Seth BrundageFinding the best youth baseball gloves is extremely important, but also very difficult. Between the several different youth age groups and the sheer volume of youth baseball gloves reviews in 2022, there are so many options to choose from. Finding the absolute best youth baseball glove for the right age requires deep knowledge of the game and its products.
To make it easier to find that top-rated youth baseball glove for your son or daughter, we’ve taken all of the youth glove reviews and boiled it down to the 10 best, with options for all age groups and preferences.
Our list of the best youth baseball glove reviews are listed in no particular order. There are options available for all budgets, positions and age ranges. Whether you need the overall best baseball glove for a 10-year-old, or the best baseball glove for a 7-year-old infielder, this list has you covered.
We also assign each youth baseball glove review a special award that signifies its standout quality and why it makes our list of the best youth baseball gloves.
These are the best youth baseball gloves in 2022:
- Rawlings R9 11.5-Inch Glove
- Shoeless Joe Joe Junior 10-Inch Glove
- Nokona X2 Elite 11.25-Inch Glove
- Mizuno Prospect PowerClose 11.5-Inch Glove
- Under Armour Deception 31.5-Inch Mitt
- Marucci Ascension AS3Y 12.5-Inch Mitt
- Rawlings Prodigy 11.5-Inch Glove
- Rawlings HOH Mark Of A Pro 11.25-Inch Glove
- Easton Pro 10.5-Inch Jose Ramirez Glove
- Louisville Slugger Genesis 12-Inch Glove
1. Rawlings R9 11.5-Inch Glove
One of the most popular youth baseball gloves
Rawlings is often the first brand that comes to mind when players think about baseball gloves. So, it’s no wonder why the Rawlings R9 Series glove is one of the the most popular youth baseball gloves on the market.
But, it’s not just the brand name (after all, there are plenty of other top Rawlings youth baseball gloves). What makes this glove a best-selling youth baseball glove is its fantastic design and features.
The Rawlings R9 Series 11.5-Inch glove is made from a soft, yet durable leather that is treated to last for seasons to come. You won’t need a new glove until your child grows out of this one! The softer leather offers a fast break-in; a quick session of catch and the Rawlings R9 Series is ready for game time.
Rawlings recommends this glove for infielders and pitchers. However, the modified trapeze webbing and 11.5-inch pattern could make it one of the best youth outfield baseball gloves for younger age groups, like 7 to 9 year olds. For added protection to the hand, this glove features a reinforced palm pad to absorb the sting from hard hit or thrown balls.
What we like (and don’t like) about the Rawlings R9 11.5-inch glove:
- A solid overall design.
- Features for all positions.
- Palm protection for fewer painful stings.
- Not designed for outfielders.
- Trapeze webbing is unusual for infield gloves.
The Rawlings R9 Series 11.5-Inch youth baseball glove is a solid overall glove that can be used across different age groups and positions. It’s easy to see why it is the most popular youth baseball glove on the market!
2. Shoeless Joe Joe Junior 10-Inch Glove
Coolest looking youth baseball glove
Some players, even at the youth age groups, want a totally unique glove. They don’t want the same Rawlings R9 model as everyone else. They want something cool that stands out. Enter the Shoeless Joe Junior baseball glove.
The Shoeless Joe company is known for the look and feel of their gloves. The leathers of these gloves are aged and rubbed with certain spices and mixture to create a vintage look. The Shoeless Joe Junior looks like it could be decades old, but it is a brand new youth baseball glove!
It’s not just about looking cool; the authentic vintage feel of these gloves is something that cannot be found from another brand. The leathers are hand cut and sewn to create a unique and unstructured glove every time.
The Shoeless Joe Junior 1000JRIW has a 10-inch pattern that is best used in younger age groups. It is one of the best baseball gloves for 8-year-olds to 10-year-olds. The glove has an I Web that is best suited for the infield.
What we like (and don’t like) about the Joe Junior 10-inch glove:
- A vintage look and feel that you can’t get anywhere else.
- Hand-cut glove for a totally unique product every time.
- Soft leathers are easy to break-in.
- 10-inch pattern is too small for older youth players.
- I-web isn’t recommended for outfielders.
The Joe Junior 10-inch youth baseball glove is the coolest looking model out there. It’s unique look and feel can’t be found anywhere else.
3. Nokona X2 Elite 11.25-Inch Glove
A top-end youth baseball glove
Nokona takes quality and performance to new levels, even at the youth level. While the Nokona X2 Elite Series 11.25-inch glove is the most expensive glove on the list, the price is justified in the features.
For one, this high-end youth baseball glove is made largely from kangaroo leather. Kangaroo leather is extremely lightweight, which is perfect for a baseball glove. It’s also one of the toughest leathers in the world, so this glove is built to last.
