Baseball is a fun sport, yet it requires few tools to actually play. You need a large enough area to play in, a regulation baseball, bats made of wood or other materials like aluminum, and a variety of gloves.
One of, if not the most iconic piece of baseball equipment however would have to be the baseball glove. As these are such iconic pieces of equipment, I have rounded up some of best baseball glove brands give you access to the wonderful sport of baseball.
Top 15 Best Baseball Glove Brands for The Major League
1. Rawlings
The official ball brand of Major League Baseball, Rawlings makes gloves for pro players, leagues, and general use. MLB players can use different brands, as long as they meet the specifications in the rules. Rawlings Player Preferred adult baseball glove is a great choice for weekend athletes and league players.
Rawlings was founded in 1887 in Missouri. Specializing in baseball equipment, Rawlings also makes equipment for football, softball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Found in all sorts of department and discount stores, their better equipment is easy to find in sporting goods retailers.
Their leather gloves are easy to break in, and the materials used last a long time. It’s easy to see why Rawlings is one of the preferred brands for serious baseball. Anyone desirous of high quality durable gloves will like Rawlings.
2. Wilson
The second biggest brand of baseball gloves used in MLB and leagues is Wilson. The A900 is a good choice for serious players.
The company’s origins go back to 1913 as Wilson, even further back for the original business interests in animal by products. These animal by products made their way into sporting goods as tennis racket strings and rawhide ball coverings. Nowadays, animal by products have been greatly supplemented or even superseded by manmade materials. Wilson sporting goods are sold through department stores, discount retailers, and sporting goods stores.
If you’re an official equipment choice of major sports leagues, your stuff is good. Wilson sporting goods are well made and are popular with pros, amateur leagues, and weekend warriors.
3. Franklin Sports
For the lower price spectrum, it’s hard to beat a glove like the Franklin Sports Field Master when playing with friends or your kids.
Franklin has been in business since 1945 and is an official supplier for major league and collegiate football and baseball teams. Available direct online, you will also find Franklin Sports equipment at sporting goods stores and the large discount retail chains.
Some of their items are obviously meant for less intense or less frequent games, but all of their items are good quality. If you’re buying for a league, make sure to shop their heavier duty equipment.
4. Mizuno
Second only to the USA in the popularity of baseball is Japan. Mizuno makes professional gloves for leagues in the US and Japan, as well as gloves for softball and for serious youth baseball leagues. A youth glove like the Mizuno Prospect Paraflex Series is an excellent choice for league play or anyone wanting a very high quality youth glove at a reasonable price.
Made in Japan since 1903, Mizuno has offered apparel and equipment suitable for various sports. You can order online direct using their detailed glove finder tool or purchase anywhere better sporting goods are sold.
Well made and durable, many pro players of various spots leagues look to Mizuno first before other brands. Besides the pros, any serious player will appreciate the gloves Mizuno makes for all the various different levels of play and price budgets.
5. Louisville Slugger
If you played in a baseball league or played around in the neighborhood, you already know about the bats made by Louisville Slugger. The same company also makes excellent youth oriented baseball gloves, their Genesis line of gloves being good examples.
A woodworking shop established in 1855 became the company making the famous baseball bat by 1894. Louisville Slugger bats are available in just about sporting goods store currently open, and the gloves are in most of those stores. You can also purchase them online.
It’s too bad they don’t make adult sized glove, because their youth gloves are just the right balance between affordability and good quality. If you are looking for a good, relatively inexpensive youth baseball glove, Louisville Slugger is one of the best baseball glove brands you should check out.
6. All-Star
Hey now, you’re an all star. Get your game on, go play… All-Star Sporting Goods makes a lot of very good, pro quality baseball gloves and some less expensive models such as the System Seven Mod Trap gloves.
Located in Shirley, Massachusetts, All-Star is family owned and operated, specializing in major league caliber baseball equipment. It’s available online and through sporting goods stores.
Very well made, All-Star is an option for anyone who takes their own game very seriously.
7. Easton
Competitive baseballers and softballers use Easton gloves and other equipment in their leagues and games. The Easton Coral Snake glove if a fine example of a high end baseball glove that can be used professionally or for fun.
Headquartered in Thousand Oaks, CA, you can get to Easton’s offices by taking the Ventura Highway, letting the free wind blow through your hair. Primarily sold direct, you can find their equipment in sporting goods stores.
If are one of those very serious players of the game, whether pro or amateur, you will enjoy the craftsmanship of these fine gloves. Even if you’re not all that serious, you will still get a lot of enjoyment out these gloves.
8. Nike
“Just Do It.” An appropriate motto for a brand that lets you do whatever it is you enjoy doing in regards to sporting activities. Nike Huarache Elite are premium baseball batting gloves found in pro and amateur leagues everywhere.
Formed in 1964, Nike makes clothing, shoes, and sports equipment. While some of their stuff is merely a fashion statement, the items they make for serious sports people are of excellent design and quality. Found in all sorts of stores from discount retailers to specialty sporting goods stores.
The place of manufacture and price point pretty determines the quality of Nike gear. Most of the actual sports equipment is quite well made, durable, and comfortable. Weekend warrior, pro, or anyone liking the styles of pro gear will love Nike products.
9. SSK
How serious do want to be about baseball? SSK has gloves for every level. The SSK Ikigai Robinson Cano Spiral I-Web is an amazing glove to spend your money on.
