The game of baseball, an American favorite since the late 19th century, has evolved tremendously over the past century.
In order to adapt and compete with all these changes, athletes have had to develop skills and techniques that were previously unknown. One skill that has changed the most is throwing a baseball left-handed. Left-handed players in baseball are not just an oddity, they’re a necessity.
So, what is left-handed baseball gloves? Left-handed hitters can be better because the bat is designed for them. They have more control and can be much more accurate.
But their gloves don’t fit lefties as well. That’s why lefty gloves are one of the fastest growing segments in baseball today.
What are Left-Handed Baseball Gloves
Left-handed baseball gloves are designed to be used by left-handed players. Left-handed gloves have a palm that is reversed, which means the glove has a right-hand index finger on the thumb side and the thumb side of the glove is opposite to the index finger.
Left-handed gloves usually use thinner padding on the fingers and palm, as well as smaller seams than their right-handed counterparts. When combining this with a left-handed grip, the glove and wear on it is less than that of their righty counterparts.
These gloves are designed to provide more durability and protection against having those seams in one’s palm or fingers getting ripped or torn out.
Buying left-handed baseball gloves can be difficult as most teams don’t have them available – they often just use cheap leather ones which are available online and in sports stores.
If a local baseball store doesn’t have any, check eBay or your local sporting goods retailer for buying left-handed gloves that can be customized with rubber grips for better grip performance.
Left-handed softball or baseball mitts are specifically made for the left-handed player. The right hand is used as a glove and it helps to protect the palm of softball players in different fields.
It also provides extra grip on certain pitches that are very difficult to hit when playing with your normal equipment.
Benefits of wearing left-handed softball gloves include better visibility while fielding, but they reduce accuracy and endurance, therefore improving the speed at which one can make an accurate throw compared to them
Mizuno today announced Mizuno’s new left-handed pro line baseball mitt. Mizuno’s top-of-the-line glove for left handers comes with a stiffer pocket and pocket construction that provides maximum support during the swing to help provide players with superior feeling, ball feel and accuracy.
Light weight makes this mitt easy on the arm while stylish design compliments any cap or jersey.
Rawlings is a manufacturer of baseball and softball mitts that was founded in 1927.
It was acquired by Newell Rubbermaid Inc. Along with the Rawlings brand, Rawlings also produces soroche products for sports enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike like this left-handed Rawlings baseball glove which has received generally positive reviews from customers.
In addition to being a top-rated company in terms of customer service, Rawlings excels at making its gloves very durable so they will last you many years
Do They Make Left-handed Baseball Gloves?
Most companies, including Nike and Chico9, make them. Most of the gloves do not have full coverage for your backhand which yields fewer catches.
But many brands’ left-handed baseball gloves are very popular in high school, college and adult leagues due to their flexibility with a better fit on that hand from the start compared to conventional pitching mitts or batting styles that require all four fingers covered by glove leather while holding it with one’s hands.
Also, when one is throwing hard (rather than catching), it’s better to have the backhand covered by leather for more grip as opposed to bare skin. Left-Handed baseball gloves come in: – Finger and hand cut design.
The finger increases are identical to conventional but the spacing between them on both hands has been changed from 1in/25mm which fits a right-handed glove pad with no problem at all and is the standard for youth baseball gloves; to 1in/25.4mm which is more comfortable and easier to play catch with.
The regular thumb has also been close together but not touching, without a gap between it and either index finger or picking your nose while catching because of being too small as kids pick their noses on purpose at times anyway LOL!
A right-handed glove may need alteration especially if one’s fingers are closer together than usual after.
While a left-handed position is beneficial for infielders, there are few opportunities to gain exposure as an infielder on a team where the starters are all righties.
The exception being if your team plays with home games in spring training or post-season tournaments in which pitchers switch sides and teams use different rosters from year to year.
Catching is one position that has more leeway for a left-handed player. Even with the catcher’s crouch exposing the hand closest to second base, it’s rare to see a special
outfielder/first baseman/pitcher assigned to catching duties. The fielding accuracy of most infielders often requires them moving from their positions at times during games, and when doing so, it would be difficult for them to hold onto the ball.
As for throws from first base back towards home plate, there is enough room on an infield diamond in which they can do so without leaving any part.
Left-Handed Baseball And Softball Gloves
Left-handed baseball players have long left out in the cold, but that’s about to change! With the popularity of left-handed softball, now is the time to buy left-handed baseball gloves. These gloves offer better grip and control when batting and throwing and protect the hand while playing the sport. When shopping for these gloves, find one that fits comfortably and provides good ventilation. Buying your gloves now will ensure you prepare for the baseball season, which is just around the corner.
Left-Handed Thrower Baseball And Softball Gloves And Mitts
Left-handed throwers face unique challenges when playing baseball and softball. That’s why it’s important to choose the right glove which will allow you to perform at your best. Softball gloves are specifically designed for left-handed batters, while mitts offer more protection when catching the ball. Left-handed throwers also need baseball gloves that protect their hands from fatigue and injury. Be sure to choose a glove that feels comfortable and fits well, so you can focus on playing your best.
Left-Handed Baseball Gloves
Left-handed baseball gloves offer an advantage for left-handed batters. There are a variety of brands available on the market, so it’s important to find the right one for you. When choosing a glove, examine their warranty policy and whether they have customer service in case of any issues. The glove design allows batters to hit balls with a softer hand position, giving them an edge in batting practice and games. Many different brands of left-handed baseball gloves are available on the market, so it’s important to find the right fit for you.
TOP 5 Left-Handed Baseball Gloves
1) Rawlings – DX Left Hand Baseball Glove- $15.99
2) Nike Rip line Pro Aviator XL
3) Mizuno Power glide Custom Parrot bird Left-Handed (Full Back of Wrist Coverage with Blue fingers for Best Player at Each Position.) $135.99 – This is a glove that should be able to last you all your life, as long as you don’t drop it off the height bridge by accident or have it stolen.
It really would make a one-handed catching glove an even more impressive gesture by the other team if you have to pick your own hand out of the air in order for them not to strike out!
4) MVP – Left Handed Mesh Baseball Glove $24.95 This is definitely my favorite MLB game mitt at this time (February 2014). I picked up several pairs from Costco when they were down to under $ 10.
From time to time the price goes over $20 listing at Costco, but you’ll usually be able to find them at a much better deal closer by than they are stated.
5) Mizuno Baseball Outlaw Grip Left-Handed
When ordering left-handed gloves…from any major company (manufacturers on Amazon like Rawlings or Nike) – specify what side of the glove it is for “right hander” or “left hander”! Example of my left-handed glove “Rip liner from Mizuno” is a no holds barred, extra-large Jumbo size in BOTH the 7/8 and adult (XL).
You’re going to contact customer service by email telling them that you want it for a R.H. Listed on product field permanently at the top right corner – retail stores (Wal-Mart or Target) typically will send right hand.
Need Help Finding A Glove?
Left-handed baseball gloves can be a challenging task to find. Luckily, many options are available on the market, so don’t feel stuck. Use online forums and Google searches to find a glove that fits well and is designed for left-handed batters. If you’re still struggling to find the right glove, go in person to try it on before making a purchase. Once you have a glove that fits well, order it from an online retailer or go to a baseball shop in person. Left-handed baseball gloves are a crucial part of the game, so don’t hesitate to get one that fits your hand perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions [ FAQs ]
1. Is It Better To Buy A New Or Used Left-handed Baseball Glove?
Ans: We prefer to buy gloves used. It’s better when the glove is worn by your average right-hander (grade school kids) instead of a high powered, athletic pro hitter for any length of time after purchase –
Which in the long run can cause more wear and tear on even new gloves than cheaper models made from lower quality materials (read…higher end priced expensive molds with plastic ribbing).
2. How Much Should I Spend On A Left-handed Baseball Glove?
Ans: We recommend spending at least $100 to avoid buying a piece of junk. Good quality gloves cost proportionally more – which is justifiable given their craftsmanship and durability (more expensive materials with better fit, comfort infused features).
3. What Are The Benefits Of Left-handed Baseball Gloves?
Ans: So, here’s the deal – a majority of players use their dominant hand to throw or catch.
This alone may not be enough for someone who uses both hands equally (a crunch-time pinch hitter) when they are playing outfield and catching but also need gloves that can serve all purpose positions while at game state.
If you happen to fit in this “two hands equally, two positions” category – then getting great left-handed baseballs is a wise decision.
4. Should I Buy A New Or Used Lefthanded Pitching Machine Too?
Ans: We recommend buying used. We say this because based on our experience, “used machines” often have more durability (painstaking accuracy of off-speed/chop delivery) for repeated use and pickup games that make them last longer than new ones (especially in the long run).
5. Which Left-handed Baseball Glove Is Best For Me?
Ans: A glove is really more of an individual preference than category. The best gloves are just based on personal needs – and can be a matter of how you play, what positions you move around. However, we do have some recommendations based on our experience.
The top left-handed baseball glove brands for the money. Lefty Softball Glove – $99.95 at Amazon. A great bang for your buck (cheap, high quality) glove that comes with a “second hand” as well as two styles of mitts (short and long). This is one of the bestselling left-handed baseball gloves on Amazon.
Final Thought
If you are a left-handed skilled position player, your catcher should be looking for certain glove attributes at the bare minimum:
Thermo knit (the 3-way interior cloth that is tan on all lines – breathable and cool) Textile lined outer back (crops down Fluro glide burn into hands when catching balls out of zone over bait Tip strikes thrown by teenage probe to an embarrassingly near place.
Simulated durable 3 way stretch split palm – and has cut outs on back of hand (allows you to put a wide semi-palm in the back half while catching close pitches.
For more use, your catcher needs to have enough room for the hand place r when catching outlines in the zone or down against level breaking balls thrown across late that are not fully out of season.) I hope now you understand about left-handed baseball gloves.
