How to Figure a Catcher's Mitt Size From Glove Size
Most young baseball players start playing the game using a regular glove. However, some of these young athletes may decide to make the transition to playing catcher. Along with the other catcher's gear needed, a catcher's glove will need to be bought. A catcher's glove -- called a catcher's mitt -- is fingerless and much more padded than a regular baseball glove. When buying a new mitt, you must know how to figure out what size glove is right for you.
How are gloves and catcher's mitts different?
The differences between a catcher's glove and a regular baseball glove are broad. Outside of added padding and lack of fingers, the major difference is sizing. A regular glove ranges between 9 and 12 1/2 inches from the top to the heel of the glove. Catcher's gloves are usually measured by circumference. The circumference of a catcher's glove can be anywhere between 31 and 34 1/2 inches.
How do you find mitt size from glove size?
Measure your baseball glove. Using a measuring tape can help you get a more accurate measurement of the length. Round every measurement to the closest half inch. Find the difference between 12 1/2 and your glove size. Then take that result and subtract it from 34 1/2. Do this because 12 1/2 is the largest regular glove size in length, while 34 1/2 is the largest catcher's glove circumference. Your final result should be about the correct size for your catcher's mitt.
Try before you buy
Try on your catcher's mitt before buying it from the store. Catcher's mitts fit much tighter than a regular glove, so you may need to adjust the belts and ties on the glove. You may even need to try on a mitt of a different size. Purchase a glove with a snug fit.
Tips
Catcher's mitts, like most gloves, need time to break in. Remember this when you purchase a glove. No catcher's mitt will feel perfect when closing the glove. It takes time for it to get that soft feeling. Certain sporting goods stores offer a steaming service to help break your glove in quicker.
Tips
- Catcher's mitts, like most gloves, need time to break in. Remember this when you purchase a glove. No catcher's mitt will feel perfect when closing the glove. It takes time for it to get that soft feeling. Certain sporting goods stores offer a steaming service to help break your glove in quicker.
Writer Bio
Alan Bass has been writing since 2008. His work focusing on sports topics has appeared in the "Hockey News" and online at Inside Hockey and HockeyBuzz. He received a presidential award from Muhlenberg College for academic and community achievements, in addition to a bachelor's degree in psychology and business. In 2011, he published a book titled "The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed the NHL Forever."