Strength, Speed, Knowledge is the ideal behind the company name. Formed in Japan in 1950, SSK innovations include the dimpled glove design, first seen in 1978. You can purchase these direct online or through sporting goods stores.
Designed and made with Shokunin craftsmanship, these gloves are made for durability and long-lasting form. Shokunin more or translates as mastery of one’s profession. In the case of SSK products, the mastery could refer equally to the level of game you can achieve or to the high level of manufacturing quality seen in SSK gear.
10. Akadema
Making gear for pros and league players, Akadema has something for almost everybody playing the game. The AHC 94 First Baseman’s glove is a prime example, being so well made a pro could feel comfortable using it but having a reasonable price for non pros.
Started around 1998 in New Jersey, Akadema is owned by ex baseball major league players. They look at ways to improve the game through innovation and smart design. Available online direct and through sporting goods stores.
Former big league players know what works, and Akadema puts that knowledge to good use. Made in a variety of places, all of their products are top quality. Suitable for pros and any serious player, league or not.
11. Nokona
Cowboys love Nocona boots, Rangers, Indians, and Mariners love Noncona baseball gloves. Even little kids can get into the Nokona glove game with the My First Nokona X2 Elite glove made for the small hands of young children.
In Nokona, Texas since 1934, Nokona leather goods have been making items from purses to sporting goods in their Texas factory. Sold direct, you can also find them at sporting stores and some Western Wear outlets.
Extremely well made, Nokona gloves are easy to custom fit and they will last a long time. Suitable for small children all the way to professional adult players.
12. Insignia Athletics
Insignia Athletics made good baseball gloves at price points that were friendly to budgets. Their Allout youth baseball glove is a fine example.
From Worcester, Massachusetts, Insignia can still be found brand new in several places online, such as the big auction and retail websites. Hopefully the US made brand will find a way to start cranking these out again.
Good quality and reasonable prices were the hallmarks of this sporting goods brand, making them a very family-friendly choice.
13. Shoeless Joe Ballgloves
He wasn’t really shoeless, he just took off his cleats in a memorable game. You never have to take off the gloves bearing his name until it’s your turn at bat. While they make excellent modern gloves, a lot of fun can be had playing with replicas of gloves from an earlier time. Their Golden Era 1910 Fielders Glove is a good example.
Headquartered in Hay, Kansas, you can find Shoeless Joe Ballgloves online or at specialty sporting goods dealers.
Extremely well made, you will get a lot of use out of these gloves. If you like high quality leather goods or have a nostalgic leaning, Shoeless Joe is probably right for you.
14. Spalding
Very well known as an official equipment supplier of the NBA (basketball), Spalding also makes great baseball gloves such as the Pro-Select series of fielding gloves.
Founded in 1876 in Chicago, Spalding is now headquartered in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Not surprisingly, they also make bowling balls. Hmmm…, coincidence? Found virtually everywhere sporting goods are sold, the online retailers are also a good source for Spalding baseball gloves.
A variety of price points and levels of quality are made, so chances are there is a Spalding glove that will meet your needs.
15. Barrazza
If you like your gloves highly personalized, Barrazza is a good choice. Have a look at all the options available for their JJ-01 Little League World Series glove.
Made in Mexico, you order your personalized gloves online. They also repair their gloves, so you don’t ever have to replace your favorite glove.
High quality materials and excellent hand crafting results in a great glove for anyone wanting a little extra personalization.
Types of Gloves
The glove described above has generic characteristics and is usable for virtually any player position. Modern versions have been adapted to better utilize the specific needs of the various positions. The best baseball glove brands make general purpose and specialty gloves.
Here’s a short breakdown of the most common glove types:
- Catcher’s Mitt – Shaped differently from all the other glove styles, a catcher’s mitt lacks individual finger spaces and is very padded.
- 1st Baseman’s Mitt – A cross between regular gloves and catcher’s mitts, these gloves have a long scoop for pulling in that very important throw to 1st
- Infielder’s Glove – Probably the most common type of glove for general use, it is made for ease of use in both catching the ball and removing it quickly to make whatever play is needed.
- Outfielder’s Glove – Second most common, it is basically a longer version of an infielder’s glove, giving it a little more hand protection and a deeper pouch of webbing.
- Pitcher’s Glove – An infielder’s glove with very tight webbing so that the finger position of the pitcher on the ball is hidden from view.
- Batting Glove – Not designed for fielding, these are meant for fatigue protection of your hands when batting during games or workouts.
All of these are made by the best baseball glove brands in left-handed and right-handed versions.
History Of Baseball
A short history of baseball gloves is interesting. The sport known as America’s Game appears to have evolved from earlier bat and ball games played in the United Kingdom, In fact, among the first printed references to the sport by the name Baseball referred to the Prince of Wales (no, not that one) playing it in 1749.
It was brought to the North American continent by fans of the game where it really took hold. In the 1850s it became so popular in the United States that it earned the moniker of America’s pastime. By this time, there were also official rules and standards for baseball leagues to play by.
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Originally, baseball was played without gloves. As you could imagine, this sometimes caused some pain and even injuries to players eager to make an out. In the 1870s, a couple of players used simple gloves to help cushion the impact of the hard balls.
Early gloves had no webbing and open fingers. It wasn’t until about 1920 that the modern style of glove had evolved. Thick material, closed fingers, and a webbed pouch between the thumb and index finger is the basic design that continues to this day.
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