Baseball Mitt

[MichaelPatrick]

Somehow, three times in the past two weeks, I've been asked by different parties if I'd be interested in playing catch. Yes, catch. As in, just throwing a baseball around. One at work, two friends m different friend circles. I did little league as a kid and played outfield positions. Threw the ball around with my pop, too. But, it's been nearly 30 years. And honestly, maybe it's a little Spring Training fever, but it sounds like a fun way to get outside and blow off some steam.

So, I'm thinking of grabbing a new mitt. Budget between $150 and $200. Got a refund from some previous car program thing, that sent me back about $150.

The only brands I have any familiarity with are Rawlings and Wilson. Shoeless looks cool. Considering an all-around glove. Looks like mitts have gotten more specialized these days. Are infield and outfield gloves still relatively similar?

 

[buldog5151bass]

Outfield gloves have longer fingers. If it's just for fooling around, best to get an infielder mitt (11.5"). Just make sure whatever you get, that it's all leather. Rawlings is always a safe bet.

 

[Stumbo]

Outfield gloves have longer fingers. If it's just for fooling around, best to get an infielder mitt (11.5"). Just make sure whatever you get, that it's all leather. Rawlings is always a safe bet.

Or a pitcher's mitt. Smaller and easier to handle.

I suggest seeing what you can find used. Hate to see $200 sitting on the shelf.

Or better yet, ask if you can borrow one for the session.

One other thing, after 30 years too, my arm was so weak in throwing I couldn't do it for long. Maybe get a few baseballs and a net so you can practice on your own and build some muscle.

Good luck!

 

[JKos]

No one can tell you what glove(s) will feel right on your hand. There are a lot of decent options available in the $150-$200 range. You may not even need to spend that much.

For example, the Rawlings GG Elite series for $100 will serve you well.

Go somewhere like Dick's that have a lot of gloves in stock and try them out. Like buldog said, something in the 11.5"-11.75" range will do you well. For just throwing the ball around, the type of web won't matter much.

- John

 

[Tom Bomb]

Get a cup, too

 

[tkonbass]

Just read this yesterday maybe you'll find it of interest also.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[dangnewt]

Just read this yesterday maybe you'll find it of interest also.

Invalid Link Removed

I have a Nokona glove. They make good stuff, but you are unlikely to find then at Dicks, but worth searching out. I played slow pitch softball for many years, but am seriously thinking about finding an old guy baseball team to play for.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I have a Nokona glove. They make good stuff, but you are unlikely to find then at Dicks, but worth searching out. I played slow pitch softball for many years, but am seriously thinking about finding an old guy baseball team to play for.

You ought to check out some of the vintage baseball teams in your area - there are at least two in Boston. Competitive baseball played by 19th century rules. Games played by 1860s rules don't ever use gloves.

 

[two fingers]

Or a pitcher's mitt. Smaller and easier to handle.

I suggest seeing what you can find used. Hate to see $200 sitting on the shelf.

Or better yet, ask if you can borrow one for the session.

One other thing, after 30 years too, my arm was so weak in throwing I couldn't do it for long. Maybe get a few baseballs and a net so you can practice on your own and build some muscle.

Good luck!

Normally I would agree with you about buying used. (Heck, I usually agree with you on just about everything. )

BUT, as a baseball enthusiast who played for 14 years and is watching the Boston Tampa Bay game as we speak.....


There is something very personal, very nostalgic, very spring fever, and very cool about breaking in your own glove your way. There's a great feeling that comes from grabbing your own mit to go play, and it fits you just right..... but only you remember when it was new and stiff. Only you remember the marks, scuffs and stains on it.

Now that I think about it, it's a lot like basses.


But, yeah.... let the guy get a new mit and break that sucker in. That's part of the fun!

Rub a little oil in the pocket, stick a ball in it, and tie a belt or rope around it and leave it overnight. Then go outside and play.


Dang. I love baseball.

 

[blastoff99]

Love a game of catch. Haven't had one in 15 years. My glove is still in the living room, on a shelf, with a ball in it.

Hope springs eternal, but I know this gets less likely every year.

 

[MJ5150]

I have the same Rawlings glove I bought with money from one of my first paychecks in 1987. Back when I was making $3.35 an hour.
I'm totally with @two fingers on this one about the nostalgia of buying and breaking in your own glove.
After oiling it up and sleeping on it a few nights, I would park on it some nights.

-Mike

 

[buldog5151bass]

My son's home for spring break. Had me out catching his pitches. What arthritis in my knees?

