Not all gloves are cut from the same leather, my friend. If you’ve ever spent time around the diamond, you’ll have noticed the different mitts players are using. There’s more to it than just looks—there’s a method to the madness.

The shape and size of a glove can make all the difference in how fast a player can snap off a throw or how easy they can snag a fly. So let’s dig into those details, and see what’s what.

Different Types of Gloves by Position

Baseball is a game of milliseconds and inches, so having the right glove for your position is critical. In general, infielders and outfielders have different needs, and their gloves reflect that.

Just as a running back wouldn’t wear the same cleats as a lineman in football, in baseball, a shortstop isn’t going to use the same glove as an outfielder. And that’s where having a glove that fits your specific style and position—or even customizable baseball gloves that are literally personalized to your exact preferences—can make all the difference on the field.

Infielders’ Gloves: Small, Light & Fast

Infielders need to be quick—like, really quick. Think about it: when a ground ball comes their way, they have to field it, transfer it to their throwing hand, and make a precise throw in a matter of seconds. That’s why their gloves are smaller, usually between 11 to 12 inches in length. The smaller size allows for quicker ball transfers, meaning the ball doesn’t get “lost” inside the glove.

Infield gloves are also thinner and lighter, which makes them easier to maneuver. This is a big deal because infielders don’t have the luxury of time when it comes to reacting to a hard-hit ball. They need every advantage they can get to stay nimble, and make those plays.

Fun Fact: Middle infielders, particularly shortstops and second basemen, are known for wearing the smallest gloves in Major League Baseball (MLB). Their gloves typically range from 11 to 11.5 inches. The smaller size helps them with quick transfers, allowing them to field the ball and make a fast throw to get runners out. Some of the most famous players who wear smaller gloves include shortstops like Francisco Lindor and Javier Báez, who prioritize quickness and agility in their defensive play.

Outfielders’ Gloves: Big & Built for Distance

On the other hand (pun not actually intended) outfielders are dealing with a whole different ball game. (OK—that one was intended.) They’re usually out there catching fly balls or making diving catches on line drives, so they need a glove that gives them the most surface area possible.

Thus, outfield gloves are generally larger, typically ranging from 12.5 to 13 inches, and they have deeper pockets. This makes it easier to secure the ball, especially when they’re sprinting at full speed or leaping for a catch.

It might take an outfielder a bit longer to get the ball out of their glove compared to an infielder, but that’s okay. Their main job is to make sure the ball is caught in the first place, and a bigger glove helps with that.

The Outcasts: First Basemen and Catchers

There are two positions on the field that use gloves quite different from those of other players—first basemen and catchers.

First Baseman Mitts

First basemen use mitts that are larger and have a deeper pocket than a typical infielder’s glove. You might hear these called “mitts” instead of gloves because they don’t have individual fingers.

The reason for this design? First basemen often have to scoop up balls out of the dirt or catch high, errant throws, so a bigger target helps. Plus, they don’t need to make lightning-fast transfers as often as infielders do, so having the larger catching area works out for them.

Catcher’s Mitts

The catcher’s mitt is in a league of its own. Unlike batting gloves and other baseball gloves, it’s designed to be heavily padded and has a unique shape designed to absorb the impact of fastballs and help guide the ball into the pocket.

A catcher’s job is all about keeping the ball in front of them. The padding protects their hand from the repeated impact of pitches, and the large, rounded shape helps ensure they catch every pitch that comes their way.

Glove Size Limits: How Big is Too Big?

You might wonder if there are any rules about how large a glove can be. The answer is yes—especially at the higher levels of the game. These rules are there to keep things fair and to make sure no one is using a glove that gives them an unnatural advantage.

NCAA Glove Size Rules

In college baseball, the NCAA has some pretty clear guidelines:

• Catchers: Can wear a mitt of any dimension.
• Everyone else: Their gloves can’t be more than 13 inches long or 8 inches wide.

In college ball, the glove’s length is measured from the bottom edge or heel straight up across the palm. For width, they measure from the base of the inside seam of the first finger to the outside edge of the little finger. First baseman mitts are measured from the center of the base section between the thumb and first finger to the outside edge of the little finger.

There’s no set standard for measuring a catcher’s mitt in the NCAA because again, they're allowed to use mitts of any size.

MLB Glove Size Rules

Major League Baseball takes the rules on glove sizing further:

• Catchers: Their mitts can’t exceed 38 inches in circumference or 15.5 inches from top to bottom.
• First Basemen: Their mitts are limited to 13 inches in length and 8 inches in width.
• All Other Players: Gloves are capped at 13 inches in length and 7.75 inches in width.

For fielders’ gloves in the MLB, the length is measured from the heel pocket (the bottom edge of the glove) up through the ball pocket to the tip of the longest finger. The width is measured from the inside seam at the base of the first finger to the outside edge of the little finger.

Catchers’ mitts are measured differently. The measurement includes everything—the outer edge, lacing, and any leather band or facing attached to the outer edge. The space between the thumb section and the finger section of the mitt can’t exceed six inches at the top or four inches at the base of the thumb crotch.

Tip: See our Baseball Glove Size Chart for tips on measuring and sizing gloves.

The Bottom Line

Final thoughts, folks: Choosing your personal baseball glove isn’t about style or matching your gear. It’s about understanding what your position requires and making sure your glove fits the bill.

If you really want to elevate your game, nothing is ever going to beat a custom glove. Off-the-shelf gloves are fine, but a custom glove is tailored to fit your hand just right, with the exact specifications for your position. You can choose the leather, the pocket depth, even the webbing pattern—every detail is designed to give you that extra edge on the field.

When you’re gearing up, think about what your glove brings to the table—because in this game, it’s not just a piece of custom sports gear—it’s a key part of your strategy. Whether you’re an infielder needing quick hands, an outfielder chasing down flies, or a catcher taking the heat, the right glove is crucial.

When it fits like a glove—literally—you’re not just playing the game, you’re owning it. So, if you’re serious about your game, a custom glove isn’t just an upgrade—it’s an investment in your performance.