A baseball player is not complete without a baseball glove, but which one do you get? We have the best baseball gloves under $100 right here for you.
A baseball glove is an essential item for every ball player. Choosing the right one is not as simple as you may think. There are different sizes, materials, shapes, and web designs.
Each position also benefits from a different glove. No need to stress. We have the buyer’s guide and top 10 baseball gloves for you right here.
We understand how important the right baseball glove is. To the player and the game. Our guide helps you navigate through all the features of a baseball glove, so you can get the best one.
We also have the 10 best baseball gloves under $100 to make your shopping even easier. Start here to get the right glove for any player and then play ball!
| Category | Baseball Glove Under $100 |
|---|---|
| Best Overall Infielder’s Glove | Wilson A900 Baseball Glove |
| Runner Up Infielder’s Glove | Easton Mako Comp Series Glove |
| Best Overall Outfielder’s Glove | Rawlings Jr Pro Lite Glove |
| Runner Up Outfielder’s Glove | Rawlings Renegade Baseball Glove |
| Best Overall Pitcher’s Glove | Rawlings Player Preferred Baseball Glove |
| Runner Up Pitcher’s Glove | Franklin Sports Baseball Glove |
| Best Overall Catcher’s Glove | Wilson A500 Baseball Glove Series |
| Runner Up Catcher’s Glove | Wilson A360 31.5″ Baseball Catcher’s Mitt |
| Best Overall First Baseman’s Glove | Easton Blackstone Series 12.75 Inch BL3 Baseball First Base Mitt |
| Runner Up First Baseman’s Glove | Adidas EQT Series First Base Mitt |
Table of Contents
Baseball Glove Buyers Guide
A baseball glove is more complex than many people realize. There are several important features that you need to consider before you buy. Not every glove is the same.
This buyer’s guide will take you through all the important features you should know so you can choose the best baseball glove for your game.
Brands
There are three top brands when it comes to baseball gloves. Rawlings has been around for a while and offers gloves for every level of play. They are also known to be great quality.
Wilson has also been around for some time and is a well-respected brand. Their high-quality gloves are also for every position and level of play.
Easton brings you gloves for recreational and professional play and is one of the best brands on the market.
When you are looking for quality with a budget, then Rawlings and Mizuno are names you can count on.
Size
One of the most important aspects of a baseball glove is size. The size of a glove is measured from the heel to the tip (where index finger slot and webbing meet).
Younger players will need smaller gloves, typically around 10 inches. Adult-sized gloves start at 12 inches. It is important to know the size of glove you will need, and this requires correct measuring. For help figuring out the size you need, visit this site.
Each glove will be stamped on the side of the glove and you want to match the size to the fit of the hand and the position you will be playing.
Material
Baseball gloves are always made from leather. There are four types that are typically used.
- Full Grain Leather is cowhide which has natural grain. The gloves are stiff and heavier than others. They also require more time for breaking-in.
- Kip Skin is a softer, more luxurious cowhide. It is lighter and easier to break in. This material is ideal for infielders as they allow for easy transfer from glove to hand.
- Premium Steerhide is stiff and heavy but more durable than other leathers. This is the top choice for professional players.
- Cowhide is the basic material for baseball gloves. Cowhide breaks in easier but also wears out the fastest. It is the best material for youth players.
Padding
The padding of a glove is a preference but important to consider. The padding you want will depend on your position. For example, catcher’s gloves have more padding for protection.
Webbing
Webbing is important in terms of personal preference as to what feels right as well as position played. Webbing can be open or closed and you want to make sure it is securely attached to the glove. There are several different webbing patterns.
- Basket web is perfect for pitchers and is made from small interweaved leather straps. The flexibility of the basket weave makes it easy to close the glove.
- Trapeze webs have a thin leather strap connecting both sides and lace in between. This weave is best for outfielders.
- Modified trap webs are good for infielders and pitchers thanks to the stability of the trap section having leather along the top.
- Single post web is typically used at first base. The horizontal and vertical straps of leather are weaved together for flexibility.
- Double post webs are great for pitchers and have the same weave as the single post web. Your choice between the two will be a personal preference.
- Two-piece web is also great for pitchers because they can easily conceal the ball. The materials are stitched tightly so this webbing makes the glove heavier.
Right Hand vs Left Hand
Right-handed players will wear a glove marked as “regular” on their left hand. Left-handed players have gloves that are “full right” worn on their right hand. This setup keeps their dominant hand free to maintain control over the ball.
Break In
Once you have the size, brand, webbing, and padding, you want, you need to break the glove in before you play. When you buy a new glove, it will not have the pocket you need to catch a ball.