 

[Stumbo]

I have the same Rawlings glove I bought with money from one of my first paychecks in 1987. Back when I was making $3.35 an hour.
I'm totally with @two fingers on this one about the nostalgia of buying and breaking in your own glove.
After oiling it up and sleeping on it a few nights, I would park on it some nights.

-Mike

Getting nostalgic here. My 1961 Don Drysdale pitcher's mitt, still in good condition, all oiled, restrung and tied up with a ball in it, is in storage and at the ready if needed. It's a nice dark brown color. My name and phone number on the thumb side.

I remember being in a local Thriftys store that had a pretty good selection at the time. It fit me better than the outfielder mitts. I took it up to the counter and asked my mom if she could get it for me. It was $7 or $8. A lot of money back then. I told her I would take care of it. I never let her down. It was the only mitt that I ever used no matter what position I played except for first base. Mostly pitcher and left field. Made some good plays with it. I played for about 10 years.

Still, it takes time to break in a glove. A used one gets you out and catching comfortably right away.

 

[Jeff K]

Okay, this is a BIT off-topic; but the thread reminded me of one of my pet peeves. I've noticed a very disturbing trend lately. (Yes, I suppose I AM easily perturbed!)

Have you noticed that on TV, movies, every time they show a guy throwing a baseball, football, etc., they have no form whatsoever! It's like none of these actors have ever played a sport, or even played catch in the back yard. Anyway, every time I see it, it irritates the #### out of me. Hire a double, or an actor that doesn't look like he's never done it before if they're gonna' include a "catch" scene.

Yeah, I know. Nothing to get upset over. But a pet peeve nonetheless...

As for the original question, I have a Spalding leather "Sal Bando" glove that I've had since the '70s. The ones I had as a kid were cheapos. Yeah, I'm old. I grew up in the '50s & '60s. We usually played one sport or another almost every day on the playgrounds, streets, etc..

 

[kesslari]

Or a pitcher's mitt. Smaller and easier to handle.

I suggest seeing what you can find used. Hate to see $200 sitting on the shelf.

Or better yet, ask if you can borrow one for the session.

One other thing, after 30 years too, my arm was so weak in throwing I couldn't do it for long. Maybe get a few baseballs and a net so you can practice on your own and build some muscle.

Good luck!

Would an HPF help?

 

[Gaolee]

You ought to check out some of the vintage baseball teams in your area - there are at least two in Boston. Competitive baseball played by 19th century rules. Games played by 1860s rules don't ever use gloves.

Probably do use cups, though. If they are smart.

 

[Gaolee]

My son's home for spring break. Had me out catching his pitches. What arthritis in my knees?

I don't know where my glove went or where my son's glove went. He may have all the baseball gear somewhere. I hope so. I had a catcher's mitt, too, because he pitched sometimes and I would catch for him when he wanted to really cut loose. It could be an adventure at times. I sure miss it. I had more fun being a baseball dad than trying to play as a kid. My son was actually good at it. I was more about collisions and a bad attitude.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Probably do use cups, though. If they are smart.

I don't walk out onto a field, even to ump, coach, or as a reporter, without a cup.

 

[roller]

What Mike and TwoFingers said!

I, too, have the same Rawlings fielders glove I had from back in the mid-80s... and it's still awesome. I've kept it in a regular ol' plastic trash bag under my bed over the years. With this one, I didn't do the multiple coats of mink oil my dad did to my tee ball gloves... and the leather looks just as good today as it did when I first got it.

And lots of big leaguers play with Rawlings last time I checked.

I have the same Rawlings glove I bought with money from one of my first paychecks in 1987. Back when I was making $3.35 an hour.
I'm totally with @two fingers on this one about the nostalgia of buying and breaking in your own glove.
After oiling it up and sleeping on it a few nights, I would park on it some nights.

-Mike

 

[the harp unstrung]

There is something very personal, very nostalgic, very spring fever, and very cool about breaking in your own glove your way. There's a great feeling that comes from grabbing your own mit to go play, and it fits you just right..... but only you remember when it was new and stiff. Only you remember the marks, scuffs and stains on it.

Now that I think about it, it's a lot like basses.


But, yeah.... let the guy get a new mit and break that sucker in. That's part of the fun!

Rub a little oil in the pocket, stick a ball in it, and tie a belt or rope around it and leave it overnight. Then go outside and play.


Dang. I love baseball.

Dang, you’re a good writer.