Baseball & Softball Glove Size Guide by Position | KTMK Gloves
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Baseball & Softball Glove Size Guide by Position
Not sure what size glove to get? You're not alone. Most parents end up guessing — and that usually leads to a glove that's too big, too small, or just not right for the position.
This guide is built from real glove-shop experience and softball insight from a fastpitch dad, so you can get it right the first time.
⚠️ First — Not All Gloves Fit the Same
Not every glove brand plays true to size.
Some run small. Some run big.
👉 KTMK gloves are designed to play a little bigger
So if your player is between sizes, you usually don't need to size up.
Quick Glove Size Guide by Position
Infield Gloves
Baseball: 11.25" – 11.75"
Softball: 11.75" – 12.25"
✔ Better control
✔ Faster transfers
Outfield Gloves
Baseball: 12.25" – 12.75"
Softball: 12.5" – 13"
✔ More reach
✔ Deeper pocket
Pitcher Gloves
Baseball: 11.5" – 12"
Softball: 12" – 12.5"
✔ More control
✔ Usually closed web
First Base Mitts
Baseball: 12" – 13"
Softball: 12.5" – 13"
Catcher's Mitts
Baseball & Softball: 33" – 34"
🥎 Softball Tip (From a Fastpitch Dad)
A lot of softball players use gloves that are too big.
Bigger ≠ better.
Too much glove can:
- slow down hands
- reduce control
- make routine plays harder
⭐ The 12" Sweet Spot for Fastpitch
Most players don't carry 3–4 gloves. They have one gamer.
👉 A 12" glove is one of the best all-around options for fastpitch.
- Big enough for outfield
- Small enough for infield
- Great for utility players
And since KTMK gloves play a little bigger, many players don't need to jump to a 12.5" or 13".
🧤 Web Choice Guide
This part gets overlooked — but it matters.
👉 Open web = deeper pocket
👉 Closed web = tighter pocket
Easy way to choose:
- Outfield → Open web
- Pitcher → Closed web
- Infield → Personal preference (most go open)
🧤 Hand Placement (This Changes Everything)
How your player wears their glove has a big impact on how it feels, closes, and performs.
The biggest difference is traditional finger placement vs 2 in the pinky.
2 in the Pinky (Most Players Today)
Most players today wear their glove with 2 fingers in the pinky slot.
- Creates a deeper pocket
- Better ball security
- More natural hand squeeze and closure
- Helps control larger gloves in the outfield
- Allows players to use a slightly smaller glove
- Easier to squeeze, especially if the glove is on the stiffer side
Why It Matters Even More in Softball
2 in the pinky is especially good for softball players.
The ball is bigger, so pocket depth matters more than anything.
A deeper pocket means better control, better security, and fewer drops.
👉 For infielders (my opinion):
2 in the pinky is a good option for infielders at all positions. It gives you a better pocket while still keeping control.
👉 For outfield:
Go 2 in the pinky. Outfield gloves are usually bigger, and this helps create better pocket depth and control.
Traditional (All Fingers in Stalls)
The traditional fit (all fingers in each stall) is still used, but usually results in:
- A shallower pocket
- Less natural glove closure
- Can be harder to close, especially if the glove is on the stiffer side
- More common in single hinge gloves
👉 Seen more in baseball middle infielders (shortstop and 2nd base),
where a shallower pocket helps with quick transfers.
🔥 KTMK Recommendation
Go 2 in the pinky.
It gives better pocket depth, better glove control, and works with how most players use gloves today.
At the end of the day, it's all about player feel.
Try both and go with what feels best for you and your glove.
🔥 KTMK Real-World Advice
- Infield = go a little smaller for control
- Outfield = go a little bigger for range
- Softball = don't oversize
- KTMK = already plays a little bigger
👉 When in doubt, don't size up too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size glove is best for infield?
For baseball, most infielders do well in the 11.25" to 11.75" range. For softball, 11.75" to 12.25" is a strong starting point. Smaller gloves usually give players better control and faster transfers.
What size glove is best for outfield?
For baseball, most outfielders do well in the 12.25" to 12.75" range. For softball, 12.5" to 13" is common. Bigger gloves give more reach and usually create a deeper pocket.
Is a 12" glove good for softball?
Yes. For many fastpitch players, a 12" glove is one of the best all-around utility sizes. It gives enough glove for outfield play while still staying controllable for infield work.
Should softball players use bigger gloves?
Not always. A lot of players end up using gloves that are too big. Since the softball is larger, some extra glove can help, but too much glove can slow hands and reduce control.
Do KTMK gloves run big?
KTMK gloves are designed to play a little bigger. If your player is between sizes, that usually means you do not need to size up.
What's the difference between an open web and a closed web?
An open web generally gives you a deeper pocket, while a closed web tends to feel tighter with a smaller pocket. Outfielders often like open webs, pitchers usually prefer closed webs, and infielders often go by personal preference.
What size catcher's mitt should I get?
For most baseball and softball catchers, a 33" to 34" mitt is a solid starting range. Exact preference can vary by age, hand size, and level of play.
How do I pick the right glove for my player?
Start with position, then think about control versus reach, and finally consider how that specific glove pattern plays. If your player is between sizes, avoid automatically sizing up — especially with KTMK.
Still Not Sure What Size to Choose?
Don't guess. Send me a message and I'll help point you in the right direction based on your player's age, position, and game level.
