You tend to appreciate the time spent with your buddies when you are young rather than the time spent with your dad.
But as you grow older, you realize those moments are the best. Those balls thrown around the backyard are priceless even if your dad was not the best at baseball. At least to me, they are…
You try to do the same now, especially if you have a son. You know that he will appreciate it later.
Now, whether you want something suitable for your father and son moments or you want to thank your father in a unique way, finding the best baseball glove for your dad is ideal.
It makes no difference if you buy it for your dad on Father’s Day or if you simply want a quality set to throw balls with your kid.
Here are some of the best options out there and what you should expect from them.
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Product
Best for
Price
Check The Price
Rawlings Player Preferred Glove Series
Best for Durability
$$
Franklin Sports Baseball and Softball Glove
Best for Value for Money
$
Wilson 2022 A1000
Best for Innovation and Extras
$$
Shoeless Joe Professional Series Modified Trap Baseball Glove
Best for Vintage Quality
$$$
Franklin Sports Baseball Fielding Glove
Best for Appearance and Style
$$
Table of Contents
I have tried pretty much everything over time, both no-name products from toy stores that break within weeks and quality products from reputable brands.
My recommendation? Invest in quality and hunt value for money. Here are some good options.
Let me start by saying that the classic design may not be the most attractive one for a youngster. Your dad will love it, though. And you will love it too because it is traditional and brings back good memories from your childhood.
The glove is suitable for left or right-handed throws, just choose the right side.
The glove comes in a 12-inch adult size. It is excellent for recreational throws every now and then, but it is also suitable for other sports, such as softball.
It has a versatile basket web, meaning you can use it in pretty much any position. However, it is mostly aimed at pitchers.
Based on full-grain leather, the glove is likely to stand the test of time. It can be used for professional purposes without issues, so it will last even longer with recreational baseball.
Moreover, the leather design feels soft and versatile on the hand, as it will adapt to the shape of the hand.
The zero shock palm padding ensures top-notch protection when catching balls, while the wrist strap is adjustable for a perfect fit. Simply go as far as you need to feel comfortable.
The glove does not require too much breaking in either. About 80% of it is done in the factory.
Pros
Good-looking traditional design
Impressive durability
Game ready design
Adjustable wrist strap
Quality palm padding
Cons
Might feel a bit too small for those with large hands
This glove is less likely to disappoint, available in a bunch of different sizes and both left and right-hand orientations.
It is excellent for baseball and softball, but it also has a traditional appearance based on a soft nuance of yellow. Your father will love it and so will you if you get it for yourself.
Just like other quality gloves, this one also needs breaking in. It is based on soft synthetic leather, which is easier to deal with than genuine leather. It is super durable, though.
More importantly for those on a budget, it offers good value for money and can cost two or three times less than leather gloves.
The mitt has a contour fit system. The thumb adjustment can be customized and designed to adapt for the perfect snug. It can expand, but it can also tighten due to its responsive material.
There are more varieties of the glove, but I find the modified trapeze web design the best value for money.
Other than that, the glove comes with a hand-formed pocket. Its primary role is to offer excellent comfort. It also adds to the responsive feel of the glove. You can easily catch it without risking dropping the ball.
Finally, if you are not a fan of yellow, there are a few other colors to choose from.
Wilson has made this pretty simple and straightforward. Unlike other gloves available in all sorts of styles, designs, and combos, the 2022 A1000 is direct and crystal clear.
This is probably the only baseball glove that will not cause confusion. Choose the hand orientation, size, color, and order, simple as that.
In my opinion, this could be the best baseball glove for dad if technology and innovation matter. It has rolled dual welting, which is not just about the looks but also about the performance and support.
It helps the glove retain its shape in the long run, which is a serious plus. Wilson did it right here.
Then, you have a thin heel pad. This sort of design makes breaking in a breeze. And yes, since it is made of genuine leather, this mitt will need breaking in.
The thin heel pad also ensures the glove has a perfect closure, with no risks or unpleasant surprises at all.
