It makes sense to wear a baseball glove the traditional way. After all, there’s five stalls, one for each finger. But, somewhat surprisingly, this is not the way many players choose to wear it. Below we discuss a few other ways some players prefer to wear their glove, and more importantly, why. For example, what exactly are the advantages of sliding one finger over to the adjacent stall? It turns out a slight shift like this can make a significant difference in how effectively you can field the ball. Let’s get into it:
How To Properly Wear A Baseball Glove
Traditional:
A baseball glove is designed with five stalls, one for each finger. The traditional (or standard) way to wear a glove is to simply slide each finger into its respective stall. Before you started reading this, it might be the only way you knew how to wear it, and it’s perfectly acceptable. The advantages to wearing a baseball glove the traditional way are that it’s comfortable and provides good support for each finger.
One Finger Outside The Glove:
Another popular way to wear a glove is with one finger (most commonly the index finger because it takes the most pounding) outside the glove while each of the other fingers rest in their respective stalls. Why do baseball players keep one finger out of their glove? Infielders and catchers often do this because they’re constantly taking heat, and getting that finger out of the pocket gives them an extra layer of padding/protection. Some infielders believe the exposed finger also allows them to control their gloves better, which is important during the transfer.
Two In The Pinkie:
It’s also possible to place both the pinkie and the ring finger in the slot designated for the pinkie. The player then places his middle finger into the fourth finger’s normal slot, and his (or her) index finger into the stall ordinarily reserved for the middle finger. This leaves the index finger slot empty. Players use this arrangement because the gap in the index finger’s spot creates a deeper pocket. It also places more strength on the outer portion of the glove, making it easier to snap the glove shut.
Two In The Pinkie, One Finger Outside:
Some infielders prefer the two in the pinkie AND one finger out approach. This is because, on routine plays, most infielders don’t catch the ball in the pocket, they catch it on their palm. A finger outside not only allows the glove to close with less pressure on the pocket, but also enables infielders to push down on the back of the glove, helping keep the glove wide and making it easier to swallow up ground balls.
How The Pros Wear It (Show More Palm):
Most MLB players don’t slide their hand all the way into their glove, leaving part of their palm exposed. This creates a smoother hinge action with the glove, makes the glove an extension of the fingers, and helps create an air pocket to eliminate sting. However, not sliding the hand all the way into the glove means the fingers are coming up shorter in the stalls, so how do MLB players regain control of the glove fingers? They put both their pinkie and ring finger into the pinkie slot, middle finger into the ring finger slot, and index finger into the middle finger slot. Again, this leaves the index finger slot empty.
Should young players wear it like this? We recommend they at least try. But do keep in mind that if their fingers are too short (since they’re still growing) it may make it difficult for them to properly open and close their glove. In that case, it would be best to go back to the method that provides the best mix of comfort and control until their fingers get longer. This relatively new method of “showing some palm” has become the norm for both college and pro players, so the sooner a young player can get comfortable with it the better. Obviously it will feel strange at first, but give it time.
The Best Way To Wear A Baseball Glove…The Way That Works Best For You
If all you knew was the traditional way to wear a baseball glove, you now have plenty of options! So whether it’s keeping the status quo or adopting something new, the ultimate goal is to make you the best fielder you can possibly be!
Finger holes and fingertip stitching add to the integrity of baseball gloves, allowing players to spread their fingers as the ball approaches and tighten their grip when it hits the glove pocket. They also enable sand and soil to pass through, preventing clumps of dirt from getting into the glove and costing precious seconds when fielding the ball.
It’s interesting to know how we’d wear a baseball glove to ensure comfort and control. Next month, my younger brother wants to join a baseball team, so my parents are looking for the right gear for him, and I think your guide will make their job easier. Thanks for explaining that young players should try to leave their palms exposed when wearing a baseball glove.
Glove companies have flattened out the binding around the open back ,or added more leather to the finger backings of mostly infield gloves cause unless you’re going 2 in the pinky , chances are you have the index finger out, it also flattens out the pocket for quick transfers if you apply pressure some ppl go 2 in the pinky finger out , theyres gloves with the finger pad shifted to the middle finger, keep that binding and where the imprint from your finger condition cause it will crack on ya!