Like other player, the catcher on a baseball pitch also wears a glove. However, the glove that is usually worn by the catcher is usually referred to as the ‘Mitt.’ The difference in the name also extends to the design and the features of the glove as well. The ‘mitt’ is not called a glove because it does not have pockets for the fingers. It is also built to create somewhat of a larger target for the pitcher to aim at. Below is a guide on how to obtain the best catcher’s mitt.
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Other than being fingerless. The catcher’s mitt also has other features and parts that make allow it to be more capable to accomplish the tasks at hand. Some of these include the webbing, the heel and the palm just to name a few. Each of them has its own functions and benefits. Like any great catcher will tell you, the mitt is what will define you. It is not only a great piece to have when playing baseball but also happens to be an extension of any great catcher. Remember, a good catcher’s mitt not only makes trapping and catching the ball easier but, also acts as a target for the pitcher. Which makes it even more important for you to get the right one.
So, how do you make sure you pick the right one?
Picking the best catcher’s mitt
There’s a number of features that you should heavily consider when considering what catcher’s mitt will work best for you. Of course, you will need to have in depth knowledge of each of the parts of the mitt and what they’re meant for. Once you have that nailed down, then you can go ahead to weigh out each of the following options;
Pocket size
The pocket size of each of the gloves used by the different players is different. It is also different based on the level of the player. While infielders will usually have a shallower pocket that allows them to get the ball out of the glove faster, a catcher should have a pocket that is slightly deeper. It helps trap them ball and prevent it from falling. The pocket size is also larger for the adult players and also slightly smaller as the players get smaller.
Wrist adjustments
You need to be able to move quickly and your mitt needs to be able to keep up with you. That might be hard if the glove fits loosely around your wrist. A good number of mitts have a wrist adjustment. It gives the mitt a snug fit to the hand. At the same time, this also helps to make removing the mitt much easier. The adjustment system varies from mitt to mitt. It can be a buckle, laced, D-ring fastener or even a Velcro system. It is up to you to choose which one works best for you.
Material
You may choose from a wide option of materials. These include leather, synthetic materials, treated leather or mesh. However, for the more competitive players and more mature, you’re better off with leather mitts. They also happen to be more preferred by most players because they happen to be more durable and are more comfortable. However, with the leather gloves, you suffer a longer break in time unlike with the treated leather option and are also heavier compared to the mesh option. As such, you should carefully make your choice before you settle on any one type of catcher’s mitt.
These are the three primary areas of concern that you should ensure you look into before you decide to take a mitt off the shelf. You need to get this right on the first try and these features will definitely make it much easier for you to be able to nail it.
Three Catcher Mitt Reviews
If that is not of as much help as you had hoped, how about you go through some reviews of the best catchers mitts in the market. Not only does it help you to shed light on the mitts and what they have to offer but also offers you some very formidable options that you can choose from.
Mizuno Prospect GXC 105 Youth Catcher’s Mitt
It is important to have it in mind that this is not an adult mitt. It is meant for the youth as the size of the pocket indicates. Other than being the product of a fiery and well known sports apparel maker, the mitt also has quite a number of features that take it to the top of the ladder.
The headlining feature has to be the power close. For younger players, the under developed muscles make it harder to close the glove and catch the ball in time. To counter this and make the glove more efficient, it features a power close feature. It makes it much easier to close the glove and catch the ball more efficiently.
Still addressing the same problem is the V Flex Notch. It serves the same purpose as the power close. The design makes it easier to initiate easier closure as a result, you have a quicker reaction time allowing you to trap the ball with more easier and at a shorter time. Ultimately, it takes you a much shorter time frame to close the glove allowing you to be more effective on the catch.
With continued use of the mitt, you will realize that the ball comes in pretty hot. Not only is stopping it much of a problem but, once you do, the shock can be devastating to your hands. A ParaShock palm pad help to absorb this shock even after repeated use. It makes the process more comfortable and you’re able to enjoy more comfort from using the glove and playing the sport. Ideally, it takes the risk out of the sport and bring in the fun.
The pocket size of the mitt is about 32.5 which is a good transition size from youth to adult but still happens to fall under the youth spectrum. It is a great way to bring some seriousness to your craft, bring in some much needed comfort and also protect yourself from the ball while making all your catches and it happens to be available for both left and right handed throws.
