Best Youth Baseball Gloves: The Definitive Guide

Are you looking for one of the best youth baseball gloves for your child?

If so, I would like to show you what to look for before making your purchase and my top picks.

Ready?

How To Pick The Perfect Glove

There’s a few things to considering when buying a mitt and the most important are:

  • What position your son plays
  • Level of competition
  • Proper size

First off, you need a position appropriate glove for your little slugger. If your child plays in the outfield, they’ll want a glove that’s a little longer and that has a deep, open pocket – this makes it easier to catch fly balls.

Infielders want an open pocket so they can transfer the ball quickly from the glove to their throwing hands.

First base mitts are long, open and have extra padding on the palm to prevent injuries; these products are made to scoop balls out of the dirt.

Catchers mitts are the most position specific and have a lot of padding (there aren’t catchers mitts included in this list).

When I was a little leaguer I pretty much played every position. I would pitch one game, play center the next and shortstop after that. There’s plenty of gloves that are perfect for utility fielders too.

Next, you need to think about the competition your son is playing against. If you just plan on having a catch in the backyard or your kid plays non-competitively, you won’t need to spend too much. If, however, your boy plays in competitive leagues, against skilled players, you’ll need a well made product – this will improve your child’s play and keep them safe.

Lastly, you have to make sure you get the right size. Here’s a helpful chart to aid in this department:

 

Not too complicated, right?

If you want you can read a full guide to choosing the right glove here. Let’s take a look at my top picks now.

Mizuno Youth Prime Future

Company: Mizuno

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

Mizuno is an excellent baseball company and I’ve played with their gear for many years – I can vouch for their quality. Their Youth Prime Future is an excellent product and is perfect for all skill levels. You can find Prime gloves for pitchers, infielders and outfielders. Some top features include:

  • Bio Soft leather that enhances feel and is extremely comfortable
  • PlusGrip protects your child’s thumb with extra padding
  • Fast and easy break in time
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This mitt comes with a 1 year warranty, so you know it’s durable. The price is fair too and it’ll cost under $79. This is definitely a glove your son will love to play with.

Take A Closer Look At The Mizuno Youth Prime Future

Nokona Youth Alpha Select

Company: Nokona

Price: $$$$

Rating: 5/5

This is the best glove on the list and the most expensive – will cost around $240. The Nokona Youth Alpha Select is made from top of the line buffalo leather. Also, your son will like that this mitt:

  • Is extremely well balanced and comfortable
  • Has a fast break in time and is almost ready to use in game right off the shelf
  • Is lightweight and easy to play with

If your child is a high performer and competes against tough competition, this is a product you must consider. It’ll have your little leaguer making some unbelievable plays in the field.

Take A Closer Look At The Nokona Youth Alpha Select

Rawlings Youth Player Preferred 

Company: Rawlings

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

Rawlings is another company you’ll find all over the baseball diamond. Their Youth Player Preferred is an excellent glove and is very well made. All skill levels can enjoy this product and it features:

  • Full grain leather that’ll keep this mitt in tact for a long time
  • Comfortable and is adjustable to fit your son’s hand
  • Durable laces that are extremely durable

The Player Preferred gets excellent reviews on Amazon too – if you’d like to see what others are saying about this glove, click below:

Take A Closer Look At The Rawlings Player Preferred 

Wilson Youth A800 First Base Mitt

Company: Wilson

Price: $

Rating: 4,8/5

The Wilson Youth A800 is a very affordable glove (around $48) and is made exclusively for first baseman. If your child moves around a lot and plays multiple positions, you should choose a different product – first base gloves are very specific to that position, more so than other positions (besides catcher). However, if first base is a fixed position for your son, they’ll like:

  • The soft leather that’s a pleasure to wear
  • Fast break in time makes this glove easy to work with
  • Double palm protection protects your child’s hand

This glove comes with a Dual Welting pocket that scoops balls out of the dirt; not bad for such a low price.

Take A Closer Look At The Wilson Youth A800

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Nike Youth MVP Edge

Company: Nike

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.8/5

Everyone knows Nike makes some of the top sports gear around – you’ll find them in all things athletics. Their Youth MVP Edge is a top of the line product and is one any little leaguer will love to have on their hands. You’ll be happy to know this mitt comes with:

  • Soft leather and no slip design
  • Crafted by a team of experts that understand your child’s needs in the field
  • Minimal break in time makes this glove ready to go right away

If your child is a good baseball player, this is a product you must consider.

