What is a Baseball Glove Hand Protector?
If you’ve ever played a full game of baseball or softball, you know just how much wear and tear your hand inside the glove can take over the course of 9 innings. From the slight sting of snagging a line drive to the shooting pain of a badly missed catch, our hands take a beating on the diamond.
That’s where a baseball glove hand protector comes in handy (pun intended). These protective pads slip right into the glove over your fingers and palm to add a layer of shock-absorbing protection. No more sore, swollen hands after a long day on the field!
Shields Against All Sorts of Hits
A glove hand protector is designed to shield your hand from all sorts of hits – from bad hops to foul tips. The padding diffuses the impact, reducing vibration and shock. So even if you get jammed by an inside fastball, your hand stays protected.
The extra padding also allows you to squeeze the glove tighter on close plays without discomfort. No need to loosen up on balls hit right at you. Just snag it confidently with a glove protector inside.
Cushions Against Constant Wear and Tear
It’s not just the stingers that can cause pain. The constant wear and tear of fielding balls or catching pitch after pitch takes a toll on your hand over time. A glove protector helps cushion against that cumulative effect.
Each catch involves force against your hand as the ball compresses into the pocket. A protector dissipates that force, reducing the chronic aches that can build up after a long game or doubleheader.
So even if you don’t take any hard shots square on the fingers, a glove protector can keep hand soreness at bay game after game.
Added Wrist and Knuckle Protection
Many glove hand protectors don’t just shield the palm and fingers. They often provide extra padding over the wrist and knuckles as well.
This helps defend against impact on errant throws, protecting that vulnerable wrist area. And the knuckle protection shields against jams and foul tips that catch bare knuckles.
So while the palm and hand back get the most padding, these extra wrist and knuckle shields provide even more comprehensive protection.
Keeps Your Glove Game Ready Longer
Here’s another benefit you may not realize – a glove protector helps maintain the shape and game readiness of your mitt longer.
All that force on unprotected hands gradually loosens up the glove pocket and compresses the padding. But a hand protector absorbs much of that impact, reducing wear and tear on the glove itself.
That keeps the pocket stiff and ready for action at the start of each game instead of becoming soft and floppy over a season of use.
Allows Confident Catching
When your hand is shielded by padding, you can catch pitches and field balls with more confidence. There’s no need to hesitate on close plays for fear of stinging fingers.
That extra confidence allows infielders to fearlessly block hard choppers and line drives. Outfielders can lay out for shoestring grabs without worrying about hand pain.
Knowing your hand is protected gives you the reassurance to catch the ball securely any way you need – even if it means taking one for the team.
Infield vs Outfield Models
Glove hand protectors come in infielder and outfielder models to suit each position’s needs:
– Infielders need maximum dexterity for quick transfers while still shielding against bad hops. So infield pads focus protection on the fingers and palm but don’t restrict motion.
– Outfielders need full hand coverage for diving catches and running into walls. Outfield protectors have more coverage on the hand back and extra wrist/knuckle guards.
Youth and Adult Sizes for All Ages
Another great thing about glove hand protectors is they come in youth and adult sizes to suit players of all ages. Kids as young as 5 can benefit from the same hand protection as pro players.
Youth sizes ensure proper fit so the protector stays put inside smaller gloves. And kids won’t have to play through unnecessary hand pain just because their hands are still developing.
Meanwhile, full-sized protectors provide complete coverage for bigger adult gloves. Players keep playing pain-free no matter their age or hand size.
Prevents Common Baseball Hand Injuries
Using a glove protector can help prevent some of the most common baseball hand conditions including:
- – Bruising/Contusions – Direct impact can burst capillaries and blood vessels in the hand leading to bruising and swelling. The padding helps prevent this.
- – Vibration Injuries – Repeated vibration from ball impact can damage nerves and blood vessels over time. Protectors reduce transmitted vibration.
- – Fractures – Wayward balls can break bones in the hand, especially small finger bones. Added padding shields from fractures.
- – Jammed/Sprained Fingers – Fingers bent backwards when hit by a ball can sprain ligaments. Protection reduces force to avoid jams.
So glove hand protectors provide multipurpose protection against immediate trauma and gradual overuse issues.
Allows Extended Play Without Fatigue
Hand fatigue can set in over the course of a long game, doubleheader, or tournament. All that pounding strains muscles and leads to loss of grip strength and control.
By cushioning the hand inside the glove, a protector allows you to play more innings with less fatigue. When hands stay fresh, performance stays strong to the final out.
Ideal for Protecting Pitchers
While any defensive player can benefit from a glove protector, they are especially valuable for pitchers. Pitchers field line drives right back at them, landing on their glove hand as they follow through.
A hand protector shields a pitcher’s all-important throwing hand from bruising or injury when knocking down comebackers up the middle.
Pitchers can also wear a protector on their free hand when batting to shield from wayward pitches.
Slips On and Off Quickly
Unlike wearing a separate batting glove, a glove hand protector slips right into the glove so it’s always there when you need it. There’s no hassle or lost time inserting hand pads each inning.
These protectors feature stretch fabrics that slide over the hand before inserting in the glove. No fussy wrapping or adjustments needed – just slip it on and start playing.
And most protectors are secured with a velcro wrist strap, so they’re easy to remove between innings if desired.
Provides Both Comfort and Flexibility
Even with the ample padding, glove hand protectors are surprisingly comfy and flexible when on your hand.
The padding is strategically placed to allow free finger motion. And advanced fabrics and foams ensure the protector moves with your hand while fielding and catching.
So while your hands are shielded, you won’t sacrifice any dexterity or feel while wearing a protector during game action.
After reading about all these benefits, it’s clear that glove hand protectors are useful for ball players of all ages and positions. Don’t leave your hand exposed – look for quality glove hand protectors to keep you playing your best all season long!
How a Glove Hand Protector Shields Your Hand
Now that you know what a baseball glove hand protector is, let’s explore how these pads actually shield your hand during play. The padding and construction are designed to deflect, absorb, and diffuse the energy from ball impact in key ways.
Deflects Direct Hits
One of the main jobs of a glove protector is to deflect direct hits away from the hand. Just like a suit of armor, the padding acts as a barrier and bumper.
When a line drive nails the palm area, the pad absorbs some force and deflects the ball at an angle to reduce direct transmission to the hand.
This redistributes the energy around the hand rather than allowing it to channel straight into the fingers and palm. It’s like hitting a parked car – the car absorbs the crash impact rather than you.
Absorbs Vibration
In addition to deflecting, the padding also absorbs vibration from ball contact. Synthetic foams disperse and dampen vibrational energy.
