made out of pigskin, which is way too soft than other leathers as well as durable.

Additionally, Franklin Sports offers gloves for all skill levels and ages, so whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you can find a pair of gloves that’ll meet your needs. 

Furthermore, Franklin Sports has a reputation for providing excellent customer service and standing behind its products with a warranty.

Players Who Use Franklin Sports Gloves

Unlike other brands, FS also endorses college-grade baseball players besides MLB. Let’s check out some of the professional league players who trust this brand.

  • Aaron Judge
  • Gary Sanchez
  • Justin Turner 
  • Paul Goldschmidt
  • Ronald Acuna Jr. 

Best Franklin Sports Gloves 

Franklin Sports has numerous glove series, such as Fielder Master, CFX Pro, Powerstrap, Classic, and so on. However, for batting gloves, I prefer the CFX, and for other positions, the Field Master series. 

Best Baseball Gloves for Hitters 

Franklin Sports CFX Pro MLB Batting Gloves

The CFX Pro adult franklin sports MLB baseball batting gloves are a high-performance option for baseball players. 

These gloves are designed to provide a comfortable and secure fit for players. Besides, the manufacturer added a flexible, breathable construction that allows easy movement and ventilation. 

They feature a durable synthetic leather palm that provides a strong grip and excellent durability. I also liked the Velcro closure that ensures a snug and secure fit. 

The gloves are also designed to withstand the rigors of professional-level play and are used by several MLB players. They are a great choice for serious baseball players looking for a high-quality and durable pair of batting gloves.

Goodside

  • Features a modern and stylish design 
  • Cabretta leather construction provides maximum grip 
  • Ensures getting a natural fit
  • Highly preferable for its top-notch durable quality
  • Offered in 20 colors to choose from

Bad Side

  • Not suitable for too sweaty hands 

Best Baseball Gloves for Pitchers

Wilson A2000 Baseball Glove Series

The Rawlings A2000 pitcher gloves are a top-of-the-line option for baseball players. They are known for their durability and long-lasting performance, making them a great investment for serious players. 

If you’re uncomfortable with closed web gloves, this pair of gloves isn’t for you. However, for closed web lovers, it’s the perfect match.

Another reason to say No to these pitcher gloves is their high price tag. But if you don’t have any budget issues, the Rawling A2000 is surely a great deal to try.

The gloves are made with a combination of leather and synthetic materials, which work together to provide a comfortable and snug fit. 

Without that, it features a unique “Dual Welting” system which offers great support in the fingers to help pitchers with the grip of the ball. 

Overall, the Rawlings A2000 pitcher gloves are a great option for players looking for a high-quality and durable glove that can withstand the rigors of the game.

Good sides

  • Dual welting system for extra gripping support 
  • Hybrid leather construction requires less break-in time 
  • Closed web design provides pitch concealment
  • Comfortable inner for a long time uses
  •  Features spin control design to increase the friction of the ball 

Bad Sides

  • Requires one larger size to fit in
  • The lace quality is a bit poor 

Best Baseball Gloves for Infielders

Franklin Sports Field Master – Baseball and Softball Gloves

If you’re looking for the best budget infielder gloves, there’s no other better contender than this Field Master by Franklin Sports. 

The manufacturer cut down the cost in multiple ways. Firstly, unlike other pure leather-made baseball gloves, this one is made with high-end synthetic/artificial leather. Therefore, you can easily break into these gloves after a few uses.

However, you can’t expect to get leather-like durability results with this pair. But considering the price, the standards are really worth it. 

As mentioned in the title, whether you’re in softball or baseball, this one features all the requirements to support you as an infielder.  

For example, it has a contour fitting system. It allows you to adjust the thumb according to your comfort. Some of my trainees also shared they felt a snug fit with the overall gloves. 

Another important feature for an infielder to look for is the pocket design. The manufacturer added a hand-formed pocket design. Thus, you get a responsive feeling every time you catch the ball. 

