Most sports have its own equipment to protect players from injuries and to enhance playing conditions. Baseball gloves are one such equipment used in baseball for protecting the palm and fingers. Since the ball is caught and handled by the palm and fingers the heavy ball had been notorious in causing injuries to players before baseball gloves were introduced in 1870′s until which time the players were expected to bear the pain.
But the first baseball gloves have been very thin helping the players only up to some extent. It is also reported that players who used baseball gloves were teased in the early days, until using baseball gloves became a habit, gradually. The main advantage of baseball gloves is that it gives players protection and more grip to handle the ball.
Various types of baseball gloves are available according to its requirement. Each player has a different position in the ground giving them different duties. Gloves that are to be used by each and every of these players are different. There are four basic types of gloves designed for catchers, outfielders, infielders and first basemen. Since the catchers deal with extra momentum of the ball their glove is heavily padded. The first basemen’s glove is also heavily padded to assist with hard throws. The extra surface of an out fielder’s glove give them better chance to catch the ball from a distance. In-fielder’s glove is the smallest to suit their agile movements. It is very important that you choose your baseball love according to the size of your palm.
A professional baseball glove would be up to 12 inches in size and often comes in leather and synthetic. But in some instances they are made of buffalo skin, pig skin and also kangaroo skin which are understandably expensive. Synthetic gloves are the cheapest and much suitable for a beginner. Leather baseball gloves are mostly used nowadays, and it has many variations of quality as well. Wool is sometimes used for the inner pad of the glove to give better comfort.
There is another type of baseball glove that does not have fingers, and it is called mitts. The glove should feel right and comfortable. Oil or a lotion can be used to break it in. But oil will deteriorate the glove more rapidly so it shouldn’t be overdone. From 1970′s the baseball glove has become a fashion in USA. Many kids who are baseball maniacs keep a baseball glove in their rooms even though it wouldn’t fit into their hands. If you live in the USA, you can easily buy a pair of baseball gloves to match your size, purpose and fashion. There are plenty of online stores selling baseball gloves as well. So if you are in to the game, why not buy a glove to use or to show your support?
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October 29, 2009
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