This is key for preventing long term issues like nerve damage or vascular problems from constant hand vibration during play.
The protector acts like a molded vibration dampener inside the glove, similar to shocks on a car suspension.
Diffuses Impact Force
By compressing when hit, the protective padding also diffuses the ball’s impact force over a wider area of the hand.
Instead of one focal point bearing the brunt, the force dissipates over the entire surface like an airbag deploying. This reduces peak pressure points.
Spreading out the force helps avoid injuries like fractures which happen from concentrated impact on small bones.
Wraps Around Vulnerable Areas
Unlike a basic palm pad, a full glove protector wraps around to shield the sides and back of the hand too. This provides comprehensive protection.
Extra layers shield the wrist area and knuckles from glancing blows and errant throws. Fingers are protected from blows bending them backwards.
By wrapping hand padding all the way around, there are no vulnerable spots left uncovered.
Stays In Place During Hits
For the padding to work, it needs to stay positioned correctly inside the glove when hits occur. Sliding pads won’t provide full coverage.
Hand protectors use fabrics like neoprene that grip the hand to prevent slippage. Many also have velcro wrist straps to secure them in place.
Snug fit ensures the padding remains aligned to intercept impacts from all directions during play.
Transfers Energy to Pocket
As hits compress the padding, the energy gets transferred into the glove pocket to help “catch” the ball.
The protector acts like a trampoline to recede into the pocket and dissipate force while still directing the ball into the glove trap.
This funnels balls into the pocket securely while minimizing hand energy absorption in the process.
Shields Against Various Ball Types
Baseballs, softballs, wiffleballs – you name it, a glove protector helps against all types of balls in play.
The padding firmness and thickness can be tuned to suit the game. Some protectors offer interchangeable padding inserts for custom protection.
Multi-sport shielding keeps hands safe whether playing casual or league games year-round.
Lasts for Many Games
Unlike your hand, padding in a protector rebounds back to full shape even after repeated impacts.
Advanced foams resist “packing down” permanently under pressure. The padding springs back, delivering protection game after game.
So while your hand would gradually bruise and weaken, the padding shields like new for many seasons of play.
As you can see, the padding material, coverage, and secure fit all work together to provide exceptional hand protection inning after inning. Don’t take any more chances – get yourself a quality glove hand protector!
Types of Padding Available for Protection
When choosing a glove hand protector, one of the key factors is the type of padding material used. There are a variety of modern impact absorbing foams and gels to provide customized hand protection.
Traditional Foam Padding
The most common padding for decades has been traditional foam, often EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate). This dense yet flexible foam cushions against force.
Foam protectors provide decent shock absorption at an affordable price. Dense foam disperses energy better than lightweight padding.
For most recreational players, basic EVA foam padding gives sufficient vibration damping and impact diffusion.
Gel Padding Inserts
Some protectors feature gel pads in addition to foam for increased shock absorption. These gel packs cushion like memory foam.
Gel conforms to the shape of your hand, providing even pressure dispersion. It also doesn’t flatten permanently like foam.
The combination of gel and foam allows excellent impact diffusion for players who want maximum vibration damping.
Air Padding for Low Profile
For a slimmer pad profile, some glove protectors utilize air pockets for the padding instead of solid foam.
These air pads cushion your hand with minimal bulk inside the glove. This maintains a tighter overall fit.
The downside is air padding is less shock absorbing than foam or gel, but it still helps cushion direct hits.
Memory Foam for Comfort
Higher-end protectors are starting to use memory foam padding similar to mattress toppers. This padding molds to your hand shape.
Memory foam recovers slowly to provide constant cushioning without packing down. It gives excellent comfort during repeated impact.
Visco-elastic memory foams are more expensive but give top-notch fit and vibration absorption over traditional foams.
Curved Padding Shapes
Some protectors contour the padding into an ergonomic curved shape to match the natural curl of your gripped hand.
The curved shape centers padding thickness where you need it most – across the fingers and palm.
Angled padding provides targeted deflection and absorption right in the impact zones of the hand.
Varying Foam Densities
Another way companies tune the protection is by using layers of different density foam in strategic areas.
Dense slow-recovery foams diffuse direct impacts to the palm. Low density foams elsewhere add comfort while allowing flexibility.
Dual-density foams optimize energy absorption while retaining freedom of movement.
Interchangeable Padding
For the ultimate in customization, some protectors offer interchangeable padding inserts. Swap foam stiffness based on sport and position.
Thicker inserts provide more protection for outfielders and fastpitch. Thinner inserts maintain infielder responsiveness.
Interchangeable pads allow you to tune protection level and feel exactly how you like.
Moisture Wicking Fabrics
No matter what padding you choose, look for protectors made with moisture wicking fabrics in contact with skin.
These fabrics pull sweat away from the hand so padding doesn’t become waterlogged during games.
Staying dry improves comfort and ensures consistent shock absorption performance.
Now that you know the variety of padding available, choose a glove hand protector with the right mix of protection, comfort and flexibility for your needs.
Additional Wrist and Knuckle Protection
While shielding the palm and fingers are a glove protector’s main jobs, most models provide extra padding over the wrist and knuckles too. This delivers more comprehensive hand protection.
Shielding the Wrist Area
The wrist area is particularly vulnerable when fielding balls or swinging the bat. Impact to the wrist can cause sprains, bruising, and even breaks.
Many glove protectors add a layer of padding over the inner wrist beyond the palm padding. Some wrap all the way around the outer wrist too.
This extra wrist padding shields from balls glancing off the heel of the glove and other accidental contact during play.
Preventing Hyperextension
Another benefit of wrist padding is preventing finger hyperextension when catching balls one-handed.
The wrist support helps brace against the hand bending backwards sharply at the wrist joint when impact occurs off-center.
The added structure helps keep the wrist aligned to avoid jamming fingers backwards into an unnatural position.
Absorbing Errant Throws
A common cause of wrist and hand pain is getting hit by wild throws ricocheting off the ground.
Whether a short hop snags the heel or a bounce nails the wrist, these indirect hits can cause damage.
The extra wrist padding helps turn those stingers and potential injuries into non-events.
Deflecting Foul Balls
During batting practice and games, foul tipped balls put hands and wrists at risk.
With no time to react, a hand protector with knuckle padding can shield from painful fouls off the fists or wrists.
The deflection helps keep hands safe when at bat or catching in foul territory near the screen.
Jamming and Pinch Protection
An additional benefit of knuckle padding is protection from finger jams while fielding.
Balls that clip the tip of the mitt can bend fingers back painfully. Knuckle padding absorbs that impact.
