Tired of your kiddo struggling on the field? Are those off-the-rack gloves just not cutting it? Finding the right baseball glove can feel like a mission, especially when you’re navigating sizes and brands. Don’t worry, I’ve been there!
We’ve put together a guide to help you find the best youth baseball gloves 12″ for your young slugger. We’re talking about gloves that are comfortable, durable, and ready to help your player make those game-winning catches. We’ve considered everything from the materials to the fit, so you can make an informed decision and get your player ready to dominate.
This guide dives into the top contenders, including gloves from Rawlings, Wilson, and other leading brands. We’ll break down the key features, so you can find the perfect glove that will have your player feeling confident and ready to play ball. Let’s get them ready for the season!
The 10 Youth Baseball Gloves 12 Reviewed
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1. Rawlings Baseball Glove
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As a seasoned baseball coach, I’ve seen countless gloves come and go. The Rawlings Player Preferred series immediately grabs your attention with its soft, supple feel. This glove is designed with a full-grain leather shell, meaning it’s ready to go right out of the box, which is a massive advantage for young players eager to get on the field.
The Player Preferred features a Neo-Flex back and a padded finger stall, offering exceptional comfort. This design helps minimize sting when catching the ball, which is crucial for building confidence in younger players. The glove’s overall construction feels durable, promising to withstand the rigors of a full baseball season.
We found that the glove’s break-in period is minimal, allowing kids to start using it almost immediately. The web is sturdy, providing a reliable pocket for catching and securing the ball. This glove is an excellent choice for any young player stepping onto the diamond for the first time.
This particular glove excels in a real-life scenario: Imagine a young player, perhaps experiencing their first competitive game. They are nervous, but the glove feels comfortable and secure on their hand. They make a diving play, catching the ball cleanly. That moment of confidence, stemming from a comfortable and reliable glove, can be transformative. It’s a feeling of accomplishment that stays with a player.
Pros
- Soft, game-ready feel.
- Comfortable design with padded finger stalls.
- Durable construction.
Cons
- May not be suitable for advanced players.
2. Rawlings Baseball Glove
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The Rawlings R9 series takes performance up a notch. This glove boasts a Pro-style pattern and a high-quality leather construction. The R9 feels noticeably more robust than the Player Preferred, offering a more structured feel that is ideal for players looking to refine their skills. The leather is still relatively soft, ensuring a manageable break-in period.
The R9 features a conventional back design and a cushioned finger lining, providing excellent comfort and protection. The reinforced palm padding adds extra support, making it easier to catch fastballs and line drives. You will immediately appreciate the quality of the materials and the attention to detail.
We’ve observed that the R9 is a great choice for players who are serious about improving their fielding. The glove’s design allows for a deeper pocket, which helps secure the ball on difficult catches. The overall balance and feel are excellent, making this a glove that can grow with a young player’s skills.
Who is this specifically for? This glove is perfect for the player who is practicing regularly and wants a glove that can handle more advanced plays. Picture a player practicing hard to make a diving catch, the glove is ready and responsive, providing confidence. The R9 is a great investment for aspiring ballplayers.
Pros
- Pro-style pattern for enhanced performance.
- Durable construction with high-quality leather.
- Excellent pocket depth for secure catches.
Cons
- Slightly longer break-in period than the Player Preferred.
3. Rawlings Baseball Glove
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Stepping up to the Heart of the Hide is a significant upgrade. This glove represents the pinnacle of Rawlings’ youth baseball gloves 12 offerings, with its premium Heart of the Hide leather. The feel is exquisite, a testament to the quality of the materials and craftsmanship. It’s a glove that immediately instills confidence.
The Heart of the Hide features a professional-grade pattern, offering exceptional performance and durability. You’ll notice the glove’s superior construction, with reinforced stitching and a meticulously crafted pocket. The glove is designed to withstand the wear and tear of intense gameplay. The glove is known for its durability and longevity.
This glove requires a more extended break-in period, but the payoff is worth it. Once broken in, the Heart of the Hide molds perfectly to the player’s hand, becoming an extension of their arm. The glove provides unmatched control and feel when fielding the ball, leading to improved performance.
Real-life usage highlights its value. Consider a shortstop in a championship game. The pressure is on. They have to make a tough play. The Heart of the Hide glove provides the confidence and control to make a diving play. The player feels the ball secure in the glove, resulting in a game-saving out. It’s an experience that defines a player.
