Quick Summary: Getting the right Under Armour catcher’s mitt size is crucial for comfort and performance. For youth players, a 30-32 inch mitt is typical. Adults often use 32.5-34 inches. Always measure your hand and consider the specific model’s fit; a well-sized mitt feels like an extension of your hand, providing confidence and control behind the plate. This guide will walk you through it all.
Welcome to the catcher’s box! It’s your job to be the field general, the stopper of wild pitches, and the one who frames every single strike. A huge part of that job relies on your gear, and nothing is more critical than your catcher’s mitt. But when you’re looking at Under Armour’s lineup, you might see a bunch of different numbers and wonder, “What size mitt do I really need?” It’s a common question, and getting it wrong can lead to fumbles, discomfort, and a less-than-stellar performance. Don’t worry, though! FriskMode is here to help you find that perfect fit, making sure your glove feels like a natural extension of your hand. We’ll break down exactly how to measure, what those sizes mean, and how to pick the Under Armour mitt that will help you own the plate.
Why Catcher’s Mitt Sizing Matters So Much
Think of your catcher’s mitt as the most important tool in your arsenal. It’s not just any glove; it’s designed to absorb the impact of high-velocity pitches and secure them. If it’s too big, you’ll struggle to close it effectively, leading to dropped balls and passed balls. If it’s too small, it might not offer enough protection or pocket space, making it painful to catch and difficult to secure the ball consistently. Finding the right size ensures:
- Better Ball Security: A properly sized mitt allows for a deeper pocket and easier closure, helping you “catch” the ball rather than just block it.
- Increased Comfort: No one wants to catch 90+ mph fastballs with a glove that pinches or feels awkward. The right size means less sting and more focus.
- Improved Feel and Control: When your mitt fits well, you can develop a better feel for the ball and a more consistent grip, crucial for framing pitches and making quick throws.
- Enhanced Protection: A glove that fits snugly will offer optimal padding and coverage, protecting your hand from the force of the pitch.
Understanding Catcher’s Mitt Sizing
Catcher’s mitts are measured differently than other baseball gloves. Instead of length from fingertip to heel, the measurement refers to the circumference of the glove. This measurement is taken along the inside edge of the glove. While most youth mitts fall into a general range, adult sizes have more variation. Under Armour, like other brands, bases its sizing on this circumference.
Key Sizing Points:
- Youth Sizes: Generally range from 30 inches to 32 inches.
- Adult Sizes: Typically start at 32.5 inches and go up to 34 inches.
- Specific Models: Within Under Armour, different lines (like the UA Clean-Up series or specialized catcher’s mitts) might have slightly different fit profiles. Always check the product description.
How to Measure for Your Under Armour Catcher’s Mitt
The best way to determine your size is to measure your hand. While you can’t perfectly replicate a glove’s shape to exact measurements, this will give you a very strong starting point that you can then cross-reference with Under Armour’s sizing charts and descriptions. You’ll need a flexible measuring tape, like one used for sewing.
Step 1: Measure Your Batter’s Hand (for glove feel)
While catcher’s mitts are designed for flexibility, knowing the size of your throwing hand can sometimes influence comfort. For most of your routine baseball gloves, you’d measure from the tip of your index finger down along the palm to the base of your hand, and then across the widest part of your palm. However, for a catcher’s mitt, the most important measurement is for its intended use: catching.
Step 2: Measure Your Glove Hand’s Circumference Preference (simulated)
This is where it gets a bit more intuitive. Take your flexible measuring tape and simulate measuring the circumference of where you want the mitt to fit. Imagine the mitt is closed, and you’re measuring around the pocket and the glove itself. A more practical approach is to measure your actual hand in its most common catching position and then use that as a reference for glove sizes.
Option A: For the Most Accurate Glove Size Reference:
- Extend your non-throwing hand (the one that will wear the mitt) flat, palm up.
- Place the end of the flexible measuring tape at the base of your palm (near your wrist crease).
- Run the tape along the center of your palm, over the base of your fingers (where the glove’s webbing or “hinge” would be).
- Continue the tape up and around the tip of your longest finger (usually the middle finger) and bring it back down to the base of your palm, completing the full circumference.