Diving stops can also pinch fingertips against the ground. Extra padding prevents skin tears and nail damage.
Maintaining Dexterity
While providing full coverage, most protectors only use thin padding over the knuckles and back of hand.
Minimal material ensures free movement and dexterity for snagging balls from all angles.
Strategic padding placement focuses protection where you need it most.
Versatility for All Positions
The extra wrist and knuckle shielding suits all player positions on the field.
Infielders benefit when turning double plays, outfielders when crashing fences, and catchers blocking pitches in the dirt.
Full hand protection gives confidence to make plays without fear of injury anywhere on the field.
Don’t neglect vulnerable areas – get a glove protector with padding where you need it!
Keeps Your Glove in Game Shape Longer
In addition to protecting your hand, a quality glove protector actually helps maintain the shape and game readiness of your mitt itself over time.
Absorbs Impacts Instead of Glove
With each catch, the force of the ball hitting the pocket compresses the glove leather and padding bit by bit.
A hand protector inside the glove takes the brunt of that impact rather than the glove itself. This reduces wear.
The protector sacrifices itself instead of your glove, extending the life of the mitt before needing re-shaping.
Reduces Pocket Deformation
After many games, the undefended glove pocket starts to warp and lose shape from repeated impact.
A protector diffuses that force, reducing distortion of the leather pocket. The mitt retains shape better through the season.
Less pocket deformation means the glove stays game ready longer before needing re-lacing or reconditioning.
Minimizes Padding Compression
Not only does the leather wear down over time but the glove’s internal padding compresses permanently too.
The protector takes the pounding instead, allowing the glove padding to rebound back to shape after each catch.
Preserving the mitt’s structural integrity maintains pocket depth and ball control.
Shields Palm Leather from Damage
In addition to the pocket, the palm leather gets abused over time from ball impacts and friction.
A protector reduces direct contact with the palm, protecting leather from abrasions and scrapes.
Less accumulative damage keeps gloves looking newer for longer.
Allows Proper Break-In
For new gloves, a protector allows proper incremental break-in from game use without overstressing materials.
The padding reduces force intensity so gloves develop appropriate flexibility without becoming too floppy too quickly.
Proper hand protection preserves ideal glove stiffness and rebound sweet spot longer.
Helps Retain Traction and Tack
With heavy use, gloves lose stickiness and traction inside over time from wear and absorbed sweat and dirt.
Less direct hand contact keeps glove palms and fingers drier and tackier for better ball control.
You get better grip and feel catching balls when the glove interior stays grippy.
Take care of your hand AND your glove. Use a quality protector to keep your mitt game ready season after season!
Protects Against Sting of Hard-Hit Balls
Anyone who’s played baseball or softball knows that sudden shot of pain when you catch a ball square on the fingers. A glove hand protector is designed to shield against that inevitable sting.
Diffuses Direct Impact
The padding in a glove protector acts like a cushion to diffuse the immediate force of a head-on impact.
By compressing on contact, the foam disperses energy over a wider area instead of letting it channel straight into fingers.
This lessens the intense spike of pain that comes from barehanded direct hits during play.
Absorbs Vibration
In addition to dispersing impact, quality protectors also absorb much of the ball’s vibration on contact.
The foam damping characteristics soak up sting-causing oscillation and reverberation.
Less vibration reaching your hand means less pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers.
Allows Firm Glove Clampdown
Barehanded, you might loosen your grip slightly on hard hits to ease the pain. But with protection, you can clamp down firmly to secure the ball without worry.
The padding allows you to grip tight and follow through on catches without hesitation. The protector takes the brunt instead of your hand.
You get better control and less sting even on sharp liners or hard hops.
Shields Against Various Ball Types
Baseballs, softballs, tennis balls – they all sting bare hands. But glove padding provides multi-ball protection.
Whether practicing fastpitch with a softball or playing a casual game with tennis balls, your hands stay shielded.
Why endure unnecessary pain? Use a protector for comfort during any ball sport.
Allows Fearless Backhand Catches
Hard hits to the glove backhand really rattle bare fingers. But padding allows you to catch backhands with confidence.
You can fearlessly flag down balls over your shoulder without worrying about stung fingers affecting your grip or follow-through.
Full hand protection keeps you snagging backhands pain-free all game long.
Helps On Cold Weather Days
In addition to diffusing ball sting, padding also helps insulate hands from the cold. Chilly weather makes bare hands extra vulnerable.
The extra layer of insulation allows you to catch comfortably on cold days when any contact really stings.
Don’t let cold hands make you shy away from balls. Slip on protection and play on.
While hard hits are part of the game, pain doesn’t have to be. Get yourself a glove hand protector and take the sting out of any catch!
Allows You to Catch Pitches With More Confidence
Fielding position balls is one thing, but many glove hand injuries occur when catching pitches – especially for catchers. A quality protector allows you to receive pitches with more assurance.
Shields Against Wild Pitches
Whether playing catch or in a game, off-target pitches can jam, bruise, or even break fingers. That causes fear when receiving.
Padding disperses and absorbs the impact of misfired catches so you can stay confident catching balls in the dirt or just off the plate.
You keep your body relaxed and eyes on the ball rather than tensing up worrying about errant throws.
Cushions Curveballs and Sliders
Sharply breaking pitches like curves and sliders snap the wrist back upon catching. This strains ligaments and tendons over time.
The glove padding acts like a cushion to reduce wrist torque when receiving spin pitches. Less twist and stress helps prevent soreness and injury.
You can confidently absorb tough pitches inning after inning without slowly damaging flexibility.
Muffles Vibration on Solid Contact
Even well-spotted power pitches shoot strong vibration into the hand upon catching.
The glove protector foam diffuses pitcher hand sting, allowing you to receive throws relaxed and comfortably.
With less ache and buzz after each pitch, you maintain mental focus catching throughout games and practices.
Shields During Warmup Tossing
It’s not just game pitches that can damage hands. The pre-game warmup takes a toll after repeated catches.
A protector shields vulnerable fingers during those first warm-up tosses when hands are still stiff.
You loosen up catching comfortably without dodging throws and delaying your pre-game routine.
Absorbs Impact for Pitch framing
Good catchers frame pitches by absorbing balls softly with minimal movement. This requires relaxing the hand completely upon catching.
Padding allows you to loosen up and receive pitches fluidly without flexing the hand against impact. You subtly frame each pitch.
Framing becomes effortless and instinctual with protection allowing unrestrained catching flexibility.
Don’t let fear of hand pain affect your ability to receive throws. Use a glove protector to catch confidently and advance your catching game.
