No piece of equipment is more important to a player than his ball glove. Let’s face it: if you’ve had one for a long time, it’s an old friend. But if your glove’s no longer helping you as much as it could, or maybe you’re just tired of wearing the same old piece of leather, then it’s time for a change. Because you need a glove that makes you feel comfortable and confident. You need a glove you can count on. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown (by series) of some of the best and most popular gloves in 2020 that will make playing defense your favorite thing to do this season.
Rawlings Pro Preferred
Pro Preferred gloves fall in an upper echelon category, mostly due to luxurious kip leather known for its softness and fine grain. It’s also good in harsh conditions and at withstanding abrasions, making it highly durable. The binding is stiffer, which is why the gloves take longer to break in, but it’s worth it because they last such a long time.
Fit/Feel:
Leather feels soft and supple. Snug, comfortable overall fit.
Why It’s A Catch:
Pittards® sheepskin palm lining wicks away moisture to help the glove last several seasons.
Wilson A2000
Wilson A2000 gloves have been made in the same place, using the same materials for over 30 years, providing consistent construction from glove to glove, year to year. The average glove technician has 9+ years of experience, so when you buy an A2000 glove, you know that it was handled by the best in the business.
Fit/Feel:
Snug fit. Leather feels slightly stiffer with slightly wider fingerstalls.
Why It’s A Catch:
Dri-Lex® moisture-wicking wrist lining and Dual Welting™ for a durable pocket.
Rawlings Heart Of The Hide
Compared to Pro Preferred, HOH® gloves are constructed with a lighter, softer, and thinner leather, making them easier to break-in. If you’re comparing HOH® gloves to other gloves however, you might find them to be heavier and slightly stiffer. Also know that HOH® leather is world renowned and effectively retains moisture.
Fit/Feel:
Fits snugly around the fingers; pinky loop for added comfort.
Why It’s A Catch:
If it’s good enough for big leaguers, it should be good enough for anyone.
Wilson A2000 Superskin
This series has the same features as A2000 with one significant enhancement: Superskin™, a man-made material that’s twice as strong and half the weight of traditional leather. A lighter glove helps you make the play fractions of a second faster, or what could be the difference between safe and out, winning and losing. When speed is on the bases, Superskin™ should be on your hand.
Fit/Feel:
Snug fit. Leather feels slightly stiffer with slightly wider fingerstalls.
Why It’s A Catch:
Superskin™ on hand back makes gloves lighter and stronger.
Mizuno MVP Prime
Mizuno MVP Prime gloves feature smooth leather that perfectly balances oil and softness for exceptional feel and firm control. Professional level lace adds durability while an uber-comfortable padded thumb slot keeps you relaxed and focused in the field. A glove like this makes the gaps smaller and the innings quicker.
Fit/Feel:
Larger hand opening. Fits snugly around the fingers. Soft, slightly stiffer leather.
Why It’s A Catch:
Pattern design naturally centers the pocket under the index finger for the most versatile break in possible.
Marucci Cypress
Named after the bald cypress, the state tree of Louisiana, this glove series features premium Japanese steerhide leather for stiffness and rugged durability while the extra-smooth cowhide lining allows the glove to conform very well to your hand during the break-in process. Also, no stamping in the palm allows for a clean, wrinkle-free surface, increasing the glove’s longevity.
Fit/Feel:
Stiffer leather allows custom-molding to fit your hand perfectly.
Why It’s A Catch:
Moisture-wicking mesh wrist lining with memory foam padding keeps your hand super cool and comfortable the entire game.
