Top 10 Best Youth Baseball Gloves for Beginners

Choosing the right baseball glove is one of the most important decisions for a young player, especially those just starting out. A glove that fits well and offers the right balance of comfort and durability can help a beginner enjoy the game and improve their skills quickly.

This guide will highlight the Top 10 Best Youth Baseball Gloves that are ideal for beginners. These gloves are known for their easy break-in periods, durability, and perfect fit for young players.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying Youth Baseball Gloves

Size

For youth players, the size of the glove is crucial. Typically, gloves for kids ages 6 to 10 range from 9 to 11 inches. A glove that is too big or too small can make it difficult for them to field properly.

Material

Synthetic leather gloves are great for beginners since they are usually more affordable and easier to break in.
Full-grain leather gloves offer durability and better long-term performance but may require a longer break-in period.
Hybrid gloves combine both synthetic and leather materials, giving the best of both worlds.

Fit and Comfort

A glove that fits snugly with adjustable wrist straps ensures a secure fit. Padding is also important, especially in the palm area, to protect young hands from the impact of the ball.

Position-Specific Needs

While beginners typically use general-purpose gloves, if a child already prefers a specific position (such as catcher or outfielder), they may benefit from a glove designed for that position.

The Top 10 Best Youth Baseball Gloves for Beginners

1. Rawlings Players Series Youth Glove

Material: Synthetic leather
Size Options: 9″, 10″, 11.5″
Key Features: Lightweight, easy to close, very affordable
Why It’s Great: Designed specifically for younger players, this glove is soft and flexible right out of the box, making it perfect for very young beginners.
Best For: Tee-ball players or very young beginners ages 3-7

best youth baseball gloves for beginners: rawlings player series glove

2. Wilson A200 Youth Baseball Glove

Material: Synthetic leather
Size Options: 10″, 11″
Key Features: Easy break-in, lightweight, versatile for all positions
Why It’s Great: Known for its lightweight design, the Wilson A200 is perfect for young kids who are learning multiple positions.
Best For: General use for beginners ages 5-8

best youth baseball gloves for beginners: wilson A200 gloves

3. Mizuno Prospect PowerClose Youth Glove

Material: Full-grain leather
Size Options: 10.5″, 11.5″
Key Features: PowerClose technology, padded palm
Why It’s Great: The Mizuno PowerClose technology makes it easy for young players to close the glove around the ball, which can be difficult for beginners with less hand strength.
Best For: Players ages 6-10 who struggle with catching due to hand strength

best youth baseball gloves for beginners: best youth baseball gloves for beginners

4. Franklin Sports RTP Youth Tee-Ball Glove

Material: Synthetic leather
Size Options: 9.5″
Key Features: No break-in required, lightweight
Why It’s Great: This glove comes ready to play (RTP), so there’s no need to break it in. It’s perfect for tee-ball players who need a glove that is game-ready.
Best For: Tee-ball players or kids ages 3-6

5. Rawlings Sure Catch Youth Baseball Glove

Material: Full-grain leather
Size Options: 10.5″, 11.5″
Key Features: Quick and easy break-in, padded palm
Why It’s Great: The Sure Catch series is designed for young players who need a glove that breaks in quickly and provides extra comfort during fielding.
Best For: All-around play for beginners aged 6-10

6. Easton Scout Flex Youth Baseball Glove

Material: Pigskin leather
Size Options: 10.5″, 11″
Key Features: Flexible, lightweight, adjustable wrist strap
Why It’s Great: A versatile glove that works well for both infield and outfield use, offering flexibility and comfort for young players.
Best For: Infield and outfield players aged 7-9

7. Louisville Slugger Genesis Youth Glove

Material: Synthetic leather
Size Options: 10.5″, 11.5″
Key Features: Soft feel, game-ready
Why It’s Great: This glove is soft and flexible right out of the package, making it ideal for players who need a glove that doesn’t require a long break-in period.
Best For: Beginners ages 6-9 who need an easy-to-use glove

8. Akadema Rookie Series Youth Baseball Glove

Material: Full-grain leather
Size Options: 11″, 11.5″
Key Features: Position-specific designs, durable leather
Why It’s Great: Ideal for advanced beginners, the Akadema Rookie series provides a professional feel with an easy break-in, especially for players transitioning to more competitive play.
Best For: Advanced beginners aged 8-12

9. Franklin Field Master Youth Baseball Glove

Material: Synthetic leather
Size Options: 10.5″
Key Features: Durable, adjustable wrist strap, easy break-in
Why It’s Great: Affordable and durable, this glove is great for casual play and recreational leagues.
Best For: Beginners in casual and recreational leagues, ages 7-10

10. Nokona Alpha Select S-200 Youth Glove

Material: Top-grain steerhide leather
Size Options: 11.25″
Key Features: High-quality leather, durable, breaks in quickly
Why It’s Great: Though it’s on the pricier side, Nokona is known for its craftsmanship and long-lasting gloves. This glove is perfect for serious young players.
Best For: Competitive youth players aged 9-12

How to Properly Break In a New Glove

Once you’ve chosen the best youth baseball glove, breaking it in is the next crucial step. Here’s a quick guide to ensure it’s game-ready:

Apply Glove Oil: Rub a small amount of glove oil or conditioner onto the leather to soften it. Focus on the palm and the pocket area.
Shape the Pocket: Use a baseball or glove mallet to pound the pocket and shape it. This helps the glove form to the ball more easily.
Glove Wrap: After oiling and shaping, wrap the glove tightly with a baseball in the pocket. Let it sit overnight to help retain its shape.
Play Catch: The best way to break in a glove is to use it! Play catch regularly to naturally soften the leather and form the pocket.

Conclusion

Choosing the right glove is a huge step in helping a young player develop their skills and enjoy the game. With so many great options available, finding a glove that fits well, breaks in easily, and offers comfort should be a top priority. Whether your child is just starting in tee-ball or moving into more competitive youth leagues, these gloves are among the best for beginners.

Got any personal recommendations or experiences with these gloves? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!