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Youth baseball glove guide
The right youth glove is one the player can actually close. Here's the size by age, what to skip, and when to move up.
4 min read
Size by age
| Age | Infield | Outfield | All-purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–6 | — | — | 9" – 10" |
| 7–8 | 10" – 10.75" | 10.5" – 11.5" | 10.5" |
| 9–11 | 10.5" – 11.5" | 11" – 12" | 11" |
| 12–13 | 11" – 11.75" | 11.75" – 12.5" | 11.5" |
| 14+ | 11.25" – 12" | 12.5" – 13" | 11.75" |
Most players under about 10 are best served by one all-purpose glove rather than a position pattern.
The one test that matters
Put a ball in the pocket and ask the player to squeeze the glove shut one-handed and hold it. If they can't, the glove is too big or too stiff — no matter what the size chart says and no matter how much room there is to grow.
What to skip
- Buying two sizes up to last three seasons. It costs a season of dropped balls.
- Heavy, stiff full-grain leather for a player without the hand strength to close it.
- Adult patterns with long finger stalls — the hand can't control the glove.
When to move up
Usually around 13–14, but strength decides it, not the birthday. When the player closes an adult glove one-handed with a ball in it, they're ready.
Not sure for your player?
Send us the age, position, level and throwing hand. We'll give you a straight answer, including when a smaller or cheaper glove is the right call.
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.