I have never been tired of talking about baseball gloves. Do you know why? Because I have a fascination with gloves because almost all of them are made of leather.
By the way, as a youth baseball coach, I know how much hassle parents get to select the perfect piece of baseball glove for their kids. Perfect size, build quality, value for money, durability, and ultimately performance all give ultimate hassles to them.
Consequently, to be a youth coach, I have been asked to do a review with some value for money and the best youth infield gloves for the last few months.
The time has come, and I have gone through a thorough study and real-time experience with some pretty good youth baseball gloves. Today I will share my experience with the 10 best youth infield gloves that I have picked among almost 30 gloves in the last 4 months.
So, without more ado, let’s start.
Related: 10 Best Infield Gloves
List of 10 Best Youth Infield Gloves
Here’s a list of the 10 best youth baseball infield gloves for a quick overview of the gloves.
| No. | Youth Infield Gloves | Material | Price |
| 1 | Rawlings | R9 Baseball Glove | First Base Mitt | Leather | Check the Price |
| 2 | Rawlings Select PRO-LITE Youth Baseball Glove | Leather | Check the Price |
| 3 | Hit Run Steal Baseball Glove | Youth and Adult | Barnstormer Leather | Check the Price |
| 4 | Rawlings | Players Series T-Ball & Youth Baseball Glove | Vinyl | Check the Price |
| 5 | SHOELESS JOE I-Web Joe Baseball Glove | Soft antique tobacco leather | Check the Price |
| 6 | Marucci Boys INFIELD Baseball Glove | Full-grain reinforced cowhide leather shell | Check the Price |
| 7 | Wilson A2000 Fastpitch Glove Series | Pro Stock Leather | Check the Price |
| 8 | Beoub Baseball Glove for Youth | Leather | Check the Price |
| 9 | Rawlings | Sure Catch Softball Glove Series for Youth | Cowhide leather | Check the Price |
| 10 | Franklin Sports Field Master Baseball + Softball Gloves for Youth and Adult | Premium-grade synthetic leather | Check the Price |
10 Best Youth Infield Gloves: A Comprehensive Review With Experience
I have tested most of the gloves by hand. Some of the gloves are tested by our team members in my coaching facilities. And those who regularly follow our blog know we never put our opinion on any baseball equipment without real-life testing.
So, let’s check what we have found on our top 10 picks. You may find the best infield glove for your kids from our today’s picks.
1. Rawlings | R9 Baseball Glove | First Base Mitt
Specs
- Material: Leather
- Size: 12.5”
- Web: Modified Pro H Web
- Position: First Base
- Hand Orientation: Both right and left hand-throw
- Age Range: 8 to 14
As a youth baseball coach, I, along with some of my players’ parents, was constantly looking for top-notch gloves that could help my players get better first base experience. I have to admit that after testing the Rawlings R9 Baseball Glove at first base, I am quite pleased.
The glove is incredibly durable and sturdy because it is constructed of high-quality leather. For young athletes, the 12.5-inch size is ideal since it gives them just enough room to comfortably catch the ball without being too heavy. And I need to admit another thing, the Rawlings R9 series is probably one of the best youth baseball glove series ever made.
However, the deep pocket of this glove is one of its distinguishing qualities. First basemen need to be able to grab and grip the ball swiftly and effectively.
Therefore the deep pocket is very crucial for them. Additionally, the deep pocket enhances stability and control when fielding ground balls or making catches. The glove’s modified H-Pro web design assists in catching those challenging throws and helps reinforce the pocket.
This glove’s leather construction also makes breaking it simple: it is almost game-ready, 80% factory, and 20% player break-in.
So, no worries about the breaking-in period; the glove can be used immediately after unboxing with moderate breaking-in efforts. The glove offers a snug fit that will enable you to make those key plays in the field.
Overall, if a young baseball first baseman is searching for a dependable and superior first base glove, I would heartily recommend the Rawlings R9 Baseball Glove.