Take A Closer Look At The Nike Youth MVP Edge

Easton Z-Flex Youth

Company: Easton

Price: $

Rating: 4.7/5

The Easton Z-Flex shouldn’t be the first choice of skilled youth baseball players – these kids will need more performance and protection from their glove. This mitt is more geared towards friendly tosses in the back yard – the price reflects that (it costs around $25). Some nice features include:

  • Durable and lightweight pigskin leather
  • Velcro strap ensures a tight fit
  • Very comfortable to wear

This isn’t a position specific glove either, so your son can wear it all over the field.

Take A Closer Look At The Easton Z-Flex

Akadema Youth Prodigy

Company: Akadema

Price: $$

Rating: 4.7/5

The Akadema Youth Prodigy is another glove that all skill levels can enjoy. It comes at a fair price, at around $66, and has an awesome design – your son won’t mind putting this glove on. Also, he’ll like the:

  • Steerhide leather that adds feel and durability
  • Lightweight and hand crafted by baseball experts
  • Deep pocket will make catching much easier

This mitt can be adjusted so your child gets the exact fit they want . This is a product that can be used at many different positions too.

Take A Closer Look At The Akadema Youth Prodigy

Wilson Advisory Staff Youth 

Company: Wilson

Price: $

Rating: 4.7/5

The Wilson Advisory Staff is one of the cheaper gloves on this list. If your child is a high performer and plays against stiff competition, you’ll probably want a different mitt. If, however, you’re just looking for a glove for your son to play catch with or in non competitive leagues, this is a product you should consider. Some top features include:

  • Dual Welting pocket that makes catching easier
  • Leather breaks in fast
  • Long laces which are very durable

Not bad for just $35.

Take A Closer Look At The Wilson Advisory Staff

Easton Mako Youth Series

Company: Easton

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Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

The Easton Mako line is well known for their high quality baseball gear – you can find Mako catcher’s gear, bats and yes, gloves. This mitt is pretty affordable and will only cost around $49. This is an excellent value, especially when you consider it comes with:

  • HYPERLITE design makes use of lightweight materials and improves your child’s play-making abilities
  • Cowhide leather is durable and will easily stand up to the rigors of a full season
  • Comfortable finger linings

I really like this glove and know your son will feel the same way.

Take A Closer Look At The Easton Mako Youth Series

Rawlings Select Pro Lite Youth

Company: Rawlings

Price: $$

Rating: 4.7/5

The Select Pro Lite is another excellent product from Rawlings and it comes in 5 different colors/designs – your child will be able to find one they’re proud to wear. They’ll also like that it features:

  • Lightweight leather that keeps its structure even after prolonged use
  • Large pocket makes catching much easier
  • Cushioned lining is very comfortable and pleasant to wear

You can get this product in many different sizes too. No matter your child’s needs, the Select Pro Lite will meet them.

Take A Closer Look At The Rawlings Select Pro Lite

Mizuno Prospect Youth

Company: Mizuno

Price: $

Rating: 4.8/5

The last product on the list is an affordable option for anyone on a budget – the Mizuno Prospect Youth will only cost around $45. Besides offering a sleek design, this product comes with:

  • Durable leather that resists tears
  • Soft palm lining makes this glove enjoyable to wear
  • Parashock palm pad minimizes the risk of injury and pains

The Prospect Youth has PowerCloser Technology too; this makes it easier to make catches. This is definitely one of the better gloves for the price.

Take A Closer Look At The Mizuno Prospect Youth

Allow Your Child To Play His Best This Year!

In order for you son to make every play in the filed he’s going to need a good glove – cheaping out and getting him a low quality mitt can result is dropped fly balls, missed grounders or even an injury. The gloves on this list are very high quality and no matter your child’s skill level ,or your budget, there’s a product here for you.

If you have any questions about what you’ve read comment below and I’ll make sure to respond as fast as possible. You can let friends and family see by sharing on social media too.

Are you ready to watch you kid make some unbelievable catches this year?