However, there is no mention of a fastening system. Because of this, you have to make sure that you get the fitting right because there are not systems in place to correct any error.
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Mizuno World Win 34” Catchers Mitt GXC 75
Here is a pro-sized catcher’s mitt that is built to fit and offers a vast collection of benefits that usually make it a top of the line and a huge consideration for many. Leading the barrage of features is the soft and supple feel that the treated leather offers. This also makes breaking into the glove much easier and takes a much shorter time.
The glove also makes use of cutting edge innovations and the best of materials which ensure superior performance whether you’re having a leisure game or a pro one. A good example of the technology that has gone into the glove is the Parashock finger channels. Unlike the pad, these help to absorb stress and shock to the hand which is critical. With the pros, the mature muscles and proper training allows the ball to be tossed by the pitcher at amazing speeds. As a result, not only will it take a lot of skill to safely stop the ball but also a lot of pressure. If not distributed well, this could lead to injuries.
You also get to enjoy plenty of benefits as well. Among these include the faster break in time and the cutting edge features that not only make this a great mitt but also a safe one that offers plenty of protection to the catcher and also improves your ability to deliver during play.
However, the treated leather is not as durable as the natural leather and hence, while you might fall in love with the mitt, you might find yourself at the store buying a replacement sooner rather than later.
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Wilson A600 Series A0600 BBCMXX
If you’re looking for a catcher’s mitt that can take a right handed throw, then, there’re very few that can do what the A600 can do and as efficiently as it is able to do it. While it might leave out those that want to mitigate the left handed throw, those that want a right hand might have just landed themselves quite the piece.
It is a 32.5” catcher’s model which means that it can be used by the adults. It trends the line here so you might want to really dig deep to find if it is going to be a great fit for you. However, for leisure purposes it goes back and forth on the age factor. It features a ½ moon web. The web helps to stop the ball from slipping from the back of the mitt. It also features a great aesthetic appeal and a pattern that reflects great with the youth.
The palm is made from full grain leather and a shell that break in for your style of play. It keeps you calm and creates for a nice big target for the pitcher. The two piece back closure makes it much easier for you to be able to close the glove fast making it much easier to catch the ball without dropping it.
It is fully made from full leather grain. From the shell, to the palm, the entire glove is largely made from full grain leather. You have a glove that is able to meet your demands and live for as long as you would want it to. That allows you to create a personal bond and also it conforms to your style of play in the long run.
Another unique feature that has been thrown in to make this mitt even more interesting is the dual welting. It is characterized by the edges which are exposed and appear along the backs of the finger. This helps to provide the most durable pockets and the break-ins are long lasting. You also get an easy to use Velcro fastener making the glove more effective for use.
If you would like a glove that is able to perform as fiercely as it looks, then this is it. It offers a great collection of features and benefits alike. These would include the longevity that comes with full grain leather, the long lasting break in, the protection the glove is able to offer the catcher and above all, it’s alluring design that will definitely be quite appealing to the youths.
Even with all the great additions and benefits, it is also worth noting that there are some downsides or areas that could use a little bit of improvements. The first one is the lack of a left handed throw option. Only players that are looking to get a right handed throw catcher’s mitt can be able to use this. In the same light, Velcro might not be able to offer the safest wrist adjustment system. It might be easy to work with but, that also makes it much easier to get off unintentionally throwing the entire play in jeopardy.
Click here to check out this catcher’s mitt on Amazon
Final Thoughts
A catcher’s mitt is a great part of playing baseball. It doubles up as a playing gear and safety feature which makes it very crucial for a player to be able to find one that is able to accomplish both demands satisfactorily without one overshadowing or prohibiting the other. Of course that would mean you have to do a lot of digging but as you might have noticed, most of that has already been done for you within this piece. All you have to do is pick one of those that have been reviewed and play away.
Conclusion
Any player will tell you that you have only one chance to get a good catcher’s mitt or live with the disgrace of having made a bad choice. While this article can come in handy in helping you avoid that mistake, there are some areas that are largely up to you. Among them is your style of play and also your strength. You have to be able to evaluate these as an individual and factor them in while making the purchase. Other than that, you should be quite safe following the advice herein.
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