This is one of the best infield softball gloves and will undoubtedly help you improve your game thanks to its robust design, spacious pocket, and cozy fit.
Pros
- Great build quality with high-quality leather
- Deeper pocket that allows secure hold of the ball
- The H-Pro web ensures the proper grip with the deeper pocket
- The glove is available in both right and left-hand throws.
Cons
- Though Rawlings claims the glove is 80% broken in, we found it less broken in, which seems like around 30 to 40%
What I Like Most About This Glove
The glove’s deeper pocket amazed me with its performance. I have grabbed a lot of balls with it, and almost never disappointed me with its grip. I felt super grip with easy catching.
2. Rawlings Select PRO-LITE Youth Baseball Glove
Specs
- Material: Soft leather
- Size: 11.25”
- Web: Pro-H web
- Position: Any infield position
- Hand Orientation: Right hand-throw
- Age Range: 6 to 12 years
The Rawlings Select Pro Lite Youth Baseball Glove is a product that I just got the opportunity to test out through one of my young players.
I must say that I was quite pleased with its quality. This glove is quite tough and able to resist the wear and tear of repeated usage on the field in terms of construction since it is made of high-quality leather.
For young players who are just beginning out in the infield and are searching for a comfortable, well-fitting glove, the 11.25-inch size is ideal. By the way, the glove is particularly designed for the 6 to 12-year range.
This glove’s lightweight design is one of its most notable qualities. Even with a smaller glove size, this makes it simple for younger players to grasp and navigate because of its ultra-soft all-leather shell material.
The soft leather ensures shock reduction, which is a must for youth players. And in this category, the glove shows its highest potential.
Additionally, the glove has a pro-style design that gives it a polished appearance and feels that younger players will like.
The Pro-H web construction of the Rawlings Select Pro Lite Youth Baseball Glove offers outstanding support and stability for catching those challenging pitches. Additionally, the pocket is deep enough to allow infielders ample room to catch and hold onto the ball, which is crucial.
The comfort of this glove is excellent. The glove is made of elastic, smooth leather that gradually conforms to the curve of your kid’s hand for a snug fit.
Overall, if a young baseball fielder is searching for a dependable and premium infield glove, I would heartily suggest the Rawlings Select Pro Lite Youth Baseball Glove.
By the way, this is not a premium-category glove. So, you can’t expect top performance like professional MLB gloves.
Pros
- Soft feel with durable construction. You can be relaxed for the next 4 years with this glove for your sons or grandsons.
- Great price point
- It’s soft and has no harsh feel from the very beginning of wearing
- Perfect fit for any standard hand sizes age range of 6 to 12, especially great for 9 to 12.
Cons
- Though it is claimed 90%of factory break-ins, you will have to put some effort into breaking it in. Using a glove conditioner will help it to break in overnight.
What I Like Most About This Glove
The most significant part of this glove is its soft feel. Kids with the targeted age range will find it comfortable enough for long-time wearing.
3. Hit Run Steal Baseball Glove | Youth and Adult
Specs
- Material: Barnstormer Leather
- Size: 11.5”
- Web: I-web
- Position: Infield
- Hand Orientation: Both right and left hand-throw
- Age Range: Big kids, 12 to 14 years
If you are looking for something latest and a little expensive for your kids, Hit Run Steal infield could be your choice. The glove is made of high-quality Barnstorm leather, along with wool blend padding.
The glove’s sturdy leather construction can survive the rigors of regular usage on the field. At the same time, its individualized design guarantees that you won’t misplace your glove among the others.
As a result, the construction is almost premium, and the shock absorption is up to the mark. The user won’t feel any pain when he grabs the ball because the wool-blend padding will absorb the core shock from the ball’s hit.
To give and keep the shape of the glove in pristine condition, the glove is laced with premium American leather laces. Though the Hit Run brand was established in 2016, its motto is to create unmatched and affordable baseball equipment for kids.
