| intro | Glove Guide | 5-Tools | videos | sizing |
Your glove is an extension of you. It's seamless.
There's no point where you end and the glove begins.
Think of your glove andur han yod as one.
The glove just improves what your hand can already do.
Once you've got that logic down, it's time to choose some choice leather.
JUST REMEMBER THREE THINGS. FIT. FEEL. STYLE.
FIT Your glove should slide on and off your hand easily, without being loose. Look for a close, snug fit that's comfortable, not tight.
FEEL The more you play, the more you'll determine what feels best to you. Everybody's different. But as a general rule, your glove should be stiff enough to give strength and flexible enough for control and agility. Think freedom of motion without being floppy.Some people prefer a stiffer glove they can break in to their liking whereas some people want a glove that's game-ready off the shelf. It's really a personal preference. Don't be afraid to try on several different gloves to see what feels right to you!
STYLE Your glove has to deliver the message that you're serious. Intimidate the hitter with your glove. Make him think twice before hitting your way. Choose a look and color that fits who you are. And make sure the web pattern is right for your position.
PITCHER: P
Don't tip your pitches. Hide your grip. Grab a mid-size glove that's easy to control. Closed and Modified Trap webs work best at this position. It will let you disguise your pitches. The better you hide the ball with your glove and your motion, the more effective you'll be.
CATCHER: C
Grab a glove that is snug and secure without being too tight. You want to catch and sttop wild pitches but do not want it too big so that you are unable to grab the ball. You want enough padding to make your hand feel secure, while still having the control to snap the glove closed and hold the ball tight. Plus, you've gotta have a firm grip for grabbing fouls and tagging runners at the plate.
FIRST BASE: 1B
Choose a mitt that allow you to scoop and flatten out wide so you can trap the ball as it hones in from any direction. Pick out a big glove that is comfortable, not clumsy. Make sure you can snap the glove closed without it feeling wobbly, shaky or loose. If the glove is too big, baseballs will not stay in the pocket. You need the perfect combination of size and control.
SECOND BASE: 2B
You need quicker hand movement when you play between the bags. Choose a smaller glove with a shallow pocket. A shallow pocket equals maximum control at this position. Open webs help you get to the ball more quickly when turning two.
THIRD BASE: 3B
Glove control dominates the hot corner. Choose a medium to large size glove with a shallow to mid-size pocket that allows you to turn two easily and comfortably. You may want to try a mid-size, but make sure you can handle bunts efficiently. If not, drop the mid and go small. An open web will let you get to the ball more quickly on bunts and scoops.
SHORTSTOP: SS
Go to a smaller/mid size glove with a shallow pocket. Control is key for your glove. You need quicker hand movement than just about everyone else. Go to a smaller glove with a shallow pocket. A shallow pocket allows you to find the ball quicker and turn two. Demand an open web. It will help you get to the ball more quickly on double plays.
OUTFIELD: LF • CF • RF
Grab a large glove with a large pocket. Make sure the glove feels comfortable and not clumsy. You do not want the glove to be too big so it falls off your hand. For the high flies, choose an open web.
BIG LEAGUE TIP
Shift your fingers over by placing your ring and pinky fingers in the last finger slot and shift your middle and index fingers over one slot to the left. This deepens the pocket, providing more glove control whil BUILD YOUR CUSTOM GLOVE JUST LIKE THE PROS AT e reducing the ball impact on your hand.
WEB
The web is the piece which connects the fingers and the thumb and allows for secure control of the ball upon impact. Rawlings introduced the very first web in 1906.
LACES
Laces connect the fingers and the webs that connect the fingers and the web, providing shape to the glove. Leather is the preferred lacing material, as it allows the laces to break in as the glove breaks in.
POCKET
The pocket is the center portion of the glove which serves as the primary catching area and final shape of the glove after break-in. Rawlings patented the pocket in 1940 to provide better functionality in the glove. The introduction of the pocket transformed the glove from serving solely as protection to providing function of catching the ball. The shape of the pocket is determined by each position and how you break it in.
