Have you heard the name of Mitts? If your answer is negative, the first base glove is called mitts. The main difference between a mitt and a first base glove is that a mitt is longer than a first base glove. And it has a solid, curved edge. These mitts are very important for playing games because they can stop scooped wild throws and are useful to stop ground balls down the line.
If you are using other gloves for playing different games, you must know that first-base gloves differ from other gloves. The features of different gloves will be different. And if you want to buy a glove, you must review its features and compare them with your needs. It is an easier way to select the best first base glove for your use.
There will be multiple players on the ground, but the position of the first baseman will be more visible to others. And the responsibility of such a player is also greater than that of other players. The first baseman has to catch the through shots. So it is a very responsive and strict position for first basemen, who need special gloves.
Only first-basemen players can wear the mitts, which are different from other players’ gloves. It is not allowed to wear mitts for other players because it is a solid piece that can help the first baseman catch the ball and provide more protection. The design of the mitt is similar to that of gloves, but its function, materials, and responsibilities differ from those of gloves.
Why does first base have a special glove?
When you play baseball, all players have different positions, and protection is the priority in all games. In baseball, players must use gloves for the best grip and protection. And there is a difference in pitcher, catcher, infielder, and outfielder gloves. But if you look at the first baseman’s glove, it has a few similarities, but there are many differences in such gloves.
If you are playing as a first baseman, selecting gloves that can protect you and make you comfortable in your position is important. The first base glove, a mitt, is created with solid material. You can easily differentiate between gloves and mitts and select mitts that protect you and improve your performance.
Comparison of glove and mitt
When we talk about baseball player gloves, some varieties come to mind. Gloves and mitts are different things, and when you read our blog, you can easily compare both products. In this article, we will compare mitts with gloves and tell you about the differences between these products used by basemen.
No finger slots in the mitt or first base gloves are manufactured with a solid design. A regular glove has a slot that separates all the fingers from each other. So it is a major difference, and you can identify which glove is regular and which is only for the first baseman.
Mitt has a curved, rounded edge, but there is no other curved edge on regular gloves. The mitt’s pocket is deeper, but the regular glove’s pocket is just as deep. The webbing of the first base glove is open and deep. But regular gloves could be opened and closed as players want. This game is only for adults, and the mitt size for adults is 12 to 13 inches. But a regular glove could be larger than a mitt because it comes in a range of sizes from 11 to 35 inches. Both these gloves are made mostly of leather.
Differences between the Mitt and the regular glove
Many components and features set the first base glove apart from a regular glove. And through these components, you can easily identify the mitt from the glove. Now we are discussing the differences between mitts and regular gloves.
Design
As we discussed above, the design of the first base glove differs from that of the regular glove. So some changes in the mitt make it different from the regular glove. The mitt has no finger holes, whereas regular gloves do. So it is like a catcher’s mitt, made of solid leather. The main purpose of joining all fingers is to give a better grip for the ball.
The curved edge of the mitt is responsive, helping to push dirt out of the ball and reduce bubbles. These gloves are not pretty, but the design is fantastic: comfortable and helpful. The mitt pocket is deeper than that of regular gloves, which makes it more comfortable for players. It has open webbing that is more exclusive than closed webbing.
Regular and first-base gloves are available for both left and right-handed people. Some additional features are included in first-base gloves, such as extra lacing, a strap, and a D-ring. So all these features give more adjustments to first-base players. As you know, there is a need for more protection for first base players than regular players, so there are special gloves for first base players.
Functions
The dirt grip on the ball when you play the game, but you can use a mitt to clean it. The Softball first base glove curve is also very helpful in the game. And you can pick the ball without removing your gloves. The area of the first base glove is greater than that of normal gloves, so it is easy to catch the ball without any trouble or problems. But in regular gloves, this function has a limited area and place. This glove is like a mitt, so your fingers will not come to the backside when you catch the ball.
Price
The price of the first base glove depends on the quality, material, purpose, and brand. Now it’s up to you whether you are purchasing these gloves for fun or as an international player. The quality and material of the mitt are also essential for using the best gloves. The normal glove with better features is available for about $70. But the price will increase if you are looking for professional first-base gloves. And some such brands also sell their gloves worth more than $500.
The price of the first base glove depends on its quality, its construction, and the material used to make it. The rate of regular gloves is not more than that of mitts because the mitt or first base glove material is more aggressive than that of regular gloves. You can purchase any type, quality, or brand of gloves on Amazon; many companies manufacture them. However, you must have between $50 and $500 to buy a first-base glove of your choice.
Maintenance and care
First-base gloves are made of leather, so caring for your clothes and these gloves is essential. These gloves are essential for playing this game, so they need more attention and care. If you are using new first-base gloves, they should be loose in the pocket, the heel, and the palm.
For care, fold the gloves in half and use the 5-pound mallet to remove the stiffness. Try to catch and play with such gloves to improve their performance. However, you need to be mindful of the rolling and curling when playing this game while wearing these gloves.
To extend the life of such gloves, clean them with cleaning products. You can buy wipes, brushes, and other cleaners to clean the first base gloves. You can use such gloves for a long time if you care about them. And these will give you better and better performance when playing this game.
Final words
As you know, regular and first-base gloves are used in the same game. But there are a lot of differences between these gloves, and when you are playing first baseman players, you need to buy the best quality mitt. All your game’s performance depends on the condition of the first base glove you are using.
If you want to buy only a first-base glove for practice or training, you can select any local glove. But when you are playing professionally and increasing your performance, you should purchase more effective mitts.