Clueless dad looking for new glove for daughter

[JE50]

Hello all. Looking for any type of advise or suggestions. I feel like it is time to get my 10 year old daughter (turns 11 in October) a new glove, since the ball is getting a little bigger. She plays rec ball and will be playing on her first travel team this fall. She plays primarily at short, but pitches occasionally. She is currently using this 11.5" youth Kris Bryant glove (she loves her Cubbies).

https://www.rawlings.com/product/P-SPL115KB.html

Since all I've ever know or had growing up playing baseball is Rawlings, that is the first place I usually look.

Here are some Rawlings models I have come across. I'm thinking a 12" glove is where I need to be looking. There are some 11.75" & 12.50" in there. Will there be a big enough difference between her 11.50" baseball glove now and a new 11.75" softball glove? Here is the order I'm currently leaning. (now a big fan of baseket web)

https://www.hq4sports.com/rawlings-...175-inch-womens-fastpitch-softball-glove.html
https://www.hq4sports.com/rawlings-...175-inch-womens-fastpitch-softball-glove.html
https://www.hq4sports.com/rawlings-...-12-inch-womens-fastpitch-softball-glove.html
https://www.rawlings.com/product/P-R9SB120-3DB.html

Since this is her first year of travel I though she might get some time in the outfield, and this glove might work? Too big for the infield? Is that finger shift anything to worry about?

https://www.hq4sports.com/rawlings-...125-inch-womens-fastpitch-softball-glove.html

Is it acceptable to get her a baseball glove to use for softball? What's the differences between the two? Fire away, I really appreciate the help.

 

[Eric F]

Welcome to DFP!

I'm a fan of the Rawlings Liberty Advanced series for a mid-priced glove that is well built and will stand up to the demands of TB for a reasonable amount of time. Depending your DD's preference and size, anything in the 12"-12.5" range is fine. A baseball glove will work for softball. Some players prefer the non-velcro back of baseball gloves (my DD is not one of them).

Other gloves to consider...
Vinci (talk to DFP'er Drakemir about the best model for your DD...and best pricing )
All-Star Vela Series
Mizuno MVP-series (I would consider this a small step down from the Rawlings LA)

As for the finger-shift, I recommend this to pretty much all players, even if their glove is not built for it. Stuff the pinky and ring finger into the pinky stall together. Shift the middle and index fingers over 1 stall (leaving the index stall empty). It will feel weird at first, but they will quickly come to like the wider pocket and additional leverage for closing the glove.

 

[ShawnC]

Hello all. Looking for any type of advise or suggestions. I feel like it is time to get my 10 year old daughter (turns 11 in October) a new glove, since the ball is getting a little bigger. She plays rec ball and will be playing on her first travel team this fall. She plays primarily at short, but pitches occasionally. She is currently using this 11.5" youth Kris Bryant glove (she loves her Cubbies).

https://www.rawlings.com/product/P-SPL115KB.html

Since all I've ever know or had growing up playing baseball is Rawlings, that is the first place I usually look.

Here are some Rawlings models I have come across. I'm thinking a 12" glove is where I need to be looking. There are some 11.75" & 12.50" in there. Will there be a big enough difference between her 11.50" baseball glove now and a new 11.75" softball glove? Here is the order I'm currently leaning. (now a big fan of baseket web)

https://www.hq4sports.com/rawlings-...175-inch-womens-fastpitch-softball-glove.html
https://www.hq4sports.com/rawlings-...175-inch-womens-fastpitch-softball-glove.html
https://www.hq4sports.com/rawlings-...-12-inch-womens-fastpitch-softball-glove.html
https://www.rawlings.com/product/P-R9SB120-3DB.html

Since this is her first year of travel I though she might get some time in the outfield, and this glove might work? Too big for the infield? Is that finger shift anything to worry about?

https://www.hq4sports.com/rawlings-...125-inch-womens-fastpitch-softball-glove.html

Is it acceptable to get her a baseball glove to use for softball? What's the differences between the two? Fire away, I really appreciate the help.

A lot of people, even on this board use a baseball glove for softball. You will see It at every travel ball tournament you go to. Its all about preference. Im not the pro on this subject, that would be Drakemir and ANNASDAD, but I believe the finger stalls In softball gloves are smaller to better fit a girls/womans hand. The pocket Is also usually a little wider and a little deeper to accommodate a bigger ball. However, If done right, you can form a pocket In a baseball glove to accommodate the same size softball as a softball glove would.

I got my 9YO DD a Custom Liberty Advanced.....we absolutely have not been disappointed at all. Great glove. I got the 11.75 I Web because she primarily played SS and 2B. However, shes now also playing pitcher and moving up to 12" ball next year.....with that said, I wish I had gotten a 12" pattern. Guess who Is probably going to get to buy her another Liberty?....lol yup.

If you want options give Drakemir a shout on this board, hes a Vinci dealer and by all accounts they make great gloves and he can help you with better pricing. If you are a Rawlings guy like myself, trust me, you wont be dissapointed In the Liberty.

 

[ANNASDAD]

At her age, contact Drakemir here and get her a Fortus. Here's a link to a 12" Fortus you can look at.

Again, at her age, stick with a 11.75" or a 12" at the very most. If she's using an 11" ball through this Fall, I'd probably stay with an 11.75" glove, 12" ball.....12" glove! I don't see an 11.75" Fortus on Vinci's site, maybe Drakemir can chime in soon.

 

[625ender]

Gloves are something that are near and dear to every players heart. Unfortunately consensus thinking will rarely lead you into the right direction. I always suggest ordering five or six gloves of Interest and giving them a try. After all I high quality glove will last many seasons and it's well worth the effort especially if you use Amazon Prime, team Express, justballgloves..... The sites that offer free returns. Always keep in mind that higher quality gloves will take longer to break in but it's well worth it.

In the past year or so I found that the All-Star 3 finger glove has been a real winner for the people that I have suggested it to. The 11.5in has a massive pocket and it's worked perfectly for girls up to 18 years old outfielders. Again just a suggestion not a must-have. I would never do that.