HEEL
The heel is the lower portion of the glove, palm side, which provides protection and determines the break of a glove.
BACK
The reverse palm side of the glove which provides fit and shape to the glove and stabilizes your hand upon ball impact. Most outfielders use a Fastback®, which provides additional size without loss of control. Most infielders prefer a Conventional back design.
HOLDSTER®
The Holdster was patented by Rawlings in 1971 to save wear and tear on your index finger. It is a pear-shaped opening offering extra protection for the index finger. Rawlings patented the Laceless Finger Holdster® in 2002 to make this innovation more comfortable.
1 PRIMO LEATHER
Born in the Tuscany region of Italy, this European full-grain leather is marked by a tight grain structure allowing for a flawless appearance. Primo® leather has a unique tannage that allows for a buttery soft feel from the first time you put the glove on. The Primo tannage allows the leather to conform to your hand and shape a pocket that is perfect for your playing preference. The Primo series is built to last; the lacing undergoes an intensive hot-stuffed injection treatment that repels water and ensures durability.
2 PRO PREFERRED KIP LEATHER
Kip leather is made from hides weighing 30 lbs or less. The leather is clean with few imperfections and a tight grain structure. The leather is supple which allows the glove to break-in to your playing preference and helps to keep its shape. The tight grain on the kip leather may take a slightly longer time to break in, but the end results are worth the work. Kip hide is only found in Rawlings Pro Preferred® glove series.
3 HEART OF THE HIDE STEER HIDE LEATHER
The Rawlings Heart of the Hide® Series originated in 1958 and still represents one the finest glove lines in baseball. Heart of the Hide steer hide leather tends to be the prime cut or center portion of the smaller hide and is usually thicker than other leathers. The leather from the center area of the hide typically has less stretch, resulting in a firm glove that's easier to shape. This top grade leather will allow the glove to mold to the players hand for a proper feel and still maintain the durability needed to play at the highest level. Handcrafted from the top 5% of steer hides, this leather has made the Heart of the Hide Series the most sought after gloves in the market.
4 GOLD GLOVE LEATHER
Gold Glove leather is cut from a soft cowhide that enables the glove to break in quickly and easily while still maintaining enough durability to hold its shape. This leather is tanned at the perfect temperature for just the right amount of time which produces a softer, game-ready feel. As a result, you can take a Gold Glove Series glove straight from the shelf to the field.
The web is the heart of the glove. It is the piece which connects the fingers and thumb and allows for secure control of the ball upon impact. Rawlings introduced lacing to the web in 1948 with the PM1. Now we have a complete line of webs customized to meet the fielding needs of players at each position.
TRAP-EZE® WEB
The Trap-Eze® web, patented by Rawlings in1959, is the only web which is actually an extension of the glove. Lacing on two sides of the web creates a center that naturally closes around the ball. The Trap-Eze® Web is the most popular web among outfielders.
BASKET WEB™
Patented in 1967, the Basket Web™ was the first flexible or stretchable web. It is a woven web which has become extremely popular among pitchers and some infielders. This web design is the most common web found today.
BASKET CONNECTOR WEB™
A variation of the patented Rawlings Basket Web, the basket connector web, patented by Rawlings in 1994, boasts two posts within the basket which react as an axis to wrap around and secure the ball.
I WEB
The I Web was designed and patented by Rawlings in 1940. A single post reinforced bottom web conforms to a smaller, lighter web style desired by infielders. As the web does not tie to the crotch of the glove, the laces allow you to better shape the pocket.
PRO H
Two vertical bars are connected by a horizontal strip, providing increased stability and glove control. This web is extremely versatile and can be used in the infield and outfield.
MODIFIED TRAP
This web is laced to the glove in a similar manner as the Trap-Eze®, creating an extremely strong web and providing ball snagging functionality. It features a reinforced bar at top and laces that connect the fingers. This web is extremely versatile and can be used in the infield and outfield as well as by pitchers.