Good sides

  • Best for the easy break-in process 
  • Contour fitting design for additional thumb adjustments 
  • Synthetic leather built is quite durable compared to the price 
  • The hand-matched pocket design gives responsive feelings 
  • Available in 6 different colors to meet all players’ taste 

Bad Sides 

  • Mainly designed for practicing, not for league events 
  • Not suitable for adult players  

Best Baseball Gloves for Outfielders 

Rawlings R9 Baseball Outfielder Gloves

For mid-budget holders within $100-$200, Rawlings R9 baseball gloves are the best deal. The series has different types of gloves for different fielding positions. And the outfielder version is also equally great in quality.

Rawlings made this pair of gloves to provide next-level performance on the field during real action. Therefore, they made it with softer and quite durable leather. So, you can be assured of both comfort and long-lasting performance.

An additional feature of the comfort measures is the padded finger back liners. Except for this, Railings also designed this glove with a taper fit. Besides, the gloves are comparably lightweight, unlike typical baseball outfielder gloves. 

When it comes to the break-in, you don’t need to worry as well. It comes in with broken-in 80% in the factory. So, you can expect to use it just after unpacking.

Before ordering, please note that the glove set is only intended for 8 to 14 years old outfielders. 

Good sides

  • Crafted with a durable leather shell 
  • Padded finger back design for extra comfort 
  • Provides required fittings for targeted age groups
  • Doesn’t require immediate break-in support 
  • Taper fit design makes it versatile for other positions, also 

Bad Sides

  • Some units are reported to have break-in issues 

Best Baseball Gloves for Catchers 

Rawlings Renegade Glove Series for Catchers 

Whether for practice or small leagues, you’ll surely love this Renegade catcher’s mitt, just like more than 5000 baseball players do.

If starting with the design aspects, the mitt has a 5-inch closed web to make catching easier than ever. 

You can begin playing with these catcher gloves right after receiving them. They are broken in 90% from the Rawlings factory. 

Rawlings also did interesting work with the design. They added mesh back. As a result, you get optimal balance while ensuring quick responsiveness. 

Thanks to the cushioned palm design as well. Because of that, you get the utmost protection while playing real rough. Also, the finger pads ensure safety from fatigue issues.

Although there’s a recent year edition of this series, I liked the 2019 edition more. Among them all, this catcher’s mitt is highly preferable for the budget price tag. 

Good sides 

  • 90% broken-in done in the factory 
  • Quite comfortable and lightweight in design 
  • Closed web design for better gripping 
  • Cushioned palm is added for extra protection 
  • Index finger padding for both comfort and safety 

Bad Sides

  • Mainly crafted for beginner baseball players 
  • A bit small glove entry point 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What brand of glove do most MLB players use?

Looking at the MLB players’ insights, most prefer using Rawlings gloves as starters. Since the brand recently became the official supplier of Major League Baseball, the rate of its popularity is rising again.

Are Rawlings or Wilson gloves better?

Both Rawlings and Wilson gloves are great options for professional and training sessions of your baseball journey. On the top budget line, they both offer quite high quality. However, in the lower or mid-budget range, I found Rawlings gloves are a bit better deal than Wilson’s.

Is a Wilson A2000 worth the money?

Wilson A2000 is only worth the money if you’re willing to spend that much on your gloves. 

But if you’re considering other gloves from brands like Rawlings and Franklin Sports, you should think twice before ordering. The leather quality and feel are almost the same in all of them, yet there’s a price difference of $100-$150.

What brand of glove did Derek Jeter use?

Rawlings PRODJ2 is the glove Derek Jeter used to wear in his 20 MLB seasons. Later Xander Bogaerts and Anthony Rendon also started to wear the same gloves.

What is the best baseball glove?

There’s not a single glove series that you can consider the best baseball glove. Depending on your position and budget, you’ll always find multiple glove options. I’ve shared the shortlisted gloves above, which are the best for different positions.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the best baseball gloves brands are Rawling, Wilson, Franklin Sports, Nokona, and Marucci. It’s not like there’s no better brand like them. But these are suitable for amateurs to professional MLB players. 

Compared to others, Wilson gloves are the most expensive ones. And Franklin Sports seems to distribute their gloves at a cheaper price.  

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