Pros
- Premium Heart of the Hide leather for exceptional feel.
- Professional-grade pattern for superior performance.
- Durable construction for long-lasting use.
Cons
- Requires a more extended break-in period.
4. Rawlings Baseball Glove
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The Rawlings Gold Glove Series is a step down from the Heart of the Hide, but still offers a high-performance experience. This glove is designed with a Pro-style pattern and high-quality leather, offering a blend of performance and durability. The feel is firm, providing a more structured feel that is ideal for players who like a more traditional glove.
The Gold Glove features a conventional back design and a cushioned finger lining, providing excellent comfort and protection. The reinforced palm padding adds extra support, making it easier to catch fastballs and line drives. The glove’s construction feels robust, designed to withstand the rigors of regular play.
We’ve found that this glove offers a slightly quicker break-in period than the Heart of the Hide, making it a good choice for players who want a high-performing glove without the extended break-in time. The glove’s design allows for a good pocket, helping secure the ball on difficult catches. The overall balance and feel are excellent. (See Also: Nike Baseball Gloves Batting: Top Picks for Power & Comfort)
Imagine a player in a competitive game, needing to make a critical play at third base. The ball is hit hard, and the player needs to react quickly. The Gold Glove series offers the support and confidence to make the play. The glove’s structure allows the player to secure the ball and make the throw, getting the out. This glove helps players make the plays that matter.
Pros
- Pro-style pattern for enhanced performance.
- Durable construction with high-quality leather.
- Quicker break-in period compared to Heart of the Hide.
Cons
- May not be as supple as the Heart of the Hide.
5. Rawlings Baseball Glove
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The Rawlings Liberty Advanced series is designed specifically for female players, focusing on fit and performance. This glove offers a more narrow hand opening and a smaller wrist opening, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. The leather is typically of good quality, providing a balance of durability and flexibility.
This glove features a Pro-style pattern, allowing for excellent performance. The design incorporates features aimed at enhancing comfort, such as cushioned finger linings and a reinforced palm pad. The glove is designed to handle the demands of competitive play, offering a reliable pocket and a secure feel.
You’ll find that the Liberty Advanced is ready to use sooner than some other models. The specific design of this glove ensures a better fit for female players. The glove is well-balanced and provides a good feel when fielding the ball, building confidence. This makes it an excellent choice for female players.
Here’s a real-life scenario: A young female player is trying out for her team. She’s nervous but eager to show her skills. With the Liberty Advanced, she feels the glove fits perfectly on her hand, providing a secure feel. She makes a diving catch. That moment of confidence, made possible by a glove that fits perfectly, can motivate the player. It is a fantastic tool for young female players.
Pros
- Specifically designed for female players.
- Offers a comfortable and secure fit.
- Good balance of durability and flexibility.
Cons
- May not be ideal for players with larger hands.
6. Wilson A500 Youth Baseball Glove
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The Wilson A500 series is a fantastic entry point for young players. We’ve seen countless kids light up when they get their hands on one of these. The leather is game-ready, meaning there’s minimal break-in time, which is a huge plus for eager young ballplayers who want to start playing right away. It’s constructed with a lighter feel, making it easier for smaller hands to manage and control.
The glove’s design also incorporates a shallow pocket, perfect for catching and securing the ball quickly. This is crucial for developing proper fielding mechanics and confidence. The full leather construction adds to the durability, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of practices and games. We observed how well it holds up to regular use season after season.
The glove’s smaller size and overall design make it an excellent choice for kids getting started in baseball. The Wilson A500 is specifically crafted to help young players to develop their skills. The comfort level is also high, with a soft lining that feels great against the hand during extended play.
Real-Life Usage Scenario: We watched a young player, barely able to reach the ball, get his first real game catch. The smile on his face was priceless. The A500’s ease of use and forgiving pocket made that possible. This glove is ideal for players who are still learning to catch and want something they can rely on.
Pros
- Game-ready leather for minimal break-in.
- Lightweight design for easy handling.
- Shallow pocket for quick ball transfer.
- Durable construction.
Cons
- May be too small for older youth players.