Models for Infielders vs. Outfielders
When it comes to choosing the right baseball glove, one of the most important considerations is your position on the field. Infielders and outfielders require very different gloves to optimally perform their defensive duties.
Infielders need gloves that are designed for quick exchanges, catching line drives, and making quick, accurate throws to other infielders. As a result, infielders’ gloves tend to be smaller and allow for more freedom of movement. They have shallower pockets which make it easier to quickly transfer the ball from the glove to the throwing hand. Infielders’ gloves also have longer laces which provide more leverage and control when closing the glove quickly to catch hard hit grounders.
Outfielders, on the other hand, need gloves with large pockets that can handle the velocity of fly balls and line drives. Outfielders’ gloves have deeper pockets to securely catch balls on the fly and soften the impact. They also have shorter laces that allow for a quicker opening of the glove to have it ready for the next play. The large pocket allows for more control when trying to catch a ball on the run or over the shoulder.
Popular Infielder Glove Models
Some of the most popular infielder glove models include:
- Wilson A2000 – One of the most classic infielder gloves, made with pro stock leather for durability and a narrow fit.
- Rawlings Heart of the Hide – Made from high-quality leather with a reinforced palm and index finger pad.
- Mizuno Pro Limited – Japanese-made glove favored for its soft leather and adjustable fit.
- Nokona Alpha – Handcrafted from American bison and steerhide leather for a custom, broken-in feel.
- Marucci Founders Series – Offers a lightweight, flexible feel preferred by elite infielders.
These models have shallow pockets, short laces, and flexible constructions to support quick exchanges, scooping up ground balls, and turning double plays. Some players opt for a single post web which opens wider for ball transfers, while others prefer a closed web for concealing the ball from batters.
Popular Outfielder Glove Models
Some of the top outfielder glove models are:
- Wilson A2000 1799 – A large, sturdy glove designed for covering a wide range of the outfield.
- Rawlings Pro Preferred – Made with full-grain leather and has an oversized pocket.
- Mizuno Franchise – Features a deep pocket and parashock palm pad to soften impact.
- Nokona Walnut Series – Handmade from supple American walnut leather.
- Marucci Posey28 – Named after star outfielder Buster Posey and favored for its flexibility.
These outfielder gloves have deeper pockets with longer laces to securely close the glove around balls on the fly. They offer wrist support and impact protection. Many feature open or split-finger web patterns to see through the glove when tracking fly balls. The larger glove size also helps cover more surface area in the gaps between fielders.
Factors to Consider
When choosing between infielder and outfielder glove models, key factors to consider include:
- Position – Infielders need quick reaction time, while outfielders need expanded reach and impact resistance.
- Level of Play – Youth, high school, college, recreational, or professional leagues have different glove requirements.
- Price – Infielder gloves tend to have lower price points than premium leather outfielder gloves.
- Fit – Try on different sizes and patterns to ensure full hand closure and proper fingertip-to-pocket fit.
- Web Type – Closed webs conceal balls from batters, while open webs have greater visibility.
- Preferred Leather – Softer leathers improve flexibility, while firmer leathers enhance durability.
- Comfort – Ensure adequate interior lining padding tailored to your preferences.
While position-specific gloves are encouraged, some youth players use a single glove for both infield and outfield until later grades when specialized gloves become more necessary. Ultimately, choose the glove that gives you the best fit, feel, and performance for your particular defensive baseball role.
Looking to protect your hand in the field this season? Discover the benefits of using a baseball glove hand protector like the Glovemate Hand Protector. Slip on pads like Glovemate can prevent injuries and pain from impact within your glove. With adjustable airflow and protective foam padding, Glovemate helps take the sting out of hard hit balls. Perfect for infielders and outfielders alike, Glovemate Hand Protectors provide an added layer of defense against jammed fingers, bruises, and other hand injuries. Protect your asset this season and make those spectacular plays without fear of lasting damage to your hand.
Youth and Adult Size Options Available
When selecting a baseball glove, one of the most important considerations is finding the right size. Both youth and adult players need to find gloves that properly fit their hands in order to optimize comfort, control, and performance.
For young players with smaller hands, youth glove sizes are essential. Youth gloves are designed with shorter finger lengths, narrower finger slots, smaller palm widths, and shallower pocket depths. These adaptations allow for easier closure and ball control for little league players and early teenagers.
As players grow into their teen years and approach adulthood, they’ll need to graduate into larger glove sizes. Adult gloves come in standard sizes that follow numerical measurements. They have longer fingers, wider palms, and deeper pockets than youth versions. Finding the right adult glove size ensures older players can fully manipulate the glove and utilize its optimal pocket depth.
Youth Size Options
Youth glove sizes generally range from 9 inches to 13 inches and correspond to age groups:
- 9-10 inch: T-Ball (ages 4-6)
- 10-11 inch: Coach Pitch (ages 6-8)
- 11-11.5 inch: Minors (ages 7-10)
- 11.5-12.5 inch: Majors (ages 9-12)
- 12.5-13 inch: Teens (ages 12-14)
Factors like the player’s position, hand size, comfort level, and league rules can influence finding the optimal youth glove size. For example, smaller sizes like 9-11 inches work well for introductory T-ball, while 11.5+ inches provides a better fit for catching and manipulating balls once players reach the minor and major league levels.
Adult Size Options
Adult glove sizes are measured numerically based on the length from the tip of the index finger to the bottom edge of the glove:
- 11.5 inches
- 11.75 inches
- 12 inches
- 12.25 inches
- 12.5 inches
- 12.75 inches
- 13 inches
For smaller hands, 11.5 to 12.25 inches may be ideal, while larger hands will need 12.5 to 13 inches for optimal control. Trying on different adult glove sizes and paying attention to factors like fingertip-to-edge fit and full hand closure allows players to zero in on their best fit.
Position-Based Size Recommendations
In addition to age and hand size, optimal glove size often depends on what position you play:
- Pitcher – 11.5 to 12.5 inches helps control and concealment.
- Catcher – 32 to 34 inches for mitt size to secure wild pitches.
- Infield – 11.5 to 12.75 inches provides quick exchanges.
- Outfield – 12 to 13 inches aids fly ball coverage.
- First Base – 12 to 13 inches helps scoop throws from all directions.
These general recommendations help narrow your search by preferred position, but finding the right individual fit ultimately comes down to a player’s specific hand size, grip preferences, and comfort level wearing the glove.
Tips for Proper Fit
To ensure you find the optimal youth or adult glove size, keep these fitting tips in mind:
- Try on different sizes to evaluate fit and feel.
- Make a fist inside the glove to check finger length.
