At first glance, baseball and softball gloves look very similar. They’re general shape is the same, they’re often made from the same type of leather, and feature many of the same technologies. But when talking about the respective gloves for each sport, the most important aspect to keep in mind is the size of the ball being played. This is really what drives how the gloves are constructed and why they are different.
Can You Use A Baseball Glove For Softball?
Given the similarities between baseball and softball, it would make sense to assume a baseball glove can also be used for softball. Yes, technically that is true. You might have seen fastpitch players wearing one and even playing well with it, but the truth is, baseball and softball gloves differ in subtle but important ways that can directly impact your defensive performance.
What Are The Key Differences Between A Baseball And Softball Glove?
Length: Are Softball Gloves Longer Than Baseball Gloves?
Baseball gloves typically run from 11.25″ to 12.5″ (measured from the top of the index finger to the center of the heel). Softball gloves typically start at 11.5″ and can go all the way up to 15″. The longer lengths can almost always be attributed to the fact that softball gloves feature a deeper pocket to accommodate the larger ball.
Easton Flagship 11.5″ Baseball Glove
Easton Elite Morgan Stuart 11.5″ Fastpitch Glove
Pocket: Do Softball Gloves Have A Deeper Pocket?
For baseball gloves, the pocket is more shallow (because the ball is smaller) and longer because baseballs are generally hit harder and travel faster. For softball gloves the pocket is deeper (because the ball is larger) and shorter because the ball isn’t traveling as fast. The deeper, shorter pocket also allows for better control and less spin of the ball.
Rawlings HOH Contour 3028U 12.5″ Baseball Glove
Rawlings Liberty Advanced 125KR 12.5″ Fastpitch Glove
Web Type: Do Softball Gloves Have A Larger Web?
Baseball gloves have more variety and versatility in terms of web types because the pocket isn’t as deep. However, softball gloves will always have a larger web, and it will usually run deeper into the pocket than a baseball glove web.
Wilson A2K Superskin 1786SS 11.5″ Baseball Glove
Wilson A2000 Kelsey Stewart GM 12″ Fastpitch Glove
Entry: Do Softball Gloves Have A Smaller Hand Opening?
Fastpitch gloves feature smaller hand openings and finger stalls because they are worn by females, who typically have smaller hands and fingers than males.
Mizuno Pro 12″ Baseball Glove
Mizuno Pro Select 11.5″ Fastpitch Glove
Fit/Feel: Do Baseball Gloves Fit Differently Than Softball Gloves?
When it comes to fit, baseball players and softball players are polar opposites. Baseball players generally like the glove relaxed and loose on their hand while softball players prefer a tighter-fitting glove that they have confidence will stay on their hand when fielding the larger and sometimes unwieldy ball. This is why many softball gloves feature cinch straps on the back, allowing softball players to wear the glove as snugly as she wants. Baseball gloves don’t feature these closures, making them less adaptable to different hand sizes.
Rawlings Liberty Advanced Limited 2.0 12.5″ Fastpitch Glove
Easton Ghost Tournament Elite 12″ Fastpitch Glove
So if you’re a fastpitch player who’s been using a baseball glove, you’ve been playing at a distinct disadvantage! Don’t let the wrong type of glove hold you back. Play with the right glove and give yourself a chance to play your best!
BaseballSavings has a wide selection of baseball gloves and softball gloves. Now that you know the differences, head over and shop our selection so you can find the right glove for your game!