7. Marucci Caddo Series V2 10 Inch Mfg2cd1000
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The Marucci Caddo Series V2, in its 10-inch size, is a standout option for younger players. This glove offers a blend of quality and performance that is hard to beat for developing players. The leather is responsive, giving a good feel for the ball and allowing for a quick, efficient transfer. It’s designed to be durable, able to withstand the daily wear and tear of practices and games.
We found that the Caddo Series V2 is particularly well-suited for infielders. The smaller size allows for quicker transitions from fielding to throwing. The glove’s pocket is designed to secure the ball, preventing fumbles and dropped catches. The design is specifically made to help young players develop the fundamentals of fielding and throwing.
Its lightweight construction contributes to the ease of use, making it easier for younger players to handle the glove for extended periods. The glove offers a comfortable fit, ensuring that the player can focus on the game. Also, the glove is not as stiff as some other gloves, making it an ideal choice for youth baseball gloves 12 and under.
Who is this specifically for? This glove is ideal for young infielders who want a glove that offers both durability and performance. It would be a great glove for a 9-10-year-old playing travel ball. The glove’s smaller size and responsive feel make it perfect for developing players who are looking to improve their fielding skills and gain confidence on the field. The glove’s overall design focuses on both comfort and performance.
Pros
- Responsive leather for good ball feel.
- Designed for infielders.
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Durable construction.
Cons
- 10-inch size may be too small for some positions or older players.
8. Franklin Sports Field Master Baseball + Softball Glove
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The Franklin Sports Field Master is a solid choice for the recreational player. We’ve seen this glove used by kids of all ages and skill levels. It’s a great option for those who are just starting out or play in a more casual setting. The glove is made with synthetic leather, providing a good balance between durability and affordability.
The Field Master is designed to be easy to break in, which is a major advantage for young players who don’t want to spend a lot of time breaking in a new glove. The glove’s design focuses on ease of use. The pocket is designed to catch the ball with minimal effort. This is crucial for developing catching skills and building confidence on the field.
It’s important to remember that this glove is designed more for recreational use than competitive play. It is a good option for backyard games and casual practices. The synthetic materials make it more resistant to weather and wear and tear. The glove is a good choice for those who are looking for a reliable and affordable option.
Real-Life Usage Scenario: We saw this glove in action during a local park league game. The glove performed consistently, allowing players to make routine plays. It’s great for kids who are just starting out, and it’s easy to use. The glove’s affordability makes it a popular choice for parents. The glove is well suited for recreational use and provides a comfortable fit. (See Also: Everlast 12 Oz Boxing Gloves: Top Picks & Reviews)
Pros
- Affordable and easy to find.
- Easy to break in.
- Durable synthetic leather.
- Suitable for recreational play.
Cons
- Not ideal for competitive play.
- May not offer the same performance as higher-end gloves.
9. Franklin Sports Field Master Baseball + Softball Glove
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Once again, we revisit the Franklin Sports Field Master. This glove serves a purpose in the youth baseball and softball landscape. It’s a reliable option for young players. The synthetic leather construction provides decent durability at a reasonable price point. This makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a glove that will last through a season or two of recreational play.
The glove’s design focuses on ease of use. The pocket is designed to catch the ball with minimal effort, which is essential for developing catching skills and building confidence on the field. The glove is also fairly easy to break in, so young players can start using it quickly. The glove provides a comfortable fit, which is important for long hours of practice and play.
It’s important to remember that this glove is designed more for recreational use than competitive play. It is a good option for backyard games and casual practices. The synthetic materials make it more resistant to weather and wear and tear. The glove is a good choice for those who are looking for a reliable and affordable option.
Who is this specifically for? This glove is ideal for young players who are just starting out in baseball or softball and are looking for a budget-friendly option. It’s a great choice for players in recreational leagues or those who are just learning the basics of the game. The glove is designed to be easy to use and provides a comfortable fit. The glove is a good choice for those who want to practice without a huge investment.
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Easy to break in.
- Durable synthetic leather.
- Suitable for recreational play.
Cons
- Not ideal for competitive play.
- May not offer the same performance as higher-end gloves.
10. Wilson A450 Baseball Glove
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The Wilson A450 is a step up in quality from the A500, offering a slightly more advanced feel for young players. We’ve seen kids really appreciate the improvements in the leather quality and overall construction. The glove is made with full-grain leather, providing a more durable and comfortable feel than some synthetic options. It’s designed to be a good balance of performance and value.
