8 Best Youth Softball First Base Gloves In 2021

Rawlings PROSDCTC PRO

Easton Blackstone

Wilson a2000 First Base Softball Glove

The softball game has gained fame over the years as a team sport. This sport started a long time ago; softball was called mushball and was played indoors during its inception. The game soon gained popularity, and had to move to the outdoors. The softball game is played with a bat and a ball. When the game started, all kinds of bats were used in playing, which didn’t give the game a unified front as players could use any bat that suits them without sanctions. Soon this was regulated, and players use the same type of bat in terms of dimensions and weight.

Apart from the bat used in softball, other important pieces of equipment are essential to the game. Some other kits used in softball include the helmet, gloves, and body protector. The glove is a critical piece for softball, although all kits are important in softball. All equipment used in softball all have a peculiar function; the helmet protects the head, the gloves safeguard your palm from the ball’s impact, and give you a better grip on the ball. The gloves fit perfectly over the player’s palm and provide comfort and protection. The gloves are paramount to softball because of these reasons.

To learn more about softball gloves;

What are the Different Softball Catcher Glove Sizes

Softball Helmet Sizes

How To Soften Leather Softball Gloves

Gloves were not very popular with players when the game started; however, As the game expanded, the need for players’ protection increased as most players injured themselves due to using their bare hands in catching the ball. The bare palm couldn’t withstand the ball’s impact on contact, which led to the manufacture of the first softball gloves. The first softball gloves do not look like anything like what we have today as it was just a piece of long leather that helps protect the hand. Players find it challenging to pick balls with these gloves. As time went on, modifications were made to the gloves to better suit the purpose for which it was created. With the advent of technology, the softball glove has evolved into what we have today and is becoming much more efficient.

As a softball player, during a game or practice, you should be well protected. When discussing softball gloves, amateurs in the game always think that there is but a single type of softball glove; however, that is not correct; different softball gloves are peculiar to the various positions in softball. We have the catcher’s mitt, infield glove, outfield glove, first base glove, and the batters gloves in softball. All these are the various types of gloves that are used in different positions during a baseball game.

The first base is a crucial position in softball; However, most softball fans overlook the significance of this position; in softball, the first baseman is accountable for fielding ground balls that hit his vicinity, also catches throws from other infielders to force a runner out at the first base. So as a first baseman or aspiring one, it is best to go for the best gloves in the market when intending to get one.

When aspiring to get a first base glove, you should put certain things into consideration. Factors like brand name, materials used in production, cost, and efficiency must be noted if you intend to get the best glove available in the market.

Eight Best Youth Softball First Base Gloves Are Reviewed Below

The exciting thing about the first base glove is that there are varieties to pick from. Too many types of products in the market end up leaving players confused in most cases, which is why a compilation of the best gloves has been made for you in other to save you the stress of having to go through this alone; these compilations also helps prevent you from falling victims of the not so good gloves present in the market.

The best first base gloves include;

1

Rawlings PROSDCTC PRO

The Rawlings PROSDTC is an excellent glove made out of top-quality leather and is guaranteed to give you the required protection for your palm. The Rawlings pro is a thirteen inches first-base glove made out of good leather. This piece of equipment is quite popular in the market for its durability, and frankly, whatever you’ve heard about the Rawlings glove, it always exceeds expectations. If you are a player aiming to enhance your performance on the pitch, you should strongly consider these gloves. This softball glove is made out of flexible, durable, and full-grain kip leather. Once you get this glove, it will certainly last you for many seasons due to this feature. Another interesting thing about this softball glove is that it boasts comfortability, unlike other products in the market. It features a hundred percent wool padding for the index and the thumb. These wool paddings ensure that your fingers are well protected during a game. As mentioned earlier, the glove’s primary function is to protect your hands, and protection should be at the forefront of your considerations when getting a glove. This pad also features a Pittard sheepskin lining that helps absorb moisture in players who sweat on their palms. While using this glove, your palms will be dry every time and well protected. Rawlings Prosdctc comes equipped with leather lace that allows you to adjust the fitness for more comfort and efficiency. If you are the type that enjoys using fashionable materials, then Rawlings is the right call for you as it boasts of pro patterns in its design. The only downside to this glove is that it is not produced in many sizes, although it possesses a lace that makes adjustment easy to achieve.