SINGLE POST
One strip of leather forms this web, creating an easier close and quicker break-in. This is the second-most popular web among infielders.
1-PIECE SOLID
Similar to the I Web with an opening between the pocket and web to create additional flexibility to form a deeper pocket. This web was patented by Rawlings in 1953. It is typically found in middle infielder gloves.
2-PIECE SOLID
This two-piece web with a middle connection creates a hinge with flex in the center of the web. The web is utilized by pitchers to hide the ball as well as infielders. This web is utilized by infielders as well as pitchers that need to hide the ball.
You want to look like a pro and play like a pro. That means prepping your glove the proper way . Here is the way to prepare your new glove.
1 WORK THE PADDING
Using both hands, grab the heel of your glove by each side and twist it back and forth. Do the same with the fingers and thumb of your glove. This technique will ease the tension of the fibers inside the glove padding creating a more comfortable fit.
2 SOFTEN THE LEATHER
Condition your glove with a light coating of Rawlings Glovolium leather treatment oil. This will soften your glove and it will be more comfortable as a result.
PLEASE NOTE: SOME GLOVE OILS WILL DARKEN THE LEATHER.
3 WRAP YOUR GLOVE
Place a Rawlings baseball in the pocket of your glove and fold it closed. Fold it the way you want your glove to close in your game. Secure your glove with rubber bands and let it rest in a cool, dry place. This will allow your glove to conform to the shape of a baseball more readily and easily.
4 PLAY CATCH
The more you play with and use your new Rawlings glove, the better it will fit and feel to your hand.
5 MAINTAIN YOUR GLOVE
Inspect the laces of your glove every six months and replace them as needed. Always store your glove in a cool, dry place with a ball in the pocket when not in use and during the offseason. Treat your glove with Rawlings Glovolium to ensure it will last for years.
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Gloves
Determining Your Glove Size
This table is a general guide for determining which glove size an athlete needs. Also see Buying a Glove.
| AGE | POSITION | GLOVE SIZE |
| Under 8 | Infield | 9 inches |
| Under 8 | Outfield | 11 inches |
| 8-13 | Infield | 9-10 inches |
| 8-13 | Outfield | 11-12 inches |
| High School/Adult | Infield | 10 1/2 - 11 1/2 inches |
| High School/Adult | Outfield | 12 - 12 1/2 inches |
Bats
Determining Your Bat Size
These tables are a general guide for determining which bat size an athlete needs.
Determine Your Bat Length by Your Age
| AGE | BAT LENGTH |
| 5 - 7 years | 24" - 26" |
| 8 - 9 years | 26" - 28" |
| 10 years | 28" - 29" |
| 11 - 12 years | 30" - 31" |
| 13 - 14 years | 31" - 32" |
| 15 - 16 years | 32" - 33" |
| 17+ years | 34" |
Determine Your Bat Length by Your Height and Weight
| HEIGHT | 36" - 40" |
41" - 45" |
46" - 48" |
49" - 52" |
53" - 56" |
57" - 60" |
61" - 64" |
65" - 68" |
69" - 72" |
73" + |
| WEIGHT 60 lbs or less. |
26" |
27" |
28" |
29" |
29" |
|||||
| 61 - 70 lbs. | 27" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | ||||
| 71 - 80 lbs. | 28" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | ||||
| 81 - 90 lbs. | 28" | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 32" | |||
| 91 - 100 lbs. | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |||
| 101 - 110 lbs. | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |||
| 111 - 120 lbs. | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |||
| 121 - 130 lbs. | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | ||
| 131 - 140 lbs. | 29" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | ||
| 141 - 150 lbs. | 29" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | |||
| 151 - 160 lbs. | 29" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | ||
| 161 - 170 lbs. | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 34" | |||
| 171 - 180 lbs. | 32" | 33" | 33" | 34" | 34" | |||||
| 180 + lbs. | 33" | 33" | 34" | 34" |
Determine Your Bat Weight:
- Bats are weighted in ounces, and Rawlings does a great job in balancing the bat's weight to its length.