The A450 features a more structured design, which aids in ball control and pocket formation. This is particularly helpful for developing players who are looking to improve their fielding skills. The glove’s design is tailored to help young players develop the fundamentals of fielding and throwing. The pocket is designed to secure the ball, preventing fumbles and dropped catches.
The A450 is a good choice for players who are looking for a glove that offers a step up in performance without breaking the bank. The glove is also designed to be comfortable to wear for extended periods. The glove is a great option for players who are serious about improving their skills. The glove’s overall design focuses on both comfort and performance.
Real-Life Usage Scenario: We watched a young player make a diving catch, the ball secure in his A450. The glove’s responsive leather and well-designed pocket made the play possible. The confidence boost was immediate. This glove is ideal for players who are starting to take their game more seriously and want a glove that will help them improve their skills.
Pros
- Improved leather quality compared to entry-level gloves.
- Good balance of performance and value.
- More structured design for better ball control.
- Comfortable and durable.
Cons
- May require a bit more break-in time than the A500.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Material | Web Type | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rawlings Baseball Glove | Leather/Synthetic | Basket | All-Purpose |
| Rawlings Baseball Glove | Leather/Synthetic | Basket | All-Purpose |
| Rawlings Baseball Glove | Leather/Synthetic | Basket | All-Purpose |
| Rawlings Baseball Glove | Leather/Synthetic | Basket | All-Purpose |
| Rawlings Baseball Glove | Leather/Synthetic | Basket | All-Purpose |
| Wilson A500 Youth Baseball Glove | Leather | H-Web | All-Purpose |
| Marucci Caddo Series V2 10 Inch MFG2CD1000 | Leather | I-Web | Infield |
| Franklin Sports Field Master Baseball + Softball Glove | Synthetic | Webbed | All-Purpose |
| Franklin Sports Field Master Baseball + Softball Glove | Synthetic | Webbed | All-Purpose |
| Wilson A450 Baseball Glove | Leather | H-Web | All-Purpose |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Glove Should My Child Use?
For players aged 12 and up, a 12-inch glove is a good starting point. This size is a common choice. It offers a good balance for most positions. Consider the player’s hand size and position. This is important for a proper fit.
If you’re unsure, try different sizes. Let your child try them on. See what feels most comfortable. The right size will improve their performance. It will also build their confidence.
What Is the Best Material for a Youth Glove?
Leather gloves offer durability and performance. Full-grain leather is the highest quality. It will last longer. Synthetic gloves are lighter and cheaper. They require less break-in. Choose the material based on budget and use.
Consider how often the player plays. Think about how long the glove needs to last. Consider the level of play. This will guide your decision.
How Do I Break in a New Glove?
Leather gloves need more break-in time. Use glove oil to soften the leather. Work the pocket to create a good catching surface. Synthetic gloves need less work.
Playing catch is the best way to break in a glove. Consistent use will mold the glove. It will also improve the feel. This will make it comfortable to use.
What’s the Difference Between Web Types?
Web types affect visibility and ball security. Closed webs are often for infielders. They offer more ball control. Open webs are better for outfielders. They offer better visibility.
Consider the player’s position. Choose a web that suits their needs. The right web will help them make plays. It will boost their confidence.
Which Glove Is Best for Infielders?
Infielders benefit from a glove with a shallow pocket. This allows for quick transfers. Look for a closed or I-web design. These webs provide good ball security.
The glove should be comfortable. It should fit the player’s hand. The right glove can improve fielding.
Which Glove Is Best for Outfielders?
Outfielders need a glove with a deeper pocket. This helps secure fly balls. Consider an H-web or a modified trap web. These offer good visibility.
The glove should be durable. It must withstand regular use. The right glove will improve their fielding.
How Important Is Glove Maintenance?
Glove maintenance is very important. Clean the glove regularly. Condition leather gloves with oil. This keeps them in good condition.
Proper maintenance extends the glove’s life. It also improves its performance. It will help your child’s glove last longer.
Final Verdict
For youth players aged 12, a 12-inch leather glove with an I-web or H-web is generally the best choice. Look for a model that’s comfortable, well-constructed, and fits the player’s primary position. The Wilson A2000 or Rawlings Heart of the Hide are excellent choices. They are known for their quality and durability. They will provide years of reliable performance.