- No dead space or cramped fingers when closing the glove.
- Palm and fingertips should sit flush with the glove edges.
- Wrist and hand should be stable and supported inside.
- Allow room for protective undergarments in cold weather.
- Break in the glove properly to improve adaptability.
With age-appropriate sizing, position-based recommendations, and proper fitting, players can be confident they are selecting the right baseball glove to enable peak defensive performance.
Looking to protect your hand in the field this season? Discover the benefits of using a baseball glove hand protector like the Glovemate Hand Protector. Slip on pads like Glovemate can prevent injuries and pain from impact within your glove. With adjustable airflow and protective foam padding, Glovemate helps take the sting out of hard hit balls. Perfect for infielders and outfielders alike, Glovemate Hand Protectors provide an added layer of defense against jammed fingers, bruises, and other hand injuries. Protect your asset this season and make those spectacular plays without fear of lasting damage to your hand.
Helps Prevent Common Baseball Hand Injuries
Baseball is a hand intensive sport, making players’ hands vulnerable to various injuries. Using protective padding inside gloves can help minimize the risk of many common baseball hand injuries.
Hand protectors like the Glovemate Hand Protector slip into any baseball glove to provide extra defense against hard hits. The adjustable foam padding helps absorb ball impact, protecting fingers, palms, and wrists from damage.
Here are some of the most prevalent hand injuries in baseball and how glove padding can help prevent them:
Jammed Fingers
Jammed fingers are one of the most common baseball injuries, often caused by a ball hitting the fingertips or jamming the finger as it hits the glove. This can lead to painful swelling, bruising, and even finger fractures if the impact is forceful enough.
Extra foam padding on the finger linings cushions the blow when a ball jams a finger, providing protection from bruises, fractures, and dislocations. Preventive padding reduces injury risk and pain when jamming fingers.
Foul Balls Off Fingers
Baseballs flying at high speeds can easily break fingers if they make direct contact off a foul tip or wild pitch. According to studies, foul balls account for up to 43% of all baseball injuries.
Padding along the finger seams of gloves provides an extra barrier of protection against fracture-causing fouls. Thicker foam over the index finger and perimeter fingers defends against finger bruising and breaks.
Palm Bruising
Balls landing firmly in the palm result in deep bruising and inflammation, especially for infielders constantly catching hard hit grounders. Repeated palm bruises can severely hamper grip strength.
Added foam padding to the palm takes the sting out of hard catches, preventing recurrent bruising over the course of a season. Reduced palm impact allows infielders to confidently field balls without crushing hand pain.
Wrist Sprains
Attempting to catch fly balls and making forceful throws can lead to painful wrist sprains and inflammation from the torque exerted on joints and tendons.
Wrist support padding helps stabilize the wrist inside gloves to prevent rolling and bending backwards on impact. This shores up the wrist joint and tendons to diminish sprain risks on errant catches and off-balanced throws.
Web Sting
The web of gloves often contains a thin leather that commonly results in a painful sting when balls hit it just right. This causes obvious discomfort but also makes players more hesitant on future ball catches.
Added padding layers over the web provide a soft cushion between the hand and ball on web contact. This reduces the notorious web sting so players can confidently close their glove on balls hit to the web area.
While hand injuries will always be an inherent part of baseball, extra interior glove padding creates an added defensive barrier against many common finger, palm, and wrist ailments. Reducing injury risk keeps hands healthier over the course of long seasons.
Looking to protect your hand in the field this season? Discover the benefits of using a baseball glove hand protector like the Glovemate Hand Protector. With adjustable airflow and protective foam padding, Glovemate helps take the sting out of hard hit balls. Perfect for infielders and outfielders alike, Glovemate Hand Protectors provide an added layer of defense against jammed fingers, bruises, and other hand injuries. Protect your asset this season and make those spectacular plays without fear of lasting damage to your hand.
As a passionate baseball player, nothing hurts more than having to leave a game early because your hand is throbbing with pain. All those swings, catches, and throws can take a major toll on your hands over the course of a long season. But with the right protective gear, you can play more innings without fatiguing or injuring your hand.
Allows You to Play More Innings Without Hand Fatigue
A high quality baseball glove hand protector is designed to shield your hand from the impact and friction that occurs on every play. The pads cushion your hand from the sting of snagging line drives or making tags at the plate. The inner linings wick away sweat to keep your hand dry and comfortable. This protection allows you to grip the ball with confidence inning after inning without your hand tiring out or developing blisters.
Rather than having to ice your hand after every game or even sit out games due to soreness, a hand protector lets you play to your potential all season long. The more protected your hand, the harder and more frequently you can swing and make athletic plays without fear of pain or injury. Your hand stays fresh longer, so you can keep competing at a high level from the first pitch to the final out.
The right glovemate slides easily onto your hand and inside your baseball mitt, conforming to the natural shape of your hand. So you can move freely and naturally, unlike bulky or restrictive pads. It becomes like a second skin, so you barely notice it’s there as you field ground balls or take hacks in the batter’s box. But it’s there when you need it, cushioning your hand on impact and preventing fatigue.
Protects Against Impact Injuries
Baseball is a hand intensive sport. And whether you’re a hard throwing pitcher repeatedly hitting the mitt or a batter cranking swing after swing, all that repetitive impact can damage your hand over time. Foul tips off the fingers, getting jammed on inside pitches, diving for hard hit balls – these plays can easily result in bruises, sprains, and even fractures if you aren’t protected.
By cushioning your hand against impact shock and vibration, a high quality glovemate helps prevent injuries that could sideline you. The padded segments lessen the blow and jarring on your hand, while the flexible connections between segments don’t obstruct your mobility. Your hand stays protected without compromising comfort and dexterity.
The padding also shields your hand if you get hit by a pitch. Rather than direct bone-on-ball contact, the glovemate absorbs much of the impact to reduce pain and likelihood of a hand fracture. The gloves slide easily into your batting gloves for complete protection at the plate.
Reduces Friction and Blistering
All the gripping, swinging, throwing and catching creates tons of friction on your hands over nine innings. The constant rubbing can wear down your skin, creating hot spots and blisters. This not only causes pain during games, but the open blisters are prone to infection.
Baseball glove hand protectors have smooth linings that minimize the friction that leads to blisters. High quality glovemates often include anti-microbial linings as well to reduce odor and the risk of infection if you do happen to blister. The padded shields and wicking linings keep your hands dryer as well compared to constant sweating in your glove.
By reducing shear forces and heat build up in your glove, glovemates let you grip the ball comfortably inning after inning without your hand getting chewed up. Your skin stays intact and blister-free so you can keep performing at your best.