The Kangaroo leather is mixed with pre-oiled, top-grain Stampede Steerhide to form an exceptional glove for all positions. Nokona really designed this youth glove as a utility model, with a modified trapeze webbing. That said, the +/- 11.25-inch size (Nokona uses approximate measurements because the gloves are handmade) is better suited for the infield.
Inside the Nokona X2 Elite Series baseball glove is the Nolera Composite Padding System. This impressive interior creates full protection on the player’s hand and eliminates any possible sting from a sharp line drive or a hard throw from a teammate.
Essentially, this is the same Nokona glove as the adult model, except its lighter and fitted with smaller hand opening for youth players. Thus, it carries a very steep price tag, especially for a youth glove.
What we like (and don’t like) about the Nokona X2 Elite 11.25-inch glove:
- Kangaroo leather is exceptionally strong but lightweight.
- Stampede Steerhide adds another layer of durability and feel.
- Nolera Composite Padding offers complete hand protection.
- The most expensive youth baseball glove on the list.
- 11.25-inch glove pattern may be too small for older youth players.
When you spring for the most expensive youth baseball glove, you’re practically guaranteed to receive a high-end product. If your son or daughter is serious about baseball and you have the budget, the Nokona X2 Elite Series youth baseball glove is a perfect option, especially for infielders!
4. Mizuno Prospect PowerClose 11.5-Inch Glove
The best value youth glove for the money
Baseball beginners, which is the majority of youth age groups, don’t really need a glove with fancy features and high-quality leathers. Do these traits help? Of course. But, what a young baseball player really needs is a glove that can teach them how to be a better ballplayer. That is exactly what the Mizuno Prospect PowerClose glove offers!
It’s all thanks to the PowerClose Technology that is actually designed to make it easier to catch and field balls. After all, many young players have a hard time learning how to close the glove firmly on the ball. The V Flex Notch also helps by creating a natural flex point to assist further in naturally closing and opening the glove.
The Mizuno PowerClose 11.5-inch glove is made from Pigskin Leather to maintain the integrity of the glove for seasons to come. The ButterSoft Palm Liner inside this top-rated youth glove delivers a great, comfortable feel on the hand and the ParaShock Palm Pad will reduce any potential sting.
With its 11.5-inch pattern size and Tartan Flex Web, it’s a good youth baseball glove for all positions and most ages. There is also an 11-inch model for players in younger age groups.
What we like (and don’t like) about the PowerClose 11.5-inch glove:
- PowerClose design helps young players field and catch more easily.
- Usable at all positions on the field (minus catcher and first base).
- An extremely affordable glove.
- Not a true infield or outfield glove.
- May not be as durable as higher quality gloves.
Not only does the Prospect Series PowerClose 11.5-inch glove comes at an affordable price, but it is packed with features that help young players develop their fundamentals. It is easily the best Little League baseball glove for the money.
5. Under Armour Deception 31.5-Inch Mitt
The best youth catcher’s mitt
When it comes to the best youth catcher’s mitts, you need a glove that is durable, protective and helps you behind the plate. The Under Armour Deception Series youth catcher’s mitt is carefully engineered to offer all three of these qualities in abundance.
Starting with durability, the Under Armour Deception mitt is made from Steerhide Leather. This leather is incredibly easy to break-in, so your mitt is ready for game play almost as soon as you get it.
Next, the PTH Padding System aims to absorb ball impact, thereby protecting the hand and improving the overall durability of the mitt. That’s right, it handles protection and durability! Plus, with a thicker heel and toe pads, this protection really extends to the entire surface of the hand.
These features – thicker heel and toe pads – also translate into better performance. They are designed to absorb impact and keep the rebound at a minimum. So, if the pitch isn’t received cleaned by the catcher, it won’t bounce far out of reach. And, if it is a little off-target, it will rebound into the pocket!
On the topic of performance, the back of the Under Armour Deception youth catcher’s mitt is perforated to help reduce weight. This provides more maneuverability behind the plate. And, the very wide and deep pocket of this top-rated youth catcher’s mitt will catch anything the pitcher throws!
What we like (and don’t like) about the Deception Series 31.5-inch catcher’s mitt:
- Steerhide Leather is exceptionally durable, so the mitt will last for seasons to come.
- PTH Padding System offers total protection to the player’s hand.
- Thicker heel and toe pads offer supreme rebound control to keep balls close.
- Thick padding can make the mitt hard to close.
- Not available for left-handed catchers.
With an affordable price and great performance-enhancing features, the Deception Series 31.5-inch youth catcher’s mitt from Under Armour is the best youth catcher’s mitt for younger age groups, It’s likely the best catcher’s mitt for 8-year-olds to 11-year-olds.
