baseball glove

sport equipment

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

A baseball glove is a padded leather covering for the hand used in baseball to catch a ball. It typically has individual sections for the thumb and fingers, often connected by webbing.1

Baseball gloves were not always used. Players began wearing them in the 1860s, starting with catchers and first basemen, and eventually all players adopted them. These gloves are constructed of leather with padding. The design varies: a catcher's mitt is thickly padded with a solid face, while a first baseman's glove is thinner and more flexible. Other players use finger gloves with webbing between the thumb and index finger. Gloves are essential for protecting the hand and improving the ability to catch the ball.23

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baseball
Gloves
Baseball was originally played bare-handed. Beginning in 1860, catchers, who attempt to catch every pitch not hit, became the first to adopt gloves. First basemen, who take many throws for putouts from the infielders, soon followed, and finally all players adopted gloves. All gloves…
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Baseball was originally played bare-handed. Beginning in 1860, catchers, who attempt to catch every pitch not hit, became the first to adopt gloves. First basemen, who take many throws for putouts from the infielders, soon followed, and finally all players adopted gloves. All gloves…
Read More