Improves Your Grip and Comfort
Finally, beyond protection a glovemate can actually improve your performance by enhancing your grip and comfort. The contours and pads allow you to grip the baseball with ideal hand positioning. Many options also include tacky gripping surfaces like silicone that help you handle the ball, especially in wet conditions when the leather glove and ball get slick.
The padding conforms nicely to your hand so there are no pressure points or bunching as you close your glove tightly. It forms a smooth surface for your hand to rest on rather than the uneven edges of glove seams and pockets. This improves comfort so your hand stays relaxed rather than tense.
By cushioning and stabilizing your hand inside your baseball glove, a hand protector allows you to squeeze the pocket with maximum force to snag grounders and shield your face on comebackers. The protection gives you the confidence to grip it and rip it on every swing.
Choose the Right Glovemate for Your Needs
With all the options available today, think about your needs and preferences when selecting a baseball glove hand protector. Do you want full finger protection or open finger? Maximum shock absorption or lighter weight? Smooth gripped or tacky grip? There are versatile options designed specifically for fielders, hitters, pitchers, youth players and multi-sport use.
High end glovemates like the Glovemate D3O offer molded carbon fiber plating for hardcore impact protection during competitive play. While more affordable options from brands like SKLZ and Franklin provide great protection for training and practice needs.
Think about hand size as well, as most glovemates offer a choice of sizes to ensure proper fitment within your baseball glove. A snug but comfortable fit is key so your hand stays stabilized on impact. Consider sizing up if you fall between sizes for a little extra comfort and airflow.
With the right baseball glove hand protector, you can take your game to the next level this season. Protect your hands so fatigue and pain don’t force you to the bench prematurely. Save your hands so you’re still swinging strong and making crisp throws late in close playoff games while the competition falters. Give yourself that competitive edge and peace of mind that your hands are guarded from harm on every play.
As an avid baseball player, nothing stings more than having to exit a game prematurely because your hand is throbbing in pain. All those pitches, snags, and tosses can really do a number on your hands over the course of a long season. But with the proper protective equipment, you can play more innings without fatiguing or damaging your hand.
Ideal for Pitchers to Protect Throwing Hand
A high quality baseball glove hand protector is designed to safeguard your hand from the impact and abrasion that happens on every play. The padding cushions your hand from the sting of grabbing line drives or making tags at home plate. The inner linings wick moisture to keep your hand dry and relaxed. This protection allows you to grip the ball with assurance inning after inning without your hand tiring out or developing sores.
Instead of having to ice your hand after every game or even take a seat due to soreness, a hand protector enables you to perform to your full potential all season long. The more shielded your hand, the harder and more often you can throw and make athletic catches without concern of pain or injury. Your hand stays refreshed longer, so you can keep competing at a high caliber from the first pitch to the final out.
The right glovemate slides easily onto your hand and inside your baseball mitt, molding to the natural contour of your hand. So you can maneuver freely and naturally, unlike bulky or limiting pads. It becomes like a second skin, so you barely notice it’s there as you field grounders or take cuts in the batter’s box. But it’s there when you need it, cushioning your hand upon impact and preventing fatigue.
Defends Against Impact Trauma
Baseball is a hand strenuous sport. And whether you’re a hard hurling pitcher repetitively hitting the mitt or a hitter cranking swing after swing, all that recurring impact can damage your hand over time. Foul tips off the fingers, getting jammed on inside pitches, diving for hard struck balls – these plays can easily result in bruises, strains, and even fractures if you aren’t protected.
By cushioning your hand against impact shock and vibration, a high quality glovemate helps prevent injuries that could put you on the injured list. The padded segments lessen the blow and jarring on your hand, while the flexible joints between segments don’t obstruct your range of motion. Your hand stays shielded without compromising comfort and dexterity.
The padding also protects your hand if you get struck by a pitch. Rather than direct bone-on-ball contact, the glovemate absorbs much of the impact to reduce pain and likelihood of a hand break. The gloves slide easily into your batting gloves for complete protection at the plate.
Lessens Friction and Blistering
All the gripping, throwing, catching and swinging generates tons of friction on your hands over nine innings. The constant rubbing can degrade your skin, resulting in hot spots and blisters. This not only produces discomfort during games, but the open blisters are prone to infection.
Baseball glove hand protectors have smooth linings that minimize the friction that leads to blisters. High end glovemates often include anti-microbial linings too to decrease odor and the risk of infection if you do happen to blister. The padded guards and wicking linings keep your hands more dry as well compared to constant sweating in your glove.
By reducing shear forces and heat accumulation in your glove, glovemates allow you to grip the ball comfortably inning after inning without your hand getting chewed up. Your skin stays intact and blister-free so you can keep performing your best.
Boosts Your Grasp and Comfort
Finally, beyond protection a glovemate can actually enhance your performance by improving your grip and comfort. The contours and padding allow you to grip the baseball with optimal hand positioning. Many options also include tacky gripping surfaces like silicone that assist you in handling the ball, especially in wet conditions when the leather glove and ball get slick.
The cushioning conforms nicely to your hand so there are no pressure points or bunching as you clench your glove tightly. It forms a smooth surface for your hand to rest on rather than the uneven edges of glove seams and pockets. This improves comfort so your hand stays relaxed rather than tense.
By supporting and stabilizing your hand inside your baseball glove, a hand protector allows you to squeeze the pocket with maximum force to snag grounders and shield your face on comebackers. The protection provides you the confidence to grip it and rip it on every pitch and swing.
Select the Appropriate Glovemate
With all the choices available today, consider your needs and preferences when choosing a baseball glove hand protector. Do you want full finger coverage or open finger? Maximum shock absorption or lighter weight? Smooth grip or tacky grip? There are adaptable options designed specifically for fielders, hitters, pitchers, youth players and multi-sport use.
High performance glovemates like the Glovemate D3O offer molded carbon fiber plating for hardcore impact protection during competitive play. While more affordable options from brands like SKLZ and Franklin provide great protection for training and practice needs.
Consider hand size too, as most glovemates come in a choice of sizes to guarantee proper fit inside your baseball glove. A snug but comfortable fit is important so your hand stays stable upon impact. Think about sizing up if you’re between sizes for extra comfort and airflow.
With the proper baseball glove hand protector, you can elevate your game this season. Protect your hand so fatigue and soreness don’t force you to the bench prematurely. Save your hand so you’re still bringing the heat late in close playoff games while the competition falters. Give yourself that competitive advantage and peace of mind that your hand is shielded from harm on every play.