Finally, talking about extras and technologies, I need to mention the DriLex wrist lining as well. It sounds posh, but what it does is basically keep your hands dry.
It makes no difference how hot it is or how sweaty your hands normally are. This technology will add to the comfort by preventing such issues.
Shoeless Joe may not be as famous as Wilson, Rawlings, or other front runners, but trust me, it will impress you with its high-quality standards. This glove makes no exception either.
It looks rugged, old-fashioned, and classic, just the type that any father would appreciate.
It comes in more sizes, from youth sizes to large hand adult sizes. In other words, you might as well invest in a set, so you can hang around with your dad or kid and share the same style.
Mostly aimed at outfielders, this mitt is available for both left and right-handed users, but only one color, rugged brown.
The glove is designed with aged soft antique tobacco leather. The modified trap webbing style adds to the comfort and performance.
Just like other types of leather, this one requires breaking in. It feels a bit stiff, but once done, you will be impressed by how comfortable it feels.
In terms of individuality, this unit is individually hand-cut. It is also manually sewn. Such high-quality standards make it more suitable for a gift.
It screams quality, and while it does cost more than other gloves, it is totally worth the money.
Leather quality and black simplicity, this is what you should expect from this glove. Designed with quality in mind, it has a solid cowhide design that will easily stand the test of time.
Not only will its durability impress you, but it also provides excellent performance on the field.
I know, it is leather, it is stiff and requires breaking in, and it takes ages of discomfort to do it. Wrong! Unlike similar mitts, this one is guaranteed to break in immediately.
After all, cowhide is flexible and quite soft. You will get the performance you require within days only.
Just like any other professional baseball glove, this one comes with palm lining, which is just as soft. It ensures a comfortable experience while handling and catching balls.
Plus, the shallow I web pocket makes the glove excellent for infielders.
As if all these were not enough, Franklin Sports has also opted for a chrome treatment for a better appearance. Chrome stitching matches the logo.
The mitt is not just good-looking, but it actually screams professionalism with its performance and design.
Pros
Stylish and good looking
Easy to break in
Durable construction
Soft and flexible
Comes in more sizes
Cons
It might be a good idea to order a size up if your hands are larger than average
Choosing the Best Baseball Glove for Dad – Our Buying Guide
How do you choose the best baseball glove for dad? There are a few aspects that could make the difference and point to the right option.
Material
There are more materials out there and each of them has its own particularities. Synthetic leather is inexpensive and does not require breaking in. It is lightweight and makes a good choice, but it is not a professional design.
Genuine leather is much better, and while it does require breaking in, it offers better performance, but it is also more durable. Premium leather is the highest quality alternative. It is durable and comfortable, suitable for a special gift or maybe professional use.
Fit and feel
The fit and feel are not to be overlooked either. If you shop online, you cannot really tell if the mitt fits snugly. Opt for the right size. A bit of breaking in will also help.
When it comes to the actual feel, the mitt should be a bit stiff because you need strength while handling balls. But at the same time, you need flexibility too. Your movement should not be affected whatsoever.
Style
When you want the best baseball glove for dad, style is quite important. You want your dad to love it. After all, he is less likely to go play with it in a professional league, so a stylish unit is desired, but without compromising quality.
Position
Gloves for infielders or outfielders are different from gloves for pitchers or catchers. Every position has its own requirements. If you only use a glove to throw balls with your son or your dad, the position is not that relevant. Otherwise, it could make a difference.
Best Baseball Glove for Dad – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are baseball gloves one size fits all?
No, they are not. Generally speaking, sizes range between 8 and 15. The average for college and professional leagues is 12.5 inches.
How do I know what size basketball glove to buy?
If you buy this for your dad, get one of his hold gloves and measure it or perhaps ask him directly. If you buy it for yourself to spend some quality time with your son, measure between the middle of the heel and the top of your index finger. That is the size you need.
How is a baseball glove supposed to fit you?
The fit must be secure and snug. Too tight will feel uncomfortable, but too loose will cause you to lose control.
Bottom Line
Deciding on the best baseball glove for dad depends on what you are after.