So, from the build quality and performance of this glove, I have got their motto’s authenticity. By the way, the glove isn’t factory broken in. You need to go through a standard break-in procedure to get the glove ready for the game.
The adaptability of this glove is one of its best qualities. It is a terrific purchase for players searching for a high-quality glove that will serve them for many years since it can be worn by both youth and adult players.
Pros
- Made of high-quality Barnstorm leather that guarantees a long-lasting period.
- The wool-blend padding ensures no shock in grabbing the hard balls.
- The glove can be worn by both youths and adults.
Cons
- Since the glove isn’t game-ready, you have to go through a standard breaking-in procedure to make it ready for the game.
What I Like Most About This Glove
I mostly love its shock absorption ability. You will feel the ball that is grabbed but won’t feel any pain.
4. Rawlings | Players Series T-Ball & Youth Baseball Glove
Specs
- Material: Vinyl
- Size: 10.5”
- Web: Closed basket and H-web
- Position: All infield position
- Hand Orientation: Both right and left hand-throw
- Age Range: 5 to 9 years old
Here I am not talking about a particular glove, but rather a series for juniors. If you are looking for the best matches for all infield positions for your sons or grandsons, the Rawlings Players T-Ball & Youth Baseball Glove Series won’t disappoint you.
The gloves are made of vinyl, which is perfect for the 5 to 9-year-old age range, those who just started the game. Additionally, the pocket is deep enough to allow for adequate catching and holding of the ball. This is crucial for young players who are just learning the game.
By the way, the series is made for tiny hands that give a snug fit for them. The glove series features 9”, 10”, 10.5”, and 11.5” gloves for different positions.
Basically, two webs are used: basket and H-pro webs, which give ample holding features for respective positions. The Basket web ensures the efficient stopping of hard balls with ease.
On the other hand, the H-pro web gives ample space to grab the balls in any infield position. Summing up this series fact, it is affordable, just perfectly fine for kids that just started the game. However, it is not premium and not recommended for division-level players.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Game-ready, so there is no need for a break-in
- Comfortable to wear due to lightweight making
Cons
- Though it’s a standard solution for kids who just started the game, the build quality should have been a lot better.
What I Like Most About This Glove
The lightweight and the comfort are the breaking points of this series. So, your grandsons or sons won’t complain about comfort.
5. SHOELESS JOE I-Web Joe Baseball Glove
Specs
- Material: Special aged soft antique tobacco leather
- Size: 10”, 11.5”, and 11.75”
- Web: I-web
- Position: Infield
- Hand-Orientation: Both right and left-hand throw
- Age Range: 7 to 11
Shoeless Joe is an underrated but one of the prominent baseball glove makers in the industry. They make classy and some moderate-top gloves for baseball lovers.
The Shoeless Joe I-web glove is one of the top-rated and top-built youth baseball gloves, without any doubt. The specialty of Shoeless Joe is its leather. They use special antique tobacco leather, which feels insanely soft and comfortable.
The design is classic old-school looking that gives a classical feel and aesthetic look.
The build quality is undoubtedly high, which is done masterly with great craftsmanship. The glove is durable enough to last for at least 3 years with regular use.
The glove is entirely made of leather, handcrafted and sewn, and has no use of any artificial material.
The glove is designed for 7 to 12-year-old youths with sizes of 10”, 11.5”, and 11.75”. As Shoeless Joe claims, the glove is well fitted with these age ranges, and we found its authenticity.
The glove is easily broken with no sweat and tears. But, we also have negligible feedback that the glove takes longer to break in and is not well fitted to some youth hands.
As we checked a lot of user feedback and found a little negative feedback, we believe the issue was in some units, which is possible since the glove is hand-crafted.
But overall, we found great build quality, a classic old-school look, fast break-in, comfort, and a deep enough pocket for catching. So, you can bet on it for your youth players.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Insanely soft but highly durable leather construction
- Snug fitting for the claimed age range
- Easy break-in
- Great pricing with premium quality
Cons
- So far, we’ve got some reports about break-ins that take longer to break in. But this could be some particular units’ fault.