- Many bats have a weight-to-length ratio (drop ratio), shown as -4, -6, etc. For example, a 34-inch bat with a -6 ratio weighs 28 ounces.
- Selecting the proper weight depends on two critical factors--your strength and your hitting style
Apparel
Sizing Charts for Sports Apparel
Our size charts are available for pants, shorts, shirts, turtlenecks, jackets and socks and include measuring instructions. If you are unsure about size, please take your measurements. If you have any questions regarding fit, sizes or taking your measurements, please call us toll-free at 888-353-8988.
Shorts/Pants
For waist size, measure around the waist above the top of the hip bone. The measuring tape should be positioned approximately where the person wears a belt.
| Men Waist (inches) | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | S | S | M | M | L | L | XL | XL | XXL | XXL | 3XL | 3XL |
| Women Waist (inches) | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 29 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 |
| Size | XS | XS | S | S | M | M | L | L | XL | XL | XXL | XXL |
| Youth Waist (inches) | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
| Size | XS | XS/S | S | M | M | L | L | XL | XL | XXL | XXL |
Shirts/Turtlenecks/Jackets
For chest size, measure under the arms level across back muscles and chest. Have the person take a deep breath when reading the measurement.
| Men Chest (inches) | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | S | S | M | M | L | L | XL | XL | XXL | XXL | 3XL | 3XL |
| Women Chest (inches) | 30 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 37 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 |
| Size | XS | XS | S | S | M | M | L | L | XL | XL | XXL | XXL |
| Youth Chest (inches) | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 |
| Size | XS | XS | S | S | M | M | L | L | XL | XL | XXL | XXL |
Socks
Use current shoe or sock size to determine the correct size to order.
| SIZE SOCK | SHOE |
|---|---|
| XS | 2.5-8 |
| S | 6-11 |
| M | 6-12 |
| L | 9-13 |
Accessories
Helmet Sizing
For helmet size, measure the circumference of the head just above the ears and refer to the chart for accurate sizing.
| SIZE | HAT SIZE | HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE |
|---|---|---|
| EXTRA SMALL | 6 3/8 - 6 1/2 | 20" - 20 1/2" |
| SMALL | 6 5/8 - 6 3/4 | 20 3/4" - 21 1/4" |
| MEDIUM | 6 7/8 - 7 | 21 1/2" - 22" |
| LARGE | 7 1/8 - 7 1/4 | 22 1/4" - 22 3/4" |
| EXTRA LARGE | 7 3/8 - 7 1/2 | 23" - 23 1/2" |
| DOUBLE EXTRA LARGE | 7 5/8 - 7 3/4 | 23 3/4" - 24 1/4" |
CHEST PROTECTOR SIZING
For chest protector size, measure from top of breast plate to waist to get length required for correct fit.
| MODEL NUMBER | LENGTH |
|---|---|
| 6P1* | 12" |
| RNOCPY, 8P*, 9P* | 13" |
| LLBP*, 11P* | 14" |
| AFCPY | 14" |
| CFT900CPI | 14 1/2" |
| RNOCPJ, 12P*, AFCP | 15" |
| CFT900CP | 15 1/2" |
| *EXCLUDING TAIL |
LEG GUARD SIZING
For leg guard size, measure from center of kneecap to bottom of shin and refer to chart.
| MODEL NUMBER | LENGTH |
|---|---|
| 6C | 10" |
| 9C | 12 1/2" |
| RNOCPY, 9DCW | 13" |
| 76DCW, CFLGPROY | 14 1/2" |
| RNOCPJ | 15" |
| 16DCW | 15 1/2" |
| ULG | 16" |
| RNOCP | 17" |
| 5DCW, ULDCW | 17 1/2" |