6. Marucci Ascension AS3Y 12.5-Inch Mitt
The best youth first base mitt
When it comes to first base, the Marucci Ascension Series 12.5-inch first base mitt is a great option for young players at the top of their game. The mitt is made from top-quality Steerhide Leather and rawhide USA laces. It is exceptionally strong and will stand up to the roughest games.
This youth first base mitt has a single post webbing and a very deep pocket to ensnare any ball with ease, whether hit or thrown. Plus, the deep pocket and 12.5-inch pattern present a huge target for your infielders to hit.
If they throw too hard trying to make a quick play, the finger stalls of the Marucci Ascension Series are built to withstand. Thus, the top of the mitt won’t bend back and cause a pass ball situation.
Marucci’s engineers also thought about player comfort in the design of this youth first base mitt. The Ascension Series mitt has added padding in the finger and palm. This cushioning is both protective and durable, but adds very little weight to the overall glove. That means the player can still perform to their best ability, but they don’t need to worry about painful stings from hard throws or blistering hits down the line.
Perhaps the only drawback to the Marucci Ascension 12.5-inch first base mitt is its price. It is a high-end youth baseball glove that may not fit in every player’s budget.
What we like (and don’t like) about the AS3Y 12.5-inch first base mitt:
- A top-quality first base mitt for youth players.
- Every part of the glove is built for durability and performance.
- An extremely large pocket and webbing to offer other infielders a big target to hit.
- The first base mitt has a white leather design that is going to get dirty very fast.
- It is not a cheap first base mitt for youth players.
- May be too large for younger age groups.
If you don’t mind the higher end price of the Marucci Ascension Series 12.5-inch mitt, then you have an excellent glove that is specifically built to handle this tough position on the field.
7. Rawlings Prodigy 11.5-Inch Glove
The best youth infield baseball glove
As mentioned earlier, the best youth baseball gloves are designed to be learning tools that help young players establish the fundamentals that will carry them through later years of playing in older leagues. The Rawlings Prodigy 11.5-inch glove is just the type of learning tool that young baseball players need.
It’s all thanks to Rawlings’ Sure Catch Design that makes this youth glove easier to close down on the ball. Again, a lot of young players have problems controlling the ball because their gloves are too stiff. The Prodigy 11.5-inch baseball glove ensures that this doesn’t happen. When young players are more confident with their glove and their ability in the field, they perform better and stay with the sport for longer.
The Rawlings Prodigy also makes it more comfortable to play. The 3D Palm Lining, for example, effectively controls sweat and wicks away moisture, which is a tremendous luxury during a hot day game! This is one of the best youth infield baseball gloves at protecting the palm and index finger area with extra padding. That means no more stinging from a hard hit ball!
This top-quality youth infield baseball glove is made from a Full-Grain Leather Shell that, while softer than most leathers, still delivers on durability and shape retention. Plus, softer leathers are faster to break-in, so your son or daughter will be ready for gametime right away!
The Rawlings Prodigy youth baseball glove has the typical I-Web, which is popular for infielders. For players in younger age groups or with smaller hands, there is also an 11-inch pattern.
What we like (and don’t like) about the Prodigy 11.5-inch infield glove:
- SureCatch Design helps young players build their fundamentals and be more confident.
- Full-Grain Leather Shell is comfortable, durable and quick to get ready for play.
- 3D Palm Lining removes the distraction of sweat and moisture from inside the glove.
- Not available for left-handed players.
- Softer leathers are comfortable, but may not be as durable as other materials.
Awarding the Rawlings Prodigy 11.5-inch youth baseball glove the honors of the “Best Youth Infield Baseball Glove” is easy. This glove helps players build confidence, while providing quality materials and features to get the job done on the field!
8. Rawlings HOH Mark Of A Pro 11.25-Inch Glove
Runner-up best youth infield glove
While the Rawlings HOH Mark Of A Pro youth baseball glove has a smaller, 11.25-inch pattern, it is recommended for players in the age group of 9-13. It’s a great alternative to the Rawlings Prodigy that brings this smaller pattern and higher quality materials with the same I-Web that is ideal for infielders.
For instance, Rawlings Heart of the Hide (HOH) shell is constructed from only the top percentiles of all steerhide leathers that the Rawlings company has. This is the same material that is used in Rawlings’ high-end adult glove models, which ensures top-notch quality with every Mark Of A Pro youth glove.
Further guaranteeing the quality of this product is the fact that each Rawlings HOH Mark Of A Pro youth glove is made by hand. That’s something that you really don’t see often from competing youth baseball gloves.