Breaking in the glove involves making the pocket. There are several ways to do this, but the traditional method is recommended.
The easiest way to break in a glove is by playing ball. The more catching you do, the softer it gets. This is a time-consuming method, but it allows the glove to become a good fit for your hand and it develops a good pocket.
In addition to this you can also try glove steaming, especially if you don’t have the time. Steaming relaxes the leather so it can be broken in much faster. To properly steam your glove:
- Put glove conditioner on the glove. This helps open pores in the leather
- Steam the glove to around 150 degrees
- Use a glove mallet to break in the glove
Type Of Glove For Player Positions
While all gloves are similar, there are certain styles that are better suited for specific positions. It is important to choose a glove that best works for the position you play or plan to play.
The features and size of gloves are combined to make a pattern which is designed for specific positions.
- Outfielder: These gloves are larger ranging between 12” and 13” for adults. The size allows for wider catching areas and open webbing lets them see through the gloves to catch the ball. Outfielder gloves need deep pockets to trap and securely hold the ball when caught.
- Infielder: These will be smaller than outfielder gloves as they need more speed and flexibility for the position. Closed webbing works best for third base, while open webbing is better for shortstop, first and second base players. You want shallow pockets for a fast catch and quick throw out.
- First base: This glove will usually be fingerless and is similar to a catcher’s mitt but with less padding. You want open webbing and shallow pockets for faster play.
- Pitcher: Pitcher gloves need closed webbing to hide the ball. These gloves have the largest range in terms of size and pocket, so choice is typically based on personal preference.
- Catcher: A catcher’s mitt is uniquely designed for protection. You want a fingerless design with heavy padding. The glove should look bulkier than others and you want closed webbing with small, shallow pockets.
Top 10 Best Baseball Gloves Under $100
Now that you know what to look for in a baseball glove, and what glove to get four your position, it is time to pick out the best glove.
The name brands can be expensive, but this does not mean you have to settle for less quality if you are on a budget. We have the top 10 baseball gloves under $100 that will make every game a winner.
1. Best Overall Infielder’s Glove – Wilson A900 Baseball Glove
Wilson A900 Baseball Glove is among the best sellers for infielder gloves and Wilson is a name you can count on. The full leather mitt is ready to go when you get it and it can be used at any infield position.
The size is great for smaller hands and the double palm construction gives the glove stability and a low-profile heel. This is available for left and right-handed players so anyone in any field position can play with this glove.
What I like:
- Opens up perfectly thanks to low heel profile
- Easily conform to hand shape
- Maximum pocket stability
What I don’t like:
- Leather is a little soft
2. Runner Up Infielder’s Glove – Easton Mako Comp Series Glove
Easton Mako Comp Series Glove is one of the most affordable and reliable gloves for infielders. Made from premium material and an ergonomic design, this glove will last game after game.
It has a comfortable fit and ensures that you will be fast around the diamond when you need to be. Choose the size that best fits your hand and enjoy the kip leather that is already oiled for easier breaking in.
You can also choose from different webbing styles to best suit your playing preferences.
What I like:
- Sheepskin lining for comfort
- Molded pad for the back of your hand
- Padded pinky loops
- Lightweight
What I don’t like:
- Pricier glove for a non-name brand
3. Best Overall Outfielder’s Glove – Rawlings Jr Pro Lite Glove
Rawlings Jr Pro Lite Glove is a favorite for outfielders. This glove comes ready for play with minimal break in required. Players love the smaller feel and the strong web that traps any ball.
You can count on the full grain leather to last for many games and the rawhide lacing gives a comfortable feel and a worthy pocket.
Your hand will be protected from the sting of hitting the ground thanks to the palm and index pockets.
What I like:
- Trapeze webbing for great ball trapping
- Full grain and durable leather
- Comfortable inner lining
- Available in different colors
- Wide opening above the wrist
What I don’t like:
- Not for left-handed players
4. Runner Up Outfielder’s Glove – Rawlings Renegade Baseball Glove
Rawlings Renegade Baseball Glove is great for outfielders and comes in both right and left hand orientations. Made from a lightweight leather and mesh, this glove is comfortable and easy to hold.
The highly cushioned palm protects your hand and index finger as you catch any ball and the deep pocket makes sure no ball escapes your grip.
The glove is pre-oiled and mostly broken in by the time you get it so you can head to the field right away. This glove also works well for first basemen.
