Position
How to choose a first base mitt
A first base mitt has no fingers and a long, curved shape for one reason: to scoop bad throws out of the dirt and hold stretched catches.
3 min read
The short version
- Size: 12.5" – 13" for baseball and softball adults; 11.5" – 12" for youth.
- Shape: long and curved, no individual finger stalls, wide scoop at the bottom.
- Web: single post or dual post — flexible enough to close one-handed on a stretch.
- Pocket: shallow and wide, so you can dig the ball back out quickly for a tag or a throw.
Why a fielding glove doesn't work at first
First base is mostly receiving throws, many of them short-hopped. The mitt's curved edge lets you pick a ball off the dirt without flipping the glove over, and the extra length keeps your foot on the bag while you stretch.
Youth note
A lot of youth teams rotate players through first base. If the athlete plays there only occasionally, a regular fielding glove is fine — buy a first base mitt when first base becomes their position.
Where to go next
Want a straight recommendation?
Email Marques@Bushleaguebb.com with the player's age, position and level. Emails are answered by a real person, usually within one business day.