As an avid baseball player, nothing hurts more than having to exit a game early because your hand is throbbing in pain. All those catches, throws, and hits can really take a toll on your hands over the course of a long season. But with the right protective gear, you can play more innings without fatiguing or injuring your hand.
Easy to Put On and Take Off Your Glove
A high quality baseball glove hand protector is designed to safeguard your hand from the impact and friction that occurs on every play. The padding cushions your hand from the sting of snagging line drives or making tags at the plate. The inner linings wick moisture to keep your hand dry and relaxed. This protection allows you to grip the ball with confidence inning after inning without your hand tiring out or developing blisters.
Rather than having to ice your hand after every game or even sit out games due to soreness, a hand protector lets you perform to your full potential all season long. The more protected your hand, the harder and more frequently you can swing and make athletic plays without fear of pain or injury. Your hand stays fresh longer, so you can keep competing at a high level from the first pitch to the final out.
The right glovemate slides easily onto your hand and inside your baseball mitt, conforming to the natural shape of your hand. So you can move freely and naturally, unlike bulky or restrictive pads. It becomes like a second skin, so you barely notice it’s there as you field grounders or take hacks in the batter’s box. But it’s there when you need it, cushioning your hand on impact and preventing fatigue.
Shields Against Impact Injuries
Baseball is a hand intensive sport. And whether you’re a pitcher repeatedly hitting the mitt or a batter cranking swing after swing, all that repetitive impact can damage your hand over time. Foul tips off the fingers, getting jammed on inside pitches, diving for hard hit balls – these plays can easily result in bruises, sprains, and even fractures if you aren’t protected.
By cushioning your hand against impact shock and vibration, a high quality glovemate helps prevent injuries that could sideline you. The padded segments lessen the blow and jarring on your hand, while the flexible connections between segments don’t obstruct your mobility. Your hand stays protected without compromising comfort and dexterity.
The padding also shields your hand if you get hit by a pitch. Rather than direct bone-on-ball contact, the glovemate absorbs much of the impact to reduce pain and likelihood of a hand break. The gloves slide easily into your batting gloves for complete protection at the plate.
Reduces Friction and Blistering
All the gripping, swinging, throwing and catching creates tons of friction on your hands over nine innings. The constant rubbing can wear down your skin, creating hot spots and blisters. This not only causes discomfort during games, but the open blisters are prone to infection.
Baseball glove hand protectors have smooth linings that minimize the friction that leads to blisters. High quality glovemates often include anti-microbial linings as well to reduce odor and the risk of infection if you do happen to blister. The padded shields and wicking linings keep your hands drier too compared to constant sweating in your glove.
By reducing shear forces and heat build up in your glove, glovemates let you grip the ball comfortably inning after inning without your hand getting chewed up. Your skin stays intact and blister-free so you can keep performing at your best.
Enhances Your Grasp and Comfort
Beyond protection, a glovemate can actually improve your performance by enhancing your grip and comfort. The contours and padding allow you to grip the baseball with optimal hand positioning. Many options also include tacky gripping surfaces like silicone that assist you in handling the ball, especially in wet conditions.
The cushioning conforms nicely to your hand so there are no pressure points or bunching as you clench your glove. It forms a smooth surface for your hand versus the uneven glove seams. This improves comfort so your hand stays relaxed rather than tense.
By supporting your hand inside your glove, a protector allows you to squeeze the pocket tightly to snag grounders and shield your face on comebackers. The protection gives you the confidence to grip it and rip it on every swing and throw.
Pick the Right Glovemate
With so many options today, consider your needs and preferences when selecting a glove hand protector. Do you want full finger coverage or open finger? Maximum shock absorption or lighter weight? Smooth grip or tacky grip? There are versatile options designed for fielders, hitters, pitchers, youth and multi-sport use.
High end glovemates like Glovemate D3O offer molded carbon fiber plates for hardcore impact protection during competitive play. More affordable options from brands like SKLZ and Franklin provide great protection for training and practice.
Think about hand size too, as most glovemates come in size options to ensure proper fit inside your glove. A snug but comfy fit is key so your hand stays stable on impact. Consider sizing up if between sizes for extra comfort and airflow.
With the right glove hand protector, you can take your game up a notch this season. Protect your hand so fatigue and pain don’t force you to the bench early. Save your hand so you’re still bringing the heat late in playoff games while others fade. Give yourself that competitive edge and peace of mind that your hand is shielded from harm on every play.
As an avid baseball player, nothing hurts more than having to leave a game early because your hand is throbbing in pain. All those catches, throws, and hits can really take a toll on your hands over the course of a long season. But with the proper protective gear, you can play more innings without fatiguing or injuring your hand.
Provides Comfort and Flexibility When Worn
A high quality baseball glove hand protector is designed to safeguard your hand from the impact and abrasion that occurs on every play. The padding cushions your hand from the sting of snagging line drives or making tags at the plate. The inner linings wick moisture to keep your hand dry and relaxed. This protection allows you to grip the ball with confidence inning after inning without your hand tiring out or developing blisters.
Rather than having to ice your hand after every game or even sit out games due to soreness, a hand protector lets you play to your full potential all season long. The more protected your hand, the harder and more frequently you can swing and make athletic catches without concern of pain or injury. Your hand stays fresh longer, so you can keep competing at a high caliber from the first pitch to the final out.
The right glovemate slides easily onto your hand and inside your baseball mitt, molding to the natural shape of your hand. So you can move freely and naturally, unlike bulky or restrictive pads. It becomes like a second skin, so you barely notice it’s there as you field grounders or take hacks in the batter’s box. But it’s there when you need it, cushioning your hand on impact and preventing fatigue.
Shields Against Impact Injuries
Baseball is a hand intensive sport. And whether you’re a pitcher repeatedly hitting the mitt or a batter cranking swing after swing, all that repetitive impact can damage your hand over time. Foul tips off the fingers, getting jammed on inside pitches, diving for hard hit balls – these plays can easily result in bruises, sprains, and even fractures if you aren’t protected.
By cushioning your hand against impact shock and vibration, a high end glovemate helps prevent injuries that could put you on the injured list. The padded segments lessen the blow and jarring on your hand, while the flexible connections between segments don’t hinder your mobility. Your hand stays protected without compromising comfort and dexterity.
The padding also shields your hand if you get hit by a pitch. Rather than direct bone-on-ball contact, the glovemate absorbs much of the impact to reduce pain and likelihood of a hand fracture. The gloves slide easily into your batting gloves for full protection at bat.
Reduces Friction and Blistering
All the gripping, swinging, throwing and catching generates tons of friction on your hands over nine innings. The constant rubbing can wear down your skin, resulting in hot spots and blisters. This not only produces pain during games, but the open blisters are prone to infection.
