Friday, October 2, 2009

Sporting Life - The Perfect Baseball Glove

By Joseph Archibald

When looking for a new baseball glove, choose one that is comfortable, feels like it's an extension of the hand, and one that is able to seize the ball, as these are the things that almost everyone should want their baseball gloves to be.

Not all gloves are like that that is why shopping meticulously, as well as the factors that make a glove for baseball very good, should be remembered. The material of the baseball glove is one factor to consider. Leather or synthetic materials are the materials for gloves. The ability of the leather gloves to fit to the hand of a player, and its durability and softness are the reasons why more players pick them.

1. Material: There are two kinds of material for the gloves: synthetic and leather. Most players choose the leather because of its durability and softness. It also conforms easily to the hand of the player. Further more, there are two types of leather gloves: top-grain cowhide and full leather. Most players choose the top-grain cowhide. This is because top-grain cowhide is considered the standard glove for the sports. In addition, full leather is not typically used because of its stiffness.

2. Webbing: There are many types of gloves based on webbing. However, the decision in choosing which glove is appropriate depends on the position of the player in the game. Outfielders and third base consider the gloves with space between each strip. On the other hand, the middle infielder and the pitcher use the closed webbing gloves for convenience. There are also some players that use the six-finger kind of gloves. The other types of this based on its webbing are I-web and H-web.

Webbing - When choosing the kind of webbing for you glove, you should have in mind the position that you are playing in the field. There are ideal types of webbing for every position. For third basemen and outfielders, the ideal glove webbing would be one which provides spaces for every leather strip.

This will help these players in the said positions in that they can have more ease in trapping a ball. For pitchers, a glove with closed webbing would help them strategize more and hide their pitches. For middle infielders, the same glove with closed webbing with a solid pocket should be used. This will help them easily grab a ball. Other webbing styles are the six-finger or trap style, I-web, and H-web.

The position played should be kept in mind in choosing the type of webbing. The third basemen and the outfielders should wear webbing that has space in the middle of every strip of leather. This is so because that type of webbing can catch a ball more comfortably and it has more elasticity.

Fit - You should make sure that you instantly feel at one with your glove the first time you put it on. If you feel awkward with it on, leave it and try another glove.

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