What I Like Most About This Glove
The soft feel with the amazing build quality is the key point of this glove. You will feel comfortable and can go with it for the next several years.
6. Marucci Boys INFIELD Baseball Glove
Specs
- Material: Full-grain leather
- Size: 11”
- Web: Single post
- Position: Infield
- Hand Orientation: Right-Hand throw
- Age Range: 9 to 12 years
The Marucci Boys infield baseball glove is suitable for infield positions and is made of high-quality full-grain cowhide. The leather is precisely processed and reinforced, ensuring lightweight construction.
The 11-inch size of the Marucci Boys Infield Baseball Glove makes it perfect for infield positions, including second base, shortstop, and third base. The glove includes a shallow pocket that makes it simple to transfer the ball while still offering enough depth to do so safely.
Another great feature of this glove is its EZ flex notch, which ensures easy closing and opening. So, this helps to grab the ball fast without any delay.
In terms of comfort, Marucci used high-density memory foam throughout the glove, which is secured with microfiber finger and wrist lining. Consequently, the wearer will get unmatched comfort during the entire wearing session.
Pros
- EZ flex technology ensures smooth closing and opening.
- Great build quality with full-grain cowhide
- Good pricing with such material and construction
Cons
- The glove has some non-leather parts, like the finger lining. These parts are vulnerable to wear and tear fast.
What I Like Most About This Glove
The EZ flex technology in this glove I like, particularly. This ensures fast and smooth closing and opening of the glove without facing any obstacle.
7. Wilson A2000 Fastpitch Glove Series
Specs
- Material: Pro stock leather by Wilson
- Size: 11.75 inches
- Web: Cross Web w/3X Lace
- Position: Infield
- Age Range: 14+
This is the time to talk about premium gloves. When you want to pick something expensive, you must consider Wilson baseball gloves. And when it’s about the best infield softball gloves, you can’t deny the Wilson A2000 series for both youths and adults.
A top-notch glove that is ideal for young fastpitch softball players is the Wilson Sporting Goods A2000 Fastpitch Softball Glove.
This glove is tough and cozy because it is made of premium Pro Stock Leather. Players may concentrate on their game without being distracted by their equipment thanks to this.
The A2000 series’ SuperSkin technology is its most noteworthy feature. The glove’s weight is reduced by half thanks to a microfibre that triples the durability of the material.
The distinctive design of this glove is yet another noteworthy quality. Cross Web with a 3X Lace design on the glove offers exceptional support and stability for catching fly balls.
In addition, it makes moving the ball quick and simple. A twin welting system is another aspect of the glove that gives athletes more durability and form retention.
The Wilson A2000 Fastpitch Softball Glove excels in terms of comfort. The glove is made to gradually conform to the contour of your hand, giving you a secure and comfortable personalized fit. Additionally, the glove has a Dri-Lex wrist lining that keeps your hand dry and comfortable throughout lengthy games or practices.
The ComfortPro Fit ensures perfect concealing against the wrist, giving a snug and comfortable fit all day long.
This glove is a terrific investment because of its distinctive design and premium materials, which will last players for many seasons.
To learn more about the A2000 series in-depth, you can check our guide on Wilson A2000 Softball Glove Series Review
Pros
- High-quality build with premium materials, which is ultimately durable
- Perfect size and shape retention
- Superskin material that halves the weight and enhances the durability up to 3 times
- Comfortable and snug fit
- Great shape retention with Rolled Dual Welting cosmetic effect.
Cons
- Since it is a premium glove, you have to go through a standard break-in process.
What I Like Most About This Glove
Undoubtedly, the SuperSkin is the key feature that outperforms anything. This reduced the weight of Wilson’s premium gloves but surprisingly enhanced their durability.
8. Beoub Baseball Glove for Youth
Specs
- Material: Leather
- Size: 11.5 inches
- Web: T-web
- Position: Infield and mixed position
- Age Range: 14+
It’s never less fun to get something different. So, you are going to experience something different here.
