How to Choose a Pair of Batting Gloves

Does the glove fit? That is only the first step when searching for a pair of batting gloves to wear.

Whenever a player steps to the plate for an at-bat, they will want to produce a swing with maximum hitting power and control. Finding the batting gloves that fit your needs can be crucial to do so. Batting gloves can not only help you find greater results, they can also provide comfort as you play the game.

WHY WEAR BATTING GLOVES?

Wearing batting gloves can help increase the quality of the grip on either a wooden or metal bat and decrease the amount of perspiration on a player’s hands. By maintaining a tight and controlled grip, players can increase their results at the plate.

Batting gloves also provide a level of protection during play. They can lessen the sting and vibration felt during a hit and can reduce the likelihood of developing blisters during the season.

A pair of batting gloves can also be beneficial while running the bases as they can protect your hands from friction burns during a slide.

Some players even prefer to wear a batting glove under their mitt. The additional barrier can provide better grip and eliminate perspiration inside their mitt.

SIZING

To find the size that’s right for you, simply measure the length of your hand. Start at the base of your palm and go to the tip of the middle finger on your dominant hand. For example, if your hand measures 6.5 inches, you would look for a small in men’s, medium in women’s or an XL in youth.

Your batting glove should be snug yet comfortable. Loose gloves can lead to slippage, and tight gloves will impact movement.

MATERIALS

There are two distinct materials used for the palms of batting gloves: leather and synthetic. Both offer clear benefits.

Leather batting gloves can offer a natural feel and may provide a better grip than their synthetic counterparts. By contrast, synthetic batting gloves offer comfort and flexibility and can also be easily cleaned. “Leather gloves provide a classic feel and are a bit more rugged,” DICK’S Sporting Goods Associate Jack Heffron said. “Some people go to synthetic gloves for more of a stretch or the feel.”

Some manufacturers make batting gloves with leather palms and synthetic fingers for the best of both worlds.

ADDED FEATURES

There are numerous options for batting gloves on the market with many offering distinct features.

Some gloves offer an articulated thumb, which can add to the mobility of the glove. Pre-curved fingers will form a natural curve of the head and will lessen the amount of bunched fabric underneath your knuckles. Some styles are designed with added protection in mind, including extra padding in the palm, while others will have a custom-molded hand shield that fits into the back of the glove to protect from a pitch to the hands.

WRIST STYLE

Deciding on the wrist style of your gloves is also important. Velcro is a popular option that can be adjusted quickly but could get dirty or wet, which will hurt its effectiveness.

“Some gloves have a high-profile wrist for more of a compression feel,” Jack says. “Some batters tape their wrists so batting gloves try to capture that.

Batting gloves that simulate taped wrists will help some batters feel they have added support.

“Others might go for a low-profile to make it unrestricted for a full range of motion.”

Finding the right batting gloves will come down to a player-by-player preference. With these features in mind, you’ll be able to find the best batting gloves for you and be ready to take on the competition in the batter’s box.