Can you use a first base glove in the outfield in softball?
Daniel Foster
Updated on May 12, 2026
I too wondered this once, and the answer may surprise you. Official rules of softball rule 3 section 4 state, that only the first baseman and catcher may use mitts, but any player can use gloves. Thus, you can't use a first base mitt in the outfield.
Do softball players use first base gloves?
Fastpitch first base softball gloves differ from infield gloves, even though first base is technically an infield position. First base softball gloves are longer, resemble mittens, and have deep pockets to trap the ball and hold on to it, as first basemen don't often need to transfer the ball from glove to hand.
Can you use a first baseman glove to pitch?
Official Rules - MLB.com. Each fielder, other than the first baseman or catcher, may use or wear a leather glove. The measurements covering size of glove shall be made by measuring front side or ball receiving side of glove.
What's the difference between a first baseman glove and a regular glove?
The first difference about a first baseman's glove is the shape of the mitt. As opposed to a standard option, a first baseman's glove will have a continuous round edge, almost mitten-like, designed to enhance the likelihood of scooping balls thrown in the dirt.
Can a catcher use a first baseman's mitt?
1.12 - The catcher must wear a catcher's mitt (not a first baseman's mitt or fielder's glove) of any shape, size, or weight consistent with protecting the hand.
27 related questions foundWhat is the purpose of a first base mitt?
Aside from the catcher, first basemen are the only players permitted to wear a mitt during play. This function, similar to a catcher's mitt, gives first basemen the added protection and larger surface area with which to field, scoop and catch.
How big should a first baseman's glove be?
First baseman gloves are typically bigger than infielders' gloves and a bit smaller than some outfield gloves. They typically range between 12 and 13” in length.
Can a softball pitcher have a white glove?
According to the NCAA, NSA, and Official Rules of Softball, a softball pitcher can use a white glove given that it or its lacing isn't the ball's color. Softballs used in regulation games are often yellow; thus, pitchers may use white gloves.
Is it illegal to pitch with a white glove?
As a pitcher, it is illegal to use a white glove, or even a glove with white in it. The white glove will make it hard for hitters to pick up the white ball. For this reason, it is wise to choose a traditional tan or black glove. The webbing on a pitcher's glove is very important.
Why are there no GREY gloves in baseball?
“In the rule book it says no gray gloves, and that's any shade of gray apparently, because Casey's is as dark a gray as you can get,” Hinch said. “Some people would call it off-black, but off-black looks gray. The umpire in Kansas City (Tumpane) deemed it to be gray.
What size glove should a softball infield use?
Because the softball is 11″, you will typically see fastpitch infielder gloves ranging between 10″ and 11.5″ for youth players and roughly 11.5″ and 12.5″ for players ages 13 and older. If you play slow pitch softball, your glove size will be bigger because the ball is 12″.
What size glove does SIS Bates use?
Bates Glove 16x9 2.
The infielder opts for gloves crafted completely with Pro Stock® leather, forgoing SuperSkin™ or SuperSnakeSkin™ for a more traditional look. Sis keeps things simple on the field and when designing new A2000 gloves, selecting classic leather colors like Blonde and Saddle Tan.
Is there a difference between baseball and softball first base glove?
Baseball and Softball glove models are designed differently to accommodate the size of the game ball. For example, a baseball is only 9 inches in size and a baseball glove is designed to catch and hold that size, whereas a softball could be 11 or 12 inches, so these gloves have a larger pocket.
Why are 1st base gloves different?
The first base glove is different from other infield gloves – it is larger and doesn't have finger holes. It also has a unique curved style to the edge that is useful when picking and scooping balls thrown in the dirt. Like the catcher's mitt its large size gives the other infielders a larger target at which to throw.
What size glove does an outfielder use?
For baseball players, outfield gloves range in size from 10.75”-12.5” for youth players and 12.5”-12.75” for adults. Fastpitch and slowpitch outfield gloves tend to be larger, ranging from 12”-13” and 13”-14”, respectively.
What hand does a softball glove go on?
To choose the correct handedness, use the hand you throw with: If you throw with your right arm, wear a Right-Hand Throw (RHL) softball glove on your left hand. If you throw with your left arm, wear a Left-Hand Throw (LHT) softball glove on your right hand.
How should a softball glove close?
Fold your glove in half with a ball at the base of the pocket. You want to make sure that you form a crease from where the pocket meets the finger stalls. Further tighten your glove and tie it firmly to hold this position. You can use rubber bands, glove ties, shoelaces, or old glove laces.
How do you break in a 44 first base glove?
While there are many shortcuts to breaking in a glove we only recommend one method, that is play lots of good old fashioned catch. After catch apply 44 Pro Glove Rub to the gloves pocket and outer leather then place a baseball or softball inside the glove and wrap the outside with an Ace bandage or Bungee cord.
What makes a good softball first baseman?
She should make reasonable attempts to field balls hit to the right side, keeping in mind the pitcher should be covering first if necessary. The first baseman also needs a strong arm. Besides fielding bunts, she will be called upon to throw to all the bases from both first and her cut position around the mound.
What is the difference between an infield and outfield glove?
Infielders use a five-fingered glove with a shallow pocket for a quick transfer and release. Find more details on how to buy a baseball infielder's glove with these tips. Outfielders need a deeper pocket to catch fly balls. Additionally, a longer glove can help extend a player's reach and range.