The Beoub Baseball glove is actually an all-rounder and can be used for both infield and outfield in baseball and softball.
High-quality full-grain but soft leather is used, which makes the glove durable. The Beoub Baseball/Softball Glove is simple to break in and shapes easily to your favorite shape, allowing the user to use it almost immediately after unboxing.
If I say more specifically, the glove is designed for all games, including recreational and league games.
The glove includes a deep pocket that makes it possible to catch and retain the ball securely while still having enough flexibility to transmit the ball quickly and easily.
The custom T-webbing of the glove is also made to offer outstanding stability and support for catching ground and fly balls.
The Beoub Baseball/Softball Glove is a good option if comfort is a priority. The interior of the glove is soft against the skin and offers enough cushioning to shield your hand from blows while also feeling comfortable.
However, some users might discover that the glove is less breathable than competing products, which can lead to sweating during prolonged gameplay.
Overall, the Beoub Softball Glove is a good alternative for athletes looking for a cost-effective and adaptable outfield glove.
For players who are just starting out or who are on a budget, it is an excellent choice of Infielders softball glove alternative, even though it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end gloves.
Pros
- The glove is durable and lightweight with real leather construction
- This is an all-rounder glove that can be used for baseball and softball in all positions, including outfield and infield.
- Affordable price range
- Easy to break in. No sweat and tears to make it ready for games.
Cons
- The glove is not that breathable. So, the user may sweat with prolonged wearing.
What I Like Most About This Glove
The all-around features of the glove amazed me. If you want to choose a random glove for all positions for recreational or league games, I would suggest picking it.
9. Rawlings | Sure Catch Softball Glove Series | Youth
Specs
- Material: Leather
- Size: 11.5 inches
- Web: Basket Web
- Position: Training glove, suitable for all positions
- Age Range: 4 to 11
The Rawlings Sure Catch series is one of the best youth infield gloves in terms of training gloves. This is mainly a series, and we tried the 11.5” size. This didn’t disappoint us with its performance and build quality.
The parents can pick this glove for the Junior players who just started the game without any hesitation. It is specifically designed as a utility starter glove and is fit for any position.
The special feature of this glove is its Sure Catch technology. This technology helps junior players to close the glove too easily and smoothly without wasting any energy. That ensures easy catching and holding of the ball, which motivates junior beginners.
The glove is made of leather, not premium class, though, ensuring durability for the determined age range that the glove is made for. The padded lining ensures sharp retention of the glove, along with utmost comfort for growing hands.
The glove is almost 100% factory break-in and will not give you the hassle of making it ready for your kids. With the glove, we haven’t and couldn’t discover any fault. But we have found several complaints over its packaging.
Pros
- The glove is perfect and well-made for beginners
- The shape is great, and the feel is comfortable enough
- The sure catch technology ensures fast closing and opening of the glove
- The pricing is affordable, and the glove is value for money.
Cons
- Except for the report we got for fault in packaging, nothing negative we found about this glove, both in our test and other user feedback.
What I Like Most About This Glove
The fast closing and opening of the glove are just great. This may particularly help beginners with fast learning and self-motivation.
10. Franklin Sports Field Master Baseball + Softball Gloves for Youth and Adult
Specs
- Material: Synthetic leather
- Size: 10”
- Web: Traditional basket web
- Position: Pitcher
- Age Range: 7 to 13
Franklin Sports Field Master series is probably one of the most selling glove series of all time. If you search online, you will see and realize its popularity. For both softball and baseball, the popularity is equally significant for this glove.
Last but not least, Franklin Sports Field Master 10” is one of the best youth infield gloves for pitchers. By the way, no worries. The series includes each type of glove for all positions.
The glove is perfect for 7 to 13-year-olds, more specifically for both juniors and seniors. However, I wouldn’t suggest this glove for beginners.
However, the glove is made of synthetic leather, which lessens its price and enhances affordability. Among all other synthetic baseball gloves, we have found this the best. Being synthetic leather-made, it is also among the lightest baseball gloves as well.