The interior of this top youth infield baseball glove is built with comfort, protection and performance in mind. The Reinforced Palm Pad lessens the sting from a sharp line drive, which means your young player never has to worry when making the big play. For comfort, full-grain leather finger back linings offer a soft and relaxed fit that any young player can enjoy.
What we like (and don’t like) about the Mark Of A Pro 11.25-inch glove:
- Made from the same top-quality materials as the adult Rawlings Heart Of The Hide Gloves.
- 11.25-inch pattern and I-Web design are perfect for youth infielders with small hands.
- Reinforced Palm Pad limits the sting from hard hit balls.
- High-quality materials come with a higher price tag than most youth baseball gloves.
- 11.25-inch design may be too small for older youth players.
The Rawlings HOH Mark Of A Pro 11.25-inch glove may actually be a better glove than the Rawlings Prodigy. However, because of its expensive price tag, it comes in as our runner-up pick for the best youth infield glove.
9. Easton Pro 10.5-Inch Jose Ramirez Glove
The best glove for new players
Confidence is crucial in baseball. Unfortunately, new youth players rarely have any of it. Not only are they learning a new sport, but other players may have more experience. When these young players can’t find confidence in their own abilities, they need to have confidence in their equipment.
The Easton Professional Series 10.5-inch youth baseball glove is the perfect option for these greenhorn ballplayers for a number of reasons. It may be the best baseball glove for 7-year-old and 8-year-old players that are starting their first year of Little League.
First, this glove is the same pattern as Jose Ramirez, an all-star MLB infielder. It’s just shrunk down for smaller hands. This pro-inspired design gives children the sense that they are a true ballplayer.
Also building confidence in beginners is Easton’s Flex Notch Technology. This allows the glove to close more easily, which improves catch rates and thereby grows self-esteem in a young player.
Aside from building confidence, the Jose Ramirez Easton Pro Series youth glove is noteworthy because of its amazing comfort features. The glove is made from Hog Hide Leather that is designed to be ultra-soft and easy on the hands. This comfort is further helped by the Super Soft Palm Lining on the inside of the youth baseball glove.
It’s also worth mentioning that this glove looks great too! The navy blue and red color scheme is drawn from the Cleveland Indians, Jose Ramirez’s team. Every logo is raised and embroidered for an impressive texture and bold appearance.
What we like (and don’t like) about the Easton 10.5-inch Jose Ramirez glove:
- Inspired by one of the game’s best and most popular infielders.
- Awesome color design that will have your young player looking great.
- An incredibly comfortable glove to wear and play with.
- Soft leathers can have problems with long-term durability.
- Many players will grow out of this model quickly.
With an ultra-affordable price and lots of features to build confidence in a new player, the Easton Professional Series 10.5-inch glove is a great choice for first-year baseball players.
10. Louisville Slugger Genesis 12-Inch Glove
The best youth pitcher’s glove
Pitchers ask for a different set of qualities from their baseball glove. It needs to be lightweight, so as not to throw off their balance or get in the way of their pitching. It also needs to have a closed webbing to hide the ball from hitters. The Louisville Slugger Genesis 12-inch glove delivers on both of these must-haves, as well as a few other noteworthy features.
This youth glove is made from a combination of leather and nylon mesh. The leather exists in the palm and webbing, as these are the points where the glove needs strength and durability, especially for fielding.
However, the full back of the glove is made from a combination of Ballistic Nylon and mesh. These materials keep the glove incredibly lightweight for unencumbered movement. The mesh and nylon also make the glove breathable and offer a fit that’s ready right out of the box. No break-in time required!
The 12-inch pattern and Closed Channel Web offer more than enough size to hide the ball until your youth pitcher is ready to deliver. Thus, hitters won’t be able to see the grip and guess what pitch is coming next.
The Louisville Slugger Genesis has an adjustable velcro wrist strap that tightens or loosens the glove for a really customizable fit.
What we like (and don’t like) about the Genesis 12-inch glove:
- One of the few youth baseball gloves designed specifically for pitchers.
- Closed webbing hides the ball until the pitcher begins his or her delivery.
- Extremely lightweight glove that doesn’t get in the way of the pitcher’s motion.
- Lightweight mesh may not hold up at other positions.
- Closed webbing limits visibility when fielding the ball.
If you want the best youth pitcher’s glove, the Genesis 12-inch glove from Louisville Slugger is a top choice. With its closed webbing and lightweight design, it allows the pitcher to do his or her job without disruption.
Conclusions
It can feel overwhelming to find the absolute best youth baseball gloves for your children to use and excel with. That’s because there is way too many options available to choose from! With this list of the top youth baseball glove reviews, you can find a glove for any age group and make your young player prepared for the 2022 season.