What I like:
- Pre-oiled and ready to use
- Left and right-handed options
- Affordable
- Durable and comfortable
What I don’t like:
- Hand can get sweaty
5. Best Overall Pitcher’s Glove – Rawlings Player Preferred Baseball Glove
The Rawlings Player Preferred Baseball Glove gives you durability and strength. It is especially beneficial for slow pitch players, but all pitchers will love this mitt.
Available in four different sizes, this glove suits everyone. You can easily find the right one for you and the Flex loop Velcro ensures the glove stays in place perfectly.
The basket webbing lets you play any position making this highly versatile glove. The full grain leather is easy to break in, so you can get to the game right away.
What I like:
- Palm padding for extra protection
- Secure leather lacing
- Shape retention allows for easy break in
- Velcro strapping for secure fit
What I don’t like:
- Not as durable at professional levels of play
6. Runner Up Pitcher’s Glove – Franklin Sports Baseball Glove
The Franklin Sports Baseball Glove is a great pitcher glove for beginners and recreational players. There are 7 different size options so you can easily find a good fit.
You can also choose right-handed or left-handed to match your style and the hand formed pocket makes sure you catch and scoop all balls with ease.
The Contour Fit system allows you to make thumb adjustments for a more customizable fir.
What I like:
- Trapeze webbing for more depth
- Customizable fit
- Easy to scoop and pitch
- Great price to quality ratio
What I don’t like:
- Not durable for professional level play
7. Best Overall Catcher’s Glove – Wilson A500 Baseball Glove Series
Wilson A500 Baseball Glove Series is a full grained, leather glove that comes oiled and ready to go. The basket webbing is designed to keep your hand gestures secret and the double palm construction will keep your hands protected.
This glove is lightest all-leather glove on the market. The more you play with it, the better adapted it gets to your hand, guaranteeing you a great game every time.
Wilson is known for their quality gloves and this series is a winner in more ways than one.
What I like:
- Ultra-comfortable
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Zero shock palm pads
What I don’t like:
- A little stiff
8. Runner Up Catcher’s Glove – Wilson A360 31.5″ Baseball Catcher’s Mitt
Wilson A360 31.5″ Baseball Catcher’s Mitt is another quality Wilson glove perfect for all skill levels. Both palm and webbing are made from pigskin leather, making this glove durable for professional play but affordable for all.
Choose from 5 sizing options to get the right fit and you can pick left or right-handed too. The hook and loop strap ensures the gloves fit securely to your hand. Beginners love the open back design as they get used to playing ball.
What I like:
- Easy break in
- Perfect for all level of play
- Comfortable open back style
- Hook and loop strap for secure fitting
What I don’t like:
- Glove is fairly stiff
9. Best Overall First Baseman’s Glove – Easton Blackstone Series 12.75 Inch BL3 Baseball First Base Mitt
Easton Blackstone Series 12.75 Inch BL3 Baseball First Base Mitt is widely considered to be the best affordable first base mitt on the market.
The supple leather lining and specially selected cowhide shell make this glove durable but comfortable.
The rawhide laces give the glove structure and durability you can depend on and the extra plush lining around the wrist keeps you comfortable during play.
What I like:
- Easy to break in
- Nice-quality leather used for the shell
- Easy to use
- Top-rated name
What I don’t like:
- Webbing does not have a post
10. Runner Up First Baseman’s Glove – Adidas EQT Series First Base Mitt
Adidas EQT Series First Base Mitt is not something you would expect to see. Adidas is a name you know and trust and this applied to baseball equipment too.
When you want a comfortable, affordable, and great-fitting glove, this is the glove for you. Made from steerhide leather makes the glove durable but will also require a longer break in time.
You can rely on this glove lasting for a long time and the wool wrist liner will keep you comfortable the whole time.
What I like:
- Well-constructed
- Quality lacing
- Top-quality leather shell
- Great for youth players
What I don’t like:
- Needs a long break-in time
Helpful Tips To Find The Best Baseball Gloves Under $100
Before you run out and grab a glove, we have a few additional tips for getting the right baseball glove for your game.
- Match the pocket to the position you play
- Avoid excess padding in a glove unless you are a catcher. Too much bulk gets in the way.
- Try the glove before you buy
- Try different brands before you decide
- Closely examine the seams and leather
- Do not get a glove larger than the size of your hand
Final Thoughts
Baseball is one of the most popular games in America. People love to watch and even more love to play. This means there is a demand for high-quality gloves which means there are many out there to choose from.
Of course, there are some brand names that you know you can count on. But they come with a heavy price tag. No need to fret. Our guide will help you get the best baseball gloves under $100.
You can still get quality and durability as long as you know where to look. Start with our guide and reviewed gloves and you will be the hit of the game in no time.