- This measurement is a close approximation of the circumference of a glove that would fit your hand snugly.
Option B: Using a Current Glove for Reference:
- If you have a current catcher’s mitt that fits well, measure its circumference.
- Lay the mitt flat. Measure along the inner edge, starting from the heel and going up around the outside edge of the pocket and back to the heel. This gives you a baseline for what size you’re comfortable with.
Step 3: Consult Under Armour Sizing Charts
Once you have your measurements, compare them to the official Under Armour sizing charts. These charts are invaluable and can usually be found on the product page for the specific mitt you’re interested in, or on the main Under Armour baseball equipment section of their website. Keep in mind that these charts are a guide, and personal preference plays a huge role.
Example Under Armour Sizing Guide (Illustrative – Always check official charts):
| Circumference (inches) | Suggested Player Type / Age |
|---|---|
| 30-31.5 | Youth (ages 8-12 approximately) |
| 32-33 | Teen/Adult Beginner (ages 13+) |
| 33.5-34 | Adult/Advanced Player |
Step 4: Consider the Mitt’s Design and Your Play Style
Under Armour produces various catcher’s mitt models. Some might have a deeper pocket designed for maximum ball security, while others might be built for quicker transfers. The lacing, web type, and overall shape can also influence how a mitt “feels” on your hand. If you’re a player who relies on framing pitches, you might prefer a mitt that’s slightly more compact but still offers a good pocket. If you’re dealing with significant velocity, a slightly larger mitt with ample padding might be your preference.
Common Under Armour Catcher’s Mitt Sizes Explained
Let’s break down what those numbers typically mean for different players:
For Youth Players (Under Armour Youth Catcher’s Mitts)
Younger players need a mitt that’s manageable. They are still developing hand strength and technique. A mitt that’s too large will be impossible to close, leading to frustration and missed plays. Under Armour’s youth catcher’s mitts usually fall into the 30 to 32-inch range.
- 30 inches: Ideal for the youngest players, typically ages 7-9.
- 31 inches: A good fit for players aged 9-11.
- 32 inches: Suitable for older youth players, around ages 11-13, especially those with larger hands or playing at a more competitive level within youth leagues.
The focus here is on ease of closure and protection. These mitts are designed to help young players learn the fundamentals of catching without the struggle of an oversized glove.
For Teenagers and Developing Adult Players
As players grow, their hands get larger and their strength increases. They can handle a bigger mitt that offers more pocket depth and better protection from faster pitches. Under Armour’s mid-range sizes, often starting around 32.5 inches up to 33 inches, are perfect for this group.
- 32.5 inches: A versatile size that can work for older teens or adults with smaller hands.
- 33 inches: This is a very common adult size and a great starting point for many high school players and adult recreational league players. It offers a good balance of pocket size and control.
These sizes provide a solid foundation for developing good catching habits. The slightly larger pocket helps secure a wider range of pitches, and the increased padding is more forgiving for pitchers throwing with more velocity.
For Advanced Adult Players and Professionals
Experienced adult players often prefer the largest mitts available. These offer the deepest pockets, maximum surface area for catching, and the most protection. Under Armour’s largest catcher’s mitts are typically 34 inches.
- 33.5 inches: A slightly larger option for adults who want a bit more room or preference.
- 34 inches: The standard for many professional and high-level collegiate catchers. This size maximizes pocket depth and control, allowing catchers to present pitches effectively and provide a large target for their pitchers.
At this level, the mitt is an extension of the catcher’s skill. A 34-inch mitt helps in commanding the strike zone, handling high velocity, and blocking effectively.
Choosing the Right Material and Features
While sizing is paramount, other aspects of an Under Armour catcher’s mitt contribute to its effectiveness:
- Leather Quality: High-quality leather, like steerhide or premium kip leather, breaks in better, lasts longer, and offers superior feel. Under Armour uses different grades of leather across their lines; look for descriptions indicating durability and glove feel. You can find great information on glove leather types from resources like MLB.com which details the durability and feel of different leathers.
