How To Choose a Middle Infield Fastpitch Softball Glove
Middle infield is your 2nd base and Short Stop positions. These positions cover a lot of ground and have to do it quickly in fastpitch softball. Most middle infielders like to use 11.75 to 12 inch gloves. Again it is personal preference here. Some will even use a 12.5 inch glove.
Many middle infielders are also what we call a "Utility" player. They will play many or all positions. So they may opt for the 13 inch glove to help them in the outfield or at 1st or pitcher. This allows them to only need the one glove. If you only play middle infield, you will probably want a shorter glove - 11.75 inch to 12 inch.
The reason for the shorter glove is to make the glove more manageable, lighter and easier to get the ball out of. Fastpitch softball fielder gloves are sometimes designed with larger, flatter pockets to handle the larger softball. There are some designed with special air pockets to absorb the energy of the ball and help it "stick" in the pocket better.
Open web fastpitch softball gloves that use IWeb or H-Web designs (the web is shaped like an “I” or “H” respectively with openings around it) are also often selected by middle infielders because the ball can be picked out of the glove easier. Middle infielders often select gloves with a “shallow” pocket – this makes it easier to get the ball out of the glove.
Fastpitch Softball Middle Infielder Glove Size Chart
12.5 inch -------- Middle Infield/Pitcher/3rd Base/First Base Mitt/Utility - Plays Mostly Outfield Some Infield
12 inch ----------- Middle Infield/Pitcher/3rd Base/Utility - Plays Mostly Infield Some Outfield
11.75 inch ------- Middle Infield/Pitcher/3rd Base/Utility - Plays Mostly Infield Some Outfield/Youth 13 and 14 year old
Other features to consider when purchasing a middle infield glove:
Mizuno Fastpitch gloves are game ready straight from the box. However, unlike many game ready gloves, Mizuno gloves will give players long lasting durability. Inside the glove, players will find an Ultrasoft Palm Liner and a ParaShock Palm Pad that provide serious comfort and keep hands free from sting. These gloves are made specifically for the female athlete with their narrower finger stalls, vertically laced heel, and V-Flex Notch that helps initiate easy closure.
Worth Fastpitch gloves are THE standard in comfort. Made from U.S.A tanned leather inside and out, Worth softball gloves have a unique feel that just can't be replicated. Known for their moldable padding and easy break-in, these gloves still have excellent shape retention.
Breaking in a glove isn't the rite of passage it once was. Some folks still like to spend hours a day for weeks molding their glove just right, yet others would rather take their new glove right to the field. If you're a fan of the already broken-in feel, Wilson is the glove for you. Wilson Fastpitch gloves feature Ecco Leather which is game ready and engineered to specifically provide softness on the first day of ownership and keep its durability for years to come.
Many middle infielders are also what we call a "Utility" player. They will play many or all positions. So they may opt for the 13 inch glove to help them in the outfield or at 1st or pitcher. This allows them to only need the one glove. If you only play middle infield, you will probably want a shorter glove - 11.75 inch to 12 inch.
The reason for the shorter glove is to make the glove more manageable, lighter and easier to get the ball out of. Fastpitch softball fielder gloves are sometimes designed with larger, flatter pockets to handle the larger softball. There are some designed with special air pockets to absorb the energy of the ball and help it "stick" in the pocket better.
Open web fastpitch softball gloves that use IWeb or H-Web designs (the web is shaped like an “I” or “H” respectively with openings around it) are also often selected by middle infielders because the ball can be picked out of the glove easier. Middle infielders often select gloves with a “shallow” pocket – this makes it easier to get the ball out of the glove.
Fastpitch Softball Middle Infielder Glove Size Chart
12.5 inch -------- Middle Infield/Pitcher/3rd Base/First Base Mitt/Utility - Plays Mostly Outfield Some Infield
12 inch ----------- Middle Infield/Pitcher/3rd Base/Utility - Plays Mostly Infield Some Outfield
11.75 inch ------- Middle Infield/Pitcher/3rd Base/Utility - Plays Mostly Infield Some Outfield/Youth 13 and 14 year old
Other features to consider when purchasing a middle infield glove:
Mizuno Fastpitch gloves are game ready straight from the box. However, unlike many game ready gloves, Mizuno gloves will give players long lasting durability. Inside the glove, players will find an Ultrasoft Palm Liner and a ParaShock Palm Pad that provide serious comfort and keep hands free from sting. These gloves are made specifically for the female athlete with their narrower finger stalls, vertically laced heel, and V-Flex Notch that helps initiate easy closure.
Worth Fastpitch gloves are THE standard in comfort. Made from U.S.A tanned leather inside and out, Worth softball gloves have a unique feel that just can't be replicated. Known for their moldable padding and easy break-in, these gloves still have excellent shape retention.
Breaking in a glove isn't the rite of passage it once was. Some folks still like to spend hours a day for weeks molding their glove just right, yet others would rather take their new glove right to the field. If you're a fan of the already broken-in feel, Wilson is the glove for you. Wilson Fastpitch gloves feature Ecco Leather which is game ready and engineered to specifically provide softness on the first day of ownership and keep its durability for years to come.
Recommended Middle Infield Softball Gloves
If you are interested in purchasing a quality fastpitch middle infield glove, please follow our link to our recommended choices - Top Rated Middle Infield Softball Gloves |
Please view our How To Size A Fastpitch Glove to help maximize your knowledge on choosing the correct glove. Choosing the correct size is more important than choosing the correct web design. Using both sections will help increase your ability to choose the right glove.