A first base glove is also referred to as a first base mitt because it is shaped like a mitten. It is a little bigger than other infielder’s gloves and normally has, somewhat, a funnel-shaped design. This unique design ensures baseballs find their way to the pocket. A first base glove is designed to be worn by a first baseman.
Well, a first baseman is a player tasked with the job to patrol first base. First baseman also fields ground balls and receives throws from infielders. As expected, these throws are not normally accurate, and this is where first baseman comes in handy. Their job is to scoop balls thrown in the dirt.
Getting a quality first base glove is very important if you want to enjoy your moments of being a first baseman. And to do that, you should consider the following factors.
- Size: Size is the first factor you should consider when buying a first base glove. Compared to other infielders’ gloves, first base gloves are bigger. Their sizes range from 12 inches to 14 inches to make it easy to scoop the ball from errant throws.
- Material: First base gloves made of synthetic materials are much easier to break in and might be the perfect purchase for kids. However, the durability of these gloves is always questionable. On, the other hand, first base gloves made of quality leather may take longer to break in. But if broken in correctly, expect gloves that work well and have increased control.
- Padding: Padding in first base gloves should not be overlooked. This is because padding provides extra layers, which add insulation. If your first base glove is made of leather, you do not need to worry about padding because leather naturally provides extra protection.
In the next part, we bring you the top 10 best first base glove reviews in 2021.
Contents
- 10. Rawlings PROFM19SB -17BW 13” Fastpitch First Base Mitt
- 9. Mizuno 12.5” Left Hand, Right Hand Baseball First Base Mitts (GXF50PB3)
- 8. Shoeless Joe Ballgloves 13” First Base Tennesse Trapper
- 7. Guerrero 14” First Base Mitt (RL-35)
- 6. Nokona W-N70 13 Inch Walnut Series First Base Mitt – Preferred
- 5. Easton 12.75 Inch BL3 First Base Mitt (Blackstone Series)
- 4. Nokona W-N80 14 Inch Fastpitch Softball First Base Mitt (Walnut Series) – Preferred
- 3. Rawlings 13” Camel W/Black Trim PROSDCTC Pro Preferred – Preferred
- 2. Mizuno Fastpitch Softball First Base Mitts (MVP Prime)
- 1. Mizuno Youth Prospect First Baseman Mitt (GXF102) – Preferred
10. Rawlings PROFM19SB -17BW 13” Fastpitch First Base Mitt
First base players should consider the Rawlings PROFM19SB-17BW First Base Mitt. It is a 13-inch fastpitch softball glove designed to give players the confidence to scoop, stretch, and field. In a nutshell, this fastpitch softball mitt allows you to throw better than ever before. The first base mitt is made of durable, comfortable, and strong material. It has a padded thumb sleeve and pro-grade leather laces.
| PROS | CONS |
| The glove is of high quality | None so far |
| The fit is perfect | |
| Great for female athletes | |
| Great for high school avid players and pros | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
9. Mizuno 12.5” Left Hand, Right Hand Baseball First Base Mitts (GXF50PB3)
Ballplayers looking to get to the next level should consider the Mizuno 12.5-inch First Base Mitt. It features center pocket design patterns, which ensure the most versatile break-in possible by naturally centering the pocket under your index finger. Additionally, this first base mitt is handcrafted using bio soft quality leather. This means it is both comfortable and durable. The material gives firm control and a wonderful feel that serious athletes demand.
| PROS | CONS |
| The price is good | The string configuration needs to be constantly tightened |
| Works great for kids | |
| The fit is excellent | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
8. Shoeless Joe Ballgloves 13” First Base Tennesse Trapper
You will be proud of this first base glove, and that’s because it is the best first base glove you have ever come across. It is made in the USA, and it is 6 inches high. Besides, it has a youth model and works great for players aged at least 13 years. The material it is made of is special aged soft antique tobacco leather. It is a high-quality material that combines with the first base Tennesse trapper webbing and classic open back to deliver peerless performance.
| PROS | CONS |
| The glove is of good quality | Needs to broken in before serious use |
| The price is fair | |
| Construction is great | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
7. Guerrero 14” First Base Mitt (RL-35)
Guerrero handcrafted mitts are good quality and this 14-inch first base mitt is no exception. It has an enormous scoop that enables it to wrap the softball completely. It also has a 14-inch pattern that plays a huge role in enhancing its performance. Plus it comes equipped with an adjustable wrist strap to help it fit tight and work as expected. If you are looking for a mitt for reaching the tough throw and locking it away for the out, this first base mitt is for you.
