Customer Rewards® Program
Shop
Use your Customer Rewards card every time you shop at GAME DAY SPORTS. Simply show your Customer Rewards card at the checkout to receive your points.
Use your Customer Rewards number every time you shop at MyGameDaySports.com (coming soon!). Simply enter your Customer Rewards number at the checkout.
Score Points
Earn one Customer Rewards point for every $1 of merchandise you purchase at GAME DAY SPORTS or online at MyGameDAySports.com.
Earn Rewards
Once you accumulate 250 points, you'll earn a $15 reward.
We'll automatically send your Rewards Certificate to you by mail or deduct it from your next purchase at GAME DAY SPORTS.
Use your Customer Rewards Certificate toward the things you want most at GAME DAY SPORTS or online at MyGameDaySports.com.
After you've earned your Rewards Certificate, start earning points again, every time you shop.
How To Buy A Baseball Glove
Gloves, like the hands they fit, come in a variety of sizes. Baseball and softball gloves also are geared to fit both the position you play and the level of your game. Keep these factors in mind when you decide which style, size, features and materials best suit your game.
Gloves by Fielding Position
Catcher
First base
Infield
Outfield
Softball
Find the Features that Fit Your Game
Construction
Materials
Gloves by Fielding Position
Gloves are made to better help you field your position. A key element in determining the size mitt you buy is the position you play in the field.
Catcher
A fingerless mitt (it does not have individual fingers)
Has heavy padding to reduce the sting from the pitcher's throw
Reinforced to withstand the heavy use throughout a game
First base
Also resembles a mitten, but has less padding than the catcher's mitt
It is longer to help the first baseman field throws from infielders
A shallow pocket allows the first baseman to quickly retrieve the ball from the mitt
Infield
A five-fingered glove with a shallow pocket
A youth size is between 9 - 11 inches
Adults 10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inch is the typical baseball size
Softball infielder gloves have a deeper pocket to accept the bigger ball
Second basemen need a smaller glove to help make those quick throws while still having control
Shortstops use something in the middle for grounders and quick throws
Third basemen need a larger glove
Outfield
Usually sized at 12 to12 1/2-inches for adults, about 11 inches for children
A deeper pocket to handle balls hit high in the air
Longer length to give as much reach as possible
If you plan to play several positions, find a glove that provides the most control for a variety of outfield positions
Softball gloves
Generally larger both in the pocket and length to help players handle the larger ball
If you play both baseball and softball, and you only want to buy one glove, select a softball glove
Find the Features that Fit Your Game
Today's gloves have different features built-in to help your game and to suit your ability. Here are the key features constructed into gloves and what to consider in finding the glove that suits you.
Construction
Pocket
The size of the pocket depends on your position
Shallow pockets really help middle infielders quickly grab the ball and throw
Deeper pockets help outfielders shag down fly balls
Softball players also need a bigger pocket to catch the bigger ball
Webbing
Different styles of webbing are available to either help you better field your position or to fit your preference
A closed web is preferred for pitchers who want to hide the ball from the batter
Outfielders and third basemen like the extra support from a closed web
An open web helps middle infielders get the ball out of their gloves quicker to make throws
Backs
There are two choices of backs, open or closed
The type of back is matter of personal preference, but some styles fit some positions better
The open back leaves a space open across the glove's back
Middle infielders prefer this for the flexibility
Outfielders prefer a closed back with a "finger hole" for extra support
Wrist adjustment
Gloves come with an adjustment to keep it snug. Not all gloves have these "fit systems."
A D-ring fastener allows you to pull on the lacing and make the glove tighter or looser
A Velcro fastener although it may wear quicker, offers convenience of pulling and adjusting to fit your comfort level
A Lacing adjustment allows you to loosen or tighten the wrist fastener with leather laces.
A Buckle system adjusts the glove with a buckle similar to an adjustable hat
Padding
The amount of padding in the pocket depends on the position played
The catcher's mitt has more padding to handle hard throws from a pitcher
Glove makers have been adding more padding for other positions as well to help players handle the sting of hard-hit balls
There also may be padding in the wrist area to make the glove more comfortable
Materials
Gloves come in a variety of materials, with the difference being in the feel and durability.
Leather
Materials of choice for gloves
Leather offers the best comfort, control and feel
The better the leather, the better the glove
Treated leather
Leather is treated and softened with chemicals for faster break-in and increased durability
Treated leather also reduces the care needed for the glove and helps the glove keep its shape
Synthetic materials
A lighter, less-durable material
Less expensive, good for youngsters
Won't withstand the wear and tear of playing ball nearly as well as leather
Fit the Glove to Your Hand
Although age is also a factor, the position you play is the most important consideration in choosing a baseball or softball glove.
Youngsters/Beginners
Youth models are smaller to help kids maintain control
Avoid the urge to buy a bigger glove that you'll grow into
Kids under the age of 8 should stick with a glove from 9 to 11 inches
Kids from 8 to early teens, consider an 11-inch glove
Beginners also benefit from the added control that they get from smaller gloves
High School/ Adult
Outfielders need 12 to 12 1/2 inch gloves with deeper pockets
Infielders need smaller gloves (10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inch) with shallower pockets for better control and quicker ball transfer
Pitchers can go with a slightly larger glove than infielders but still need a small enough glove for fielding and throwing quickly
Softball players require gloves that are slightly longer in length and deeper in the pocket to help field the bigger ball
Gloves, like the hands they fit, come in a variety of sizes. Baseball and softball gloves also are geared to fit both the position you play and the level of your game. Keep these factors in mind when you decide which style, size, features and materials best suit your game.
Gloves by Fielding Position
Catcher
First base
Infield
Outfield
Softball
Find the Features that Fit Your Game
Construction
Materials
Gloves by Fielding Position
Gloves are made to better help you field your position. A key element in determining the size mitt you buy is the position you play in the field.