Also, due to premium-level synthetic leather, the glove is durable enough and will keep you relaxed with it for the next 3 to 4 years.
Additionally, the gloves feature a contoured fit that conforms to the natural fit of the users. With time, it gets the exact hand shape of the user.
The pocket is deep enough to catch and hold the balls easily. At the same time, enough shallower to transfer the ball fast.
So, we believe you and your youngsters will not be disappointed with its performance. Lastly, the glove is game-ready and is available to use immediately after unboxing.
In conclusion, the Franklin Sports Baseball/Softball Glove is a fantastic choice for players of all skill levels of youths who want a cozy, robust, and adaptable glove that’s ready to use right out of the box.
Pros
- One of the most premium synthetic leather is used, which makes it significantly durable in most cases.
- The glove is hot out of the wrapper, so it can be used immediately after unboxing.
- The price is perfectly affordable
Cons
- We have got some reports on its webbing retention. Some users reported the webbing started to tear after use for some days.
What I Like Most About This Glove
The combination of material, construction, and affordable price is the hooking point of this glove. This is not particularly different with any single department. The overall thing is great for recreational and some softball league players.
What to Consider When Buying a Youth Infield Glove?
There are several factors to consider when you want to purchase youth infield gloves for your kids. If you skip them, that may drive you to pick the wrong one.
The following are some of the most crucial facts to consider.
Size
Size is the most crucial fact here. Basically, the youth gloves range from 10 inches to 11.5 inches. In some cases, with bigger kids, this could be up to 12.5 inches.
So, before purchasing, you must check the size of your kid(s) and then determine which size is perfect for him. We have a dedicated article on baseball glove size. So, you can check it out to get in-depth baseball glove size ideas for your son or grandson.
Material and Build Quality
The longevity, weight, and feel of the glove will all be impacted by its material. Leather gloves can be heavier and take longer to break in. But they normally last longer and offer a better feel for the ball. Although synthetic gloves may not be as durable as leather, they are frequently lighter and take less time to break in.
Also, check for the build quality. Go for popular brands, which I can suggest to you. Because, generally, the popular brands are trusted and generally don’t disappoint you with their build quality.
Webbing
The kind of webbing on the glove may influence how easily it can be caught and how fast the ball can be moved to the throwing hand. In most situations, infield gloves feature closed baskets and H-pro webbing. They provide more assistance, which makes it simpler to catch the ball.
Position
For positions like first base, second base, or shortstop, infield gloves may be made expressly for those positions. Your child’s performance and comfort on the field may be enhanced by selecting a glove made for their position.
Pocket Depth
How quickly and firmly the ball is caught and retained in the glove may both be impacted by the pocket’s depth. It is simpler to rapidly collect and toss the ball with infield gloves since they often have shallow pockets. By the way, first-base gloves are often built with pockets that are somewhat deeper.
Comfort
Comfort is another big thing. If the worn glove causes discomfort, the entire system will be broken, including the performance, durability, and whatever.
So, check the padding and comfort of the glove before buying. You can check online reviews and user feedback to verify the comfort of the particular glove you are going to pick. Also, check how breathable the glove is. Good breathability will keep the hand moisture-free.
Price
The cost of youth softball infield gloves may vary from $20 to over $300. Finding a glove that suits your budget and yet meets your child’s requirements for size, material, and position is crucial.
Great doesn’t necessarily entail a big expense. You must take your requirements into account. Go for it if a low-cost solution can satisfy your demands without sacrificing quality.
Wrapping Up
So, what are the best youth infield gloves for you? It actually depends on your requirements. However, any one of our top 10 picks will certainly fulfill your criteria based on different requirements.
By the way, the choice is yours. Your requirements will define your choice here. But, before picking up the best youth baseball gloves for your kids, do your homework properly so that you can make the most informed decision.
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Hello everyone. My name is Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player. I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego.
I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit.