catcher’s mitt

A catcher's mitt, also known as a baseball mitt, is a specialized glove used in baseball. It is designed for the catcher, who attempts to catch every pitch not hit by the batter. The mitt is made of leather and features significant padding, particularly at the center where the ball is caught. It has a cleft between the thumb and index finger and cannot exceed specific size regulations for circumference and length. First basemen also use a similar, though more flexible, type of glove. Baseball was originally played without gloves, but catchers began using them in the 1860s, with other players eventually following suit.12