Key Features:

  • Leather lace
  • Wool padding
  • Pittard sheepskin
  • High-quality leather

Specification:

  • Brand: Rawlings
  • Model: Rawlings PROSDTC PRO
  • Dimension: 1 x 1 x 1 inches, 1.65 pounds
Pros
  • The glove is made out of high-quality leather
  • It is durable and efficient
  • The player’s protection is kept in mind as the glove possesses wool padding that provides extra protection for the fingers.
  • It is very comfortable as it possesses Pittard sheepskin lining that helps remove moisture from players’ palms and keeps them dry.
Cons
  • It is expensive
  • It does not provide many variations for users in terms of sizes

2

Easton Blackstone

The Easton Blackstone BL3 first base glove is another great softball glove in the industry. Although this glove is a bit expensive, you will find that this glove is an excellent investment as it will serve you well for many seasons. With this glove, enhanced durability, performance, and comfort are guaranteed. As a softball player looking to improve your style of play, it is best you go for this glove. All you need to boost your performance has been provided in the Easton Blackstone. The glove is one of a kind that will benefit you immensely. The cowhide leather shell used in the production of this glove sure makes it stand out amongst peers; this feature makes it light and more flexible than synthetic materials. Breaking this glove for optimum performance is no big deal. This glove boasts a dual webbing design and doesn’t catch much dirt. Another interesting feature present in this glove is the rawhide leather lacing which provides the glove with sturdiness and boosts the glove’s durability. These gloves are more fitting and efficient than most gloves in the market. They also possess supple leather lining that helps keep the palm dry and comfortable. In all, this is a great glove that softball players should strongly consider. This glove boasts proper wrist fitting, and it also comes in various sizes giving players a wide range of varieties to choose from. It comes in 11.5, 11.75, and 12.75 inches; the 12.75 inches is more advisable for first-based fielders.

Key Features:

  • Cowhide leather shell
  • Wrist fitting
  • Leather lacing
  • Leather palm lining

Specification:

  • Brand: Easton
  • Model: Easton Blackstone
  • Dimension: 12 x 6 x 7 inches, 1.25pounds
Pros
  • It is lighter and more flexible than synthetic materials
  • It is comfortable and easy to use.
  • This glove is highly efficient and durable
  • It provides the user with proper wrist fitting
  • This glove provides you with great value for your money
  • It provides players with varieties of sizes to choose from.
Cons
  • The glove is expensive
  • It is not advisable for players with large fingers.

3

Wilson a2000 First Base Softball Glove

The Wilson a2000 is also an excellent softball glove with attractive features. If you are looking to boost your performance in softball, the Wilson a2000 is your go-to guy. This glove was constructed with mastery as its features are unique. This 12 inches piece of skill in the art of glove production is a beauty to behold when in action. It is durable and efficient as a result of the materials used in its construction. This first base glove features a pro-stock leather that boosts the glove’s sturdiness and durability; a major booster to its efficiency. If you are looking for a glove that will serve you for many seasons, you should strongly consider the Wilson a2000. Breaking this glove won’t pose a significant challenge for you as it is easy to break in. Once broken, the efficiency of the gloves becomes improved. The Wilson a2000 is a heavy-duty glove with high-quality materials used in its production. It also boasts of double palm construction, which reduces break-in time, and improves durability. If you are the type of player that sweats a lot, this glove is for you as it contains inner linings that help keep the palm dry and comfortable, allowing you to perform at your best during a game. The sweet thing about this glove is that almost anybody can use it; even a ten-year-old aspiring first base fielder will find this glove useful. The Wilson a2000 goes a long way in helping players build their confidence in the game. This glove provides users with varieties to choose from as it comes in different sizes too making selection easy for you

Key Features:

  • Inner lining
  • Double heel break design
  • Pro stock leather

Specification:

  • Brand: Wilson
  • Model: Wilson a2000 first base Softball Glove
  • Dimension: 12 x 8 x 6 inches, 1.4 pounds.
Pros
  • It is comfortable and easy to use
  • It is durable and efficient
  • It contains an inner lining, which helps keep the player’s hand dry and comfortable.
Cons
  • It is a bit pricey

4

Mizuno MVP Prime Fastpitch Softball First Base Mitts

The First thing to note in the Mizuno glove is the bio soft leather used in its making. The Mizuno is a great glove to own as a first-base fielder in softball. This glove provides you with balance, control, and stiffness that you need to improve on your game as a player. Although this glove is more expensive than most gloves in the market, you are guaranteed to get the value for your money through the numerous interesting features it possessed. One of the major features that make the Mizuno MVP stand out is the bio soft leather used in the production; this leather is smooth, soft, durable, and can withstand a high number of catches. With these mitts, you get a fast break-in time; these gloves feel good with your hands and are very efficient.

This glove can fit almost any hand, thanks to the Velcro strap feature it possesses around the wrist. The Velcro strap is adjustable, making it suitable for almost anybody. This glove helps to reduce the sting players feel after taking a hard catch. This is possible because of the para shock and the palm padding in the Mizuno MVP. The MVP is solely built for first base fielders; hence it comes in only one size, thirteen inches mitt. This is an excellent glove for first-base fielders because of the features it possesses. This glove is advisable for you as a softball player.

Key Features:

  • Bio soft leather
  • Para shock and palm padding
  • Adjustable Velcro strap

Specification:

  • Brand: Mizuno
  • Model: Mizuno MVP prime fastpitch softball first base mitts
  • Dimension: 13 inches
Pros
  • It is made with bio soft leather that is soft and smooth and provides players with adequate comfort.
  • It helps reduce the sting of catching a hardball with the aid of the para shock and palm padding present in it.
  • It is durable and efficient.
  • It possesses a Velcro strap, which is adjustable, making it suitable for use for almost anybody.
  • It has a quick break-in time
Cons
  • It is expensive
  • The soft leather might compromise the grip.

5

Rawlings Heart Of The Hide Dual Core Softball Glove

The Rawlings Heart of the hide is a masterpiece softball glove. With this glove, durability, efficiency, and comfort are guaranteed. This glove possesses a short break-in period and provides you with heavy-duty construction and performance. This glove boasts of full-grain synthetic leather construction. The interesting thing about this glove is that it comes with a 30% break-in from the manufacturer, meaning the player has to do little work to break it in totally. Also, this will ensure a shorter break-in period than most gloves in the market. So if you are the type looking for a product that will break in in no time, you should strongly consider the Rawlings Heart of the Hide glove. This glove also boasts stiffness, unlike other gloves, as it retains its shape no matter how long it has been used. Different age groups can use this mitt as it fits perfectly over most hands. If you are tired of replacing your first baseman mitt every season, you should strongly consider this mitt. In terms of durability, this glove is one of the best you can ever come across. This mitt comes in 13inches size and is useful for both professionals and amateur players.

Key Features:

  • Quick break-in period
  • Synthetic leather
  • 30% break-in from manufacturer
  • Stiff 13 inches mitt

Specification:

  • Brand: Rawlings
  • Model: Rawlings Heart of the hide dual core softball glove
  • Dimension: 12 x 8 x 6 inches.
Pros
  • The synthetic leather used in the production of this glove gives durability a boost.
  • This glove is comfortable and easy to use for players
  • It also possesses a quick break-in period
  • This glove is stiff and very efficient in use
  • It possesses extra paddings for players protection
  • It boasts of an adjustable strap and flexible
Cons
  • It is expensive for a synthetic leather glove

6

Wilson Aura Fastpitch Glove

The Wilson aura is a great glove that offers you the best balance in performance and price. If you are on a budget and need a quality and durable glove, you should go for the Wilson aura. This glove features complete leather construction and comfortable wrist closure. This glove is best for developing players who do not want to spend much on gloves but require a high-quality glove. This glove comes game-ready when purchased. With the Wilson aura, you are guaranteed better performance in your game. The aura is an economical piece for a glove of this quality, and you stand to lose nothing from this glove. From the name Wilson, one will know the glove will offer durability and efficiency. This glove can be used by both males and females, as it comes in 12 inches size. The Wilson aura features a comfortable wrist strap that allows you to adjust the glove for more comfort and efficiency. As a beginner in the game, you should strongly consider this piece to help mold you into the professional you want to become. It also features the two-piece weave web. In all, the Wilson aura is a great glove that will serve you for many seasons without any wear or tear. With this piece, you are guaranteed to get value for your money.

Key Features:

  • Full leather
  • Wrist closure
  • Two-piece weave web

Specification:

  • Brand: Wilson
  • Model: Wilson Aura Fastpitch Glove
  • Dimension: 12 x 8 x 6 inches
Pros
  • It is affordable
  • It provides softball players with high quality as it is made out of quality materials.
  • It is durable and efficient
  • It protects players palm
  • It is comfortable and can be used by almost anybody as a result of the adjustable wrist enclosure.
Cons
  • Not advisable for players with big hands

7

Easton Black Pearl Fastpitch Softball Glove

The Easton black pearl is a great glove; although specially made for the female athlete, these gloves are super comfortable. This glove is made using cowhide leather; the Easton black pearl is a durable and efficient glove, thanks to the cowhide leather used in its production. This beautiful piece is also fashionable because it was originally made for women. If you are the type of player who loves entering into the pitch in style, you should consider this piece. The black pearl looks nice on the hands and sure lasts long. It features a flex-notch system that provides enough storage. This glove also features a uber soft palm lining and gives players a better grip. This piece is advisable for players who are looking to increase their performance in the game of softball. This glove features a small hand opening that ensures that the glove stays put; your performance is bound to increase with this glove. This glove features a rawhide lace that helps in reinforcing the web and fingers. This piece guarantees you maximum protection and efficiency during a game.

Key Features:

  • Cowhide leather
  • Flex notch system
  • Uber soft palm lining

Specification:

  • Brand: Easton
  • Model: Easton Black pearl Fastpitch softball glove
  • Dimension: 12 x 8 x 6 inches
Pros
  • It is made out of durable cowhide leather
  • It is efficient and easy to use
  • It is comfortable as it features the uber palm lining
  • It helps in keeping the player’s palm well protected from the impact of the ball
  • It gives the player a tight grip and better control.
Cons
  • The ventilation of the glove needs improvement.

8

Louisville Slugger LXT Series 13 inches Fastpitch First Base Mitt

The Louisville slugger lxt features a dual post web. It is a great glove to possess. This glove boast durability and efficiency. Once you successfully break in this glove, it will serve you for many years. As a player, if you are looking for a glove that will serve you without getting a new one, then you should go for the Louisville lxt series. The comfortability of players was considered in the design of this masterpiece as it features an adjustable wrist strap. This glove also boasts of an X-spand style wrist opening that allows optimal fit. This Louisville piece is one of the best gloves you can encounter in the market today; players should go for this glove. This glove is also fashionable with the dark brown color and the pattern on the glove.

Although this piece is a bit on the high side in terms of monetary values, however with all the features this glove boast of, you are bound to get your money worth. This glove is perfect for youth in the game, especially people trying to master the game. The efficiency of these gloves helps build the confidence of young players, which is the principal factor they need in improving themselves in the game. The Louisville lxt series is easy to use, even for starters in the game. If you are an amateur in the game and aim to improve yourself, you should go for this glove as it possesses many features and is also easy to use.

Key Features:

  • Wrist strap
  • X-spand style wrist opening

Specification:

  • Brand: Louisville Slugger
  • Model: Louisville slugger LXT series 13 inches fastpitch first base mitt
  • Dimension: 12 x 6 x 8 inches 1.34 pounds
Pros
  • It is easy to use
  • This piece boasts durability and efficiency
  • It is comfortable as it features an adjustable wrist strap that allows players to adjust the glove.
  • It is an excellent piece of instrument
Cons
  • It is a bit high on the price side

Buying Guide Questions

When it comes to buying gloves, you must know the features of what you want to buy, as the glove you purchase will determine if it will serve you for a long duration or not. Although there are varieties to pick from in the market, it is best one is familiar with the gloves so as not to fall victim to bad products. Different gloves have been reviewed for easy pick; however, the best way to familiarize oneself with these products is by asking different questions or going through other people’s questions and reviews. Some common questions have been answered below to better prepare you for what to expect when you intend on getting your first base glove.

What is the best softball first base glove?

There are different types of first base gloves on the market; most of these gloves boast efficiency and durability. Picking an overall best over others is a difficult task. However, you should know what you want when getting a glove, as this is the only guaranteed way of navigating through the varieties of options present in the market without falling victim to bad gloves. When it comes to the best glove, you should be aware of some brand names that produce only quality materials; this knowledge will help you streamline the options you have for more specific gloves.

What size glove should a first baseman use?

A typical first baseman mitt is between 12 inches to 13 inches; you mustn’t get an oversized glove. It is also advisable for you to go for a mitt with a strap to easily adjust it to fit, so it doesn’t fall off during a game. Another factor to considered before getting a glove is the size of the pocket and the grip as they are both essential; these two, especially the grip, make sure the ball is held in place in the glove’s pocket.

Why is the first base glove different?

The first baseman glove is different from other gloves because it is designed to catch thrown balls; the first base glove has a round edge design to enhance the scooping-up of balls.

Can you use a first base glove in the outfield in softball?

This is a common question; the first baseman glove cannot be used in the outfield or any other position in softball.

Is the 12.75 glove too big?

Many factors guide the size of gloves to use for a softball player, the most common of these factors is age. In most cases, age group and the position you play determines the size of gloves you use. Also, you should know your glove size because it makes it easier for you to get your glove. A 12.75 glove is not too big for a high school or adult in softball, but any age lesser than that will find that size of the glove too big to use.

Is the 11.5-inch glove too small?

The 11.5-inch glove is not too small to use; however, it depends on the position the user is playing. For the infield position, the least size is 11.5-inches. However, for outfield positions, the least glove size is 12.5-inches. If you play in the infield position using the the11.5-inch glove, it isn’t too small; however, this is not the case with the outfield position.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is best if one is familiar with their kits and equipment. The softball glove is an essential part of the game; getting the best equipment is advisable for maximum performance. To get the best equipment, you should be familiar with your gloves and other equipment to save you from falling victim to bad products that won’t last long. Once you have successfully gotten a good quality glove, you can be sure that it will serve you for many seasons without getting spoilt.