By Mitch Wilson
Baseball gloves come in many different shapes, sizes and colors that can be seen by the average person. What most people don’t see, however, is the connection between a ballplayer and his glove. The way the leather molds to their hand and catches the ball is what makes the glove truly yours. To better understand the upcoming baseball season, it is important to understand the tool of the player’s trade, its functions, top brands in the industry and the bond a player has with his glove.
The functions of a glove are vital to know in order to fully understand why it works the way it does. To start, a glove is simply an extension of a hand, therefore the main parts of it are very similar. Just as one would have on their hand, there is a palm, fingers and wrist. Holding all of those components of the glove together is leather lace which keeps the glove from falling apart. Along with these familiar terms, a baseball glove has some unique aspects. Just like a hand, there is a gap between the index finger and thumb, but on a baseball glove there is a “web” between the two so a ball can be caught in it. At the bottom of the web is the “pocket.” This is the sweet spot for catching the baseball in the glove. Knowing all of these terms is essential in understanding a baseball glove to its fullest.
Now that the basics have been covered, knowing the top brands in the industry is next in understanding the importance of the glove. The three key players in the glove world are Rawlings, Wilson and Mizuno. Every player has their favorite brand and most are usually very loyal to it. Every company has their own unique logo and style that caters towards certain players more than others. The amount of companies in the industry is large, which is great for a baseball player’s selection. The number and quality of brands brings up great debate between players and what glove company is the best and why. The two aspects of a glove that players truly care about is how it feels and how it looks. Multiple brands allow for debate, options and fashion statements.
Lastly, the connection between a ballplayer and their glove is vital to understand. The average non-baseball players would not understand the bond made between a player and their glove, but it is truly unique and special. The way the mitt is broken into each player’s hand makes it one of a kind and valuable to the player. Many major league ball players, such as Brandon Phillips, a second baseman of the Cincinnati Reds, do not let other people put their hand in their glove. Right off the bat this sounds kind of ridiculous, but if someone else puts their hand in the glove it will not fit the same on the owner’s hand, which is a problem. Learning the bond between player and glove makes the game of baseball that much more interesting.
A ballplayer and their glove is a connection that is as strong as any in sports. Understanding the parts of the glove, major brand names in the industry and the connection to the player, the upcoming baseball season can be seen in a new light. Next time you enter a ballpark to watch a game, look at all the different gloves that the players have on. Each of those gloves is uniquely their own and a tool of their trade. A glove is more than must a piece of leather.