| PROS | CONS |
| Made of excellent leather | The leather is stiff and rigid when new; hence, breaking in the glove is a must |
| The sides are good and guide the ball to the pocket nicely | |
| Has a giant pocket | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
6. Nokona W-N70 13 Inch Walnut Series First Base Mitt – Preferred
We are glad to hear that the Nokona W-N70 comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. This is simple proof that it is a quality first base glove that the company fully believes in. It is a 13” first base model whose hand orientation is right. It is made of walnut crunch steerhide leather to give it the durability quality gloves need. Moreover, it is handcrafted so it can come out as perfect as expected.
| PROS | CONS |
| The quality of the leather is amazing | None we know of |
| Leather smells nice | |
| The leather is easier to break in | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
5. Easton 12.75 Inch BL3 First Base Mitt (Blackstone Series)
The Easton 12.75-Inch BL3 First Base Mitt is considered the best first base mitt on the market because it has a supple leather palm lining and a select cowhide leather shell. These two combine to provide amazing comfort and feel. The Easton 12.75” First Base Mitt also features rawhide laces that provide structure and durability. Plus there is soft cushion padding and an extra plush wrist lining, which keep your hand comfortable right away.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to break in | Would be better if the webbing had a post |
| The leather used is nice | |
| Priced right and is easy to use | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
4. Nokona W-N80 14 Inch Fastpitch Softball First Base Mitt (Walnut Series) – Preferred
Nokona has been handcrafting ball gloves in America for more than 80 years. This means if you want to stamp your ground in baseball, considering a first base mitt by the company is highly recommended. The proprietary Walnut Crunch leather is the company’s signature. The leather is nice, and it is what makes this first base mitt durable, stable, and game-ready.
| PROS | CONS |
| Wonderful quality and good craftsmanship | May have a little bit pop-up with softballs when new, but after break in, this disappears immediately |
| The leather is easy to break in | |
| The design is exceptional | |
| The glove feels great when worn | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
3. Rawlings 13” Camel W/Black Trim PROSDCTC Pro Preferred – Preferred
Made of full-grain kip leather, this first base glove is both flexible and lightweight. For this reason, you will not have problems playing baseball in it. This first base glove also features authentic pro patterns that significantly improve its performance. Plus it has Pittards sheepskin palm lining that wicks away moisture, thereby, keeping your hands cool and comfortable. Another feature we must point out is a padded thumb sleeve, which provides extra protection.
| PROS | CONS |
| Does not take long to break in | Pricey, but it is worth it |
| Looks good when worn | |
| The glove works great | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
2. Mizuno Fastpitch Softball First Base Mitts (MVP Prime)
The first thing you will notice in this best softball first base glove is an outlined and embroidered logo, which gives the first base mitt a premium, rich look. You will also notice that this first base mitt has a professional level lace, which is pretty much the same durable lace offered in Mizuno’s professional-level gloves. Moreover, this softball first base mitt is made of professional style smooth leather, which has an amazing balance of softness and oil.
| PROS | CONS |
| Available in two colors (black and white) | Description, especially of hand orientation, could be more accurate |
| Durable and fits well | |
| Breaks in nicely and fast | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
1. Mizuno Youth Prospect First Baseman Mitt (GXF102) – Preferred
In baseball, catching the right way means getting the ball in the pocket. Well, the Mizuno GXF102 First Baseman Mitt is designed to help you do exactly that. It has a power lock closure that allows for maximum performance and fit. It also features Patented PowerClose that makes catching much easier than expected. Besides, this first baseman mitt is equipped with patented pending heel technology, which increases closure and flexibility.
| PROS | CONS |
| Leather is of fantastic quality | Tends to stain the hand |
| Lacing is top quality | |
| Easy to break in | |
| The size is good | |
| The adjustable wrist strap is very handy | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
Conclusion
Two things that make a first base glove different from other infielders’ gloves are design and size. A first base glove is bigger than other gloves plus it is shaped more like a mitten, which is not the case with other gloves that have long fingers to accommodate each finger.