Baseball glove hand protectors have smooth linings that minimize the friction that leads to blisters. High end glovemates often include anti-microbial linings too to decrease odor and the risk of infection if you do happen to blister. The padded shields and wicking linings keep your hands more dry as well compared to constant sweating in your glove.
By reducing shear forces and heat build up in your glove, glovemates allow you to grip the ball comfortably inning after inning without your hand getting chewed up. Your skin stays intact and blister-free so you can keep performing your best.
Enhances Your Grip and Comfort
Beyond protection, a glovemate can actually improve your performance by enhancing your grip and comfort. The contours and padding allow you to grip the baseball with optimal hand positioning. Many options also include tacky gripping surfaces like silicone that assist you in handling the ball, especially in wet conditions.
The cushioning conforms nicely to your hand so there are no pressure points or bunching as you clench your glove. It forms a smooth surface for your hand versus the uneven glove seams. This improves comfort so your hand stays relaxed rather than tense.
By stabilizing your hand inside your glove, a protector allows you to squeeze the pocket tightly to snag grounders and shield your face on comebackers. The protection gives you the confidence to grip it and rip it on every swing and throw.
Select the Appropriate Glovemate
With so many choices today, consider your needs and preferences when choosing a glove hand protector. Do you want full finger coverage or open finger? Maximum shock absorption or lighter weight? Smooth grip or tacky grip? There are adaptable options designed for fielders, hitters, pitchers, youth and multi-sport use.
High performance glovemates like Glovemate D3O offer molded carbon fiber plates for hardcore impact protection during competitive play. More affordable options from brands like SKLZ and Franklin provide great protection for training and practice needs.
Think about hand size too, as most glovemates come in size options to guarantee proper fit inside your glove. A snug but comfortable fit is key so your hand stays stable upon impact. Consider sizing up if between sizes for extra room and airflow.
With the right glove hand protector, you can elevate your game this season. Protect your hand so fatigue and pain don’t force you to the bench prematurely. Save your hand so you’re still bringing the heat late in close playoff games while others fade. Give yourself that competitive edge and peace of mind that your hand is shielded from harm on every play.
As a passionate baseball player, nothing stings more than having to exit a game early because your hand is throbbing in pain. All those catches, throws, and hits can really do a number on your hands over the course of a long season. But with the proper protective gear, you can play more innings without fatiguing or damaging your hand.
Where to Shop for Quality Glove Hand Protectors
A high quality baseball glove hand protector is designed to safeguard your hand from the impact and abrasion that occurs on every play. The padding cushions your hand from the sting of snagging line drives or making tags at the plate. The inner linings wick moisture to keep your hand dry and relaxed. This protection allows you to grip the ball with assurance inning after inning without your hand tiring out or developing blisters.
Rather than having to ice your hand after every game or even take a seat due to soreness, a hand protector enables you to perform to your full potential all season long. The more shielded your hand, the harder and more often you can swing and make athletic catches without concern of pain or injury. Your hand stays refreshed longer, so you can keep competing at a high caliber from the first pitch to the final out.
The right glovemate slides easily onto your hand and inside your baseball mitt, molding to the natural contour of your hand. So you can maneuver freely and naturally, unlike bulky or limiting pads. It becomes like a second skin, so you barely notice it’s there as you field grounders or take cuts in the batter’s box. But it’s there when you need it, cushioning your hand upon impact and preventing fatigue.
Defends Against Impact Trauma
Baseball is a hand strenuous sport. And whether you’re a pitcher repetitively hitting the mitt or a hitter cranking swing after swing, all that recurring impact can damage your hand over time. Foul tips off the fingers, getting jammed on inside pitches, diving for hard struck balls – these plays can easily result in bruises, strains, and even fractures if you aren’t protected.
By cushioning your hand against impact shock and vibration, a high end glovemate helps prevent injuries that could put you on the injured list. The padded segments lessen the blow and jarring on your hand, while the flexible joints between segments don’t obstruct your range of motion. Your hand stays shielded without compromising comfort and dexterity.
The padding also protects your hand if you get struck by a pitch. Rather than direct bone-on-ball contact, the glovemate absorbs much of the impact to reduce pain and likelihood of a hand break. The gloves slide easily into your batting gloves for complete protection at the plate.
Lessens Friction and Blistering
All the gripping, throwing, catching and swinging generates tons of friction on your hands over nine innings. The constant rubbing can degrade your skin, resulting in hot spots and blisters. This not only produces discomfort during games, but the open blisters are prone to infection.
Baseball glove hand protectors have smooth linings that minimize the friction that leads to blisters. High end glovemates often include anti-microbial linings too to decrease odor and the risk of infection if you do happen to blister. The padded guards and wicking linings keep your hands more dry as well compared to constant sweating in your glove.
By reducing shear forces and heat accumulation in your glove, glovemates allow you to grip the ball comfortably inning after inning without your hand getting chewed up. Your skin stays intact and blister-free so you can keep performing your best.
Boosts Your Grasp and Comfort
Finally, beyond protection a glovemate can actually enhance your performance by improving your grip and comfort. The contours and padding allow you to grip the baseball with optimal hand positioning. Many options also include tacky gripping surfaces like silicone that assist you in handling the ball, especially in wet conditions when the leather glove and ball get slick.
The cushioning conforms nicely to your hand so there are no pressure points or bunching as you close your glove tightly. It forms a smooth surface for your hand to rest on rather than the uneven edges of glove seams and pockets. This improves comfort so your hand stays relaxed rather than tense.
By cushioning and stabilizing your hand inside your baseball glove, a hand protector allows you to squeeze the pocket with maximum force to snag grounders and shield your face on comebackers. The protection gives you the confidence to grip it and rip it on every swing.
Select from Trusted Brands
With all the options available today, shop from trusted brands when choosing your baseball glove hand protector. Leading companies like SKLZ, Franklin and Markwort dominate the market in terms of sales volume and consumer reviews.
Boutique brands like Glovemate offer high-performance options constructed from advanced materials like D3O and carbon fiber for maximum impact absorption. While major sporting goods companies like Rawlings, Wilson and Mizuno also offer quality glove hand protectors.
Consider sizing as most brands offer a choice of small, medium or large to get the ideal fit for your hand size. Trying them on at a store is best. But size charts and measuring your hand can help narrow down your size if ordering online.
With the proper baseball glove hand protector, you can elevate your game this season. Protect your hand from injuries so you can keep performing at 100% all season long. Check out the top brands and find the right protective glovemate to take your defense and hitting to the next level.