- Padding: Modern catcher’s mitts have specialized padding in the palm and finger stalls to absorb shock. More advanced mitts will have thicker, more strategically placed padding.
- Web Type: Common web types include the I-web, H-web, and closed basket web. For catchers, closed webs (like basket or modified trap) are popular as they significantly reduce the visibility of the ball to the batter, aiding in pitch framing and hiding the ball’s spin.
- Break-In Period: Even with modern designs, most catcher’s mitts require a break-in period. Some models are designed for a quicker break-in, while others might take longer. Consider how much time you have before needing the mitt to be game-ready.
Tips for Breaking In Your Under Armour Catcher’s Mitt
A new mitt, especially a catcher’s mitt, can feel stiff as a board. Properly breaking it in is crucial for making it game-ready and comfortable. Remember, proper care extends its life and usability. Here’s how to do it:
- Play Catch Consistently: The best way to break in a mitt is to use it. Catching fly balls, grounders, and even soft toss will begin to mold the leather.
- Use Mitt Oil or Conditioner Sparingly: Apply a small amount of conditioner to the pocket and inside of the glove. Work it in with your hands. Too much oil can make the glove heavy and damage the leather.
- The “Glove Mallet” or Closed Fist Method: Gently pound the pocket of the glove with the heel of your hand or a specialized glove mallet. This helps soften the leather and shape the pocket.
- Store It Properly: Never store your mitt tucked away in a ball bag unshaped. Keep it in a place where it can maintain its form. Some players use a glove wrap or place a ball inside the pocket when not in use to help it retain its shape.
- Avoid Extreme Heat: Baking your glove in an oven or leaving it in direct sun for extended periods can dry out and damage the leather. While some traditions involve this, it’s generally not recommended for longevity and quality.
For more in-depth tips and science behind leather care, The Manual offers insights on glove maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Under Armour Catcher’s Mitt Sizing
Q1: How do I know if my Under Armour catcher’s mitt is too big or too small?
If your mitt is too big, you’ll struggle to close it fully around the ball, leading to dropped pitches. If it’s too small, it will feel cramped, tight, and uncomfortable, potentially causing pain and making it harder to secure the ball in the pocket.
Q2: Can I use a regular baseball glove as a catcher’s mitt?
While you can technically catch with a regular glove, it’s not recommended. Catcher’s mitts are specifically designed with a much larger, rounder pocket, heavier padding, and often closed webs for maximum shock absorption and to hide the ball from the batter. Regular gloves lack these specialized features.
Q3: Do professional baseball players use different sized mitts?
Yes, professional players often use the largest available sizes (typically 34 inches for catchers) to maximize their target area and pocket depth. However, personal preference varies, and some might opt for a slightly smaller size if they prioritize quicker transfers or a more compact feel.
Q4: How much should I expect to spend on a good Under Armour catcher’s mitt?
Under Armour offers a range of catcher’s mitts. Youth models can range from $50-$100, while adult and higher-end models can cost anywhere from $100 to $250 or more, depending on the materials, features, and technology used.
Q5: What’s the difference between a left-hand throw (LHT) and right-hand throw (RHT) catcher’s mitt?
A RHT mitt is worn on the left hand (to throw with the right hand), and an LHT mitt is worn on the right hand (to throw with the left hand). It’s crucial to buy the mitt for the hand you throw with. Most players are right-handed throwers, so RHT mitts are much more common.
Q6: Are Under Armour catcher’s mitts good for all levels of play?
Yes, Under Armour produces catcher’s mitts suitable for all levels, from youth leagues and high school to collegiate and even some professional players. They offer a variety of models with different price points and features to meet diverse needs.
Conclusion
Finding the right Under Armour catcher’s mitt size is a critical step towards becoming a more confident and effective player behind the plate. It’s not just about the number on the tag; it’s about how that mitt feels and functions on your hand. By understanding your own hand measurements, consulting Under Armour’s sizing guides, and considering your specific needs as a player, you can zero in on that perfect fit. A well-sized, properly broken-in mitt will feel like an extension of your arm, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: blocking, framing, and making every play count. So take your time, measure carefully, and get ready to own the catcher’s box with your new, perfectly fitting Under Armour mitt!