Catcher
A fingerless mitt (it does not have individual fingers)
Has heavy padding to reduce the sting from the pitcher's throw
Reinforced to withstand the heavy use throughout a game
First base
Also resembles a mitten, but has less padding than the catcher's mitt
It is longer to help the first baseman field throws from infielders
A shallow pocket allows the first baseman to quickly retrieve the ball from the mitt
Infield
A five-fingered glove with a shallow pocket
A youth size is between 9 - 11 inches
Adults 10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inch is the typical baseball size
Softball infielder gloves have a deeper pocket to accept the bigger ball
Second basemen need a smaller glove to help make those quick throws while still having control
Shortstops use something in the middle for grounders and quick throws
Third basemen need a larger glove
Outfield
Usually sized at 12 to12 1/2-inches for adults, about 11 inches for children
A deeper pocket to handle balls hit high in the air
Longer length to give as much reach as possible
If you plan to play several positions, find a glove that provides the most control for a variety of outfield positions
Softball gloves
Generally larger both in the pocket and length to help players handle the larger ball
If you play both baseball and softball, and you only want to buy one glove, select a softball glove
Find the Features that Fit Your Game
Today's gloves have different features built-in to help your game and to suit your ability. Here are the key features constructed into gloves and what to consider in finding the glove that suits you.
Construction
The size of the pocket depends on your position
Shallow pockets really help middle infielders quickly grab the ball and throw
Deeper pockets help outfielders shag down fly balls
Softball players also need a bigger pocket to catch the bigger ball
Webbing
Different styles of webbing are available to either help you better field your position or to fit your preference
A closed web is preferred for pitchers who want to hide the ball from the batter
Outfielders and third basemen like the extra support from a closed web
An open web helps middle infielders get the ball out of their gloves quicker to make throws
Backs
There are two choices of backs, open or closed
The type of back is matter of personal preference, but some styles fit some positions better
The open back leaves a space open across the glove's back
Middle infielders prefer this for the flexibility
Outfielders prefer a closed back with a "finger hole" for extra support
Wrist adjustment
Gloves come with an adjustment to keep it snug. Not all gloves have these "fit systems."
A D-ring fastener allows you to pull on the lacing and make the glove tighter or looser
A Velcro fastener although it may wear quicker, offers convenience of pulling and adjusting to fit your comfort level
A Lacing adjustment allows you to loosen or tighten the wrist fastener with leather laces.
A Buckle system adjusts the glove with a buckle similar to an adjustable hat
Padding
The amount of padding in the pocket depends on the position played
The catcher's mitt has more padding to handle hard throws from a pitcher
Glove makers have been adding more padding for other positions as well to help players handle the sting of hard-hit balls
There also may be padding in the wrist area to make the glove more comfortable
Materials
Gloves come in a variety of materials, with the difference being in the feel and durability.
Leather
Materials of choice for gloves
Leather offers the best comfort, control and feel
The better the leather, the better the glove
Treated leather
Leather is treated and softened with chemicals for faster break-in and increased durability
Treated leather also reduces the care needed for the glove and helps the glove keep its shape
Synthetic materials
A lighter, less-durable material
Less expensive, good for youngsters
Won't withstand the wear and tear of playing ball nearly as well as leather
Fit the Glove to Your Hand
Although age is also a factor, the position you play is the most important consideration in choosing a baseball or softball glove.
Youngsters/Beginners
Youth models are smaller to help kids maintain control
Avoid the urge to buy a bigger glove that you'll grow into
Kids under the age of 8 should stick with a glove from 9 to 11 inches
Kids from 8 to early teens, consider an 11-inch glove
Beginners also benefit from the added control that they get from smaller gloves
High School/ Adult
Outfielders need 12 to 12 1/2 inch gloves with deeper pockets
Infielders need smaller gloves (10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inch) with shallower pockets for better control and quicker ball transfer
Pitchers can go with a slightly larger glove than infielders but still need a small enough glove for fielding and throwing quickly
Softball players require gloves that are slightly longer in length and deeper in the pocket to help field the bigger ball
Sizing Chart
Age Position Glove size
Under 8 Infield 9 inches
Under 8 Outfield 11 inches
9-13 Infield 9-10 inches
9-13 Outfield 11-12 inches
High School/Adult Infield 10 1/2-11 1/2 inches
High School/Adult Outfield 12-12 1/2 inches
Fit Tips for Gloves
Softball (Adult):
Age Position Glove size
Under 8 Infield 9 inches
Under 8 Outfield 11 inches
9-13 Infield 9-10 inches
9-13 Outfield 11-12 inches
High School/Adult Infield 10 1/2-11 1/2 inches
High School/Adult Outfield 12-12 1/2 inches
Fit Tips for Gloves
Softball (Adult):
- The larger sizes (13 to 14 inches) are manufactured for softball players.
- Outfielders typically wear gloves in the 12.5 to 13.5-in range because the large pocket makes for great catching.
- Infielders looking for quick transfer often use a slightly smaller glove, between 12 and 13 inches.
- Pitchers, like infielders, usually prefer the quick transfer of smaller, 12 to 13-in gloves
- Middle infielders should look for a shallower pocket within the recommended size range.
Youth and Beginner:
- Gloves that are too big allow "cheating," preventing beginners from developing and refining proper skills. Kids' gloves should not be bought to be grown into. The best way to learn the fundamentals of fielding and catching is by wearing a glove that fits well
Kids 12 and Under:
- No larger than 12 inches. Kids 8 and older should try gloves in the 11s, while younger kids (especially if they are smaller) should consider gloves in 9 to 11 inch range.
Adolescent:
- Choose the lower end of the adult size range for your position.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
