Calling all outfielders! Are you on the hunt for a new baseball glove or softball glove? Do you know what to look for to ensure you get the right glove for your position? To best do their job, infielders and outfielders need gloves with different size, pocket depth, and webbing. So if you’re wondering if an infield glove can be used for the outfield, we wouldn’t recommend it. Now, let's get into the difference between infield gloves and outfield gloves.
Infielder Gloves:
Because infielders are often switching between different positions and making quick plays, they need a more versatile glove with shorter length. An adult infielder should be looking for a 11” to 12” size. Infielders also have a shallower pocket to help them find and transfer the ball easier, and looser webbing so they don’t catch too much dirt.
But, what is the difference between infielder and outfielder gloves?
Outfielder Gloves:
When outfielders are catching fly balls and line drives, a deep pocket can make it easier to really get the catch in the leather, which is more important for them than the quick release. Beyond a deep pocket and a larger size, the webbing of an outfielder glove can be based on preference.
Are you on the hunt for a new baseball or softball glove? While the standard size glove for adult outfielders is anywhere between 12 1/4 - 12 3/4 inches, the type of web you should use is debatable. Have you ever wondered, "What type of glove web is best for outfielders?" JustBallGloves.com explains the different outfield glove webs and what might work for you.
Before we get started, the recommended glove webs for outfielders are based on customer feedback, professional use, and design features. But, it is ultimately a personal preference, so make sure to choose the type of web that is best for you or your player.
According to Rawlings University, the two most popular webs for outfielders are an H-web and a Trap-Eze web. Here's why:
While this is specific to Rawlings outfield gloves, it applies to all outfielder gloves. To summarize, an H-web and a Trap-Eze web (also known as a six finger web) are the two best webs for outfielders. These two popular web types are broken down for you below:
H-Web Outfield Gloves
With two vertical posts and one horizontal post, it's obvious as to why these webs are referred to as an H-web. The reason behind this design is to create openings in the web that offer more visibility when catching pop flys. Popular brands that create gloves with an H-web include:
Trap-Eze Web Outfield Gloves | Six Finger Web Outfield Gloves
The term trap-eze is exclusive to Rawlings gloves. Other glove manufacturers use the six finger term. Essentially, the two are the same. Trap-Eze (aka six finger) webs form a solid pocket that, once broken in, are deeper than average to avoid dropping fly balls. Ichiro Suzuki, one of Major League Baseball's most accoladed outfielders, used what is now called the "Ichiro web," which is a six finger web in disguise. Popular brands that create gloves with a six finger web include:
- All-Star Six Finger Web Gloves
- Nokona Six Finger Web Gloves
- Shoeless Joe Six Finger Web Gloves
- Rawlings Trap-Eze Web Gloves
In short, it's best to have a deep pocket that offers extra visibility whenever you're playing in the outfield. Both the H-web and the six finger web accomplish this with ease. What do you think? Do you play in the outfield? What type of web do you prefer?
If you have any baseball glove or softball glove related questions, our Glove Experts are available via telephone at 866-321-4568, email at experts@justballgloves.com, or you can click here to live chat. Don't forget, we'll be here for you from click to catch!
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