Top 5 Best 12 Inch Baseball Gloves: Reviews & Buying Guide

Have you ever felt the sting of a hard-hit line drive, wishing you had a glove that could magically swallow the ball? Choosing the right baseball glove can be tough, especially when you’re trying to find the perfect fit. The 12-inch baseball glove is a popular size, but it can still be tricky to pick the best one. You might be wondering, “Which glove is right for my position?” or “How do I know if it’s the right size for my hand?”

Finding the perfect 12-inch glove can be a real headache. You’ll want to avoid making a costly mistake and end up with a glove that doesn’t feel right. You don’t want to spend hours online or in a store, comparing different gloves and getting confused by all the technical terms. You need a glove that feels comfortable and lets you make those game-winning catches!

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know. We’ll cover the best 12-inch gloves for different positions, how to choose the right one for your hand size, and what features to look for. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently select a glove that will help you play your best. Let’s dive in and find your perfect baseball partner!

Our Top 5 12 Inch Baseball Glove Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 12 Inch Baseball Glove Detailed Reviews

1. Rawlings

Rawlings | PLAYER PREFERRED Glove | Baseball/Softball | Right Hand Throw | 12" - Basket Web

Rating: 9.2/10

The Rawlings PLAYER PREFERRED Glove is a great choice for baseball and softball players. This glove is designed for adults. It is a 12-inch glove with a basket web. This glove is ready to use quickly. It is a good choice for recreational play.

What We Like:

  • The 12-inch size is perfect for adults playing baseball or slowpitch softball.
  • The basket web is good for any position on the field.
  • Full grain leather makes the glove strong.
  • The palm padding helps protect your hand when you catch the ball.
  • The adjustable wrist strap helps the glove fit your hand well.
  • The glove is mostly broken-in when you get it.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some players might prefer a different web style.
  • The break-in process might still take some time.

Overall, the Rawlings PLAYER PREFERRED Glove is a solid choice for recreational players. It is a durable and comfortable glove that can be used in many positions.

2. Franklin Sports unisex adult 12″ – Trapeze Web Baseball and Softball Fieldmaster Midnight Youth Baseball Gloves I

Franklin Sports unisex adult 12" - Trapeze Web Baseball and Softball Fieldmaster Midnight Youth Baseball Gloves I, Black, 12.0 US

Rating: 8.9/10

The Franklin Sports unisex adult 12″ Trapeze Web Baseball and Softball Fieldmaster Midnight Youth Baseball Gloves I is a great glove for young players. This glove is designed for baseball, softball, and even teeball. It’s made to be easy to use and comfortable. The glove features a trapeze web design and is available in black. Remember, this is a left-hand thrower’s glove, meaning it’s worn on the right hand.

What We Like:

  • The glove is easy to break in. The soft synthetic leather helps with this.
  • It has an adjustable wrist strap. This lets you customize the fit.
  • The glove is made with durable synthetic leather. It should last a while.
  • The hand-formed pocket is comfortable. It helps you catch the ball better.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The product description could be improved with more details about the glove’s performance.

This Franklin Sports glove is a good option for young players just starting out. It is a great choice for beginners because of its ease of use and comfort.

3. Rawlings

Rawlings | SANDLOT Baseball Glove | Right Hand Throw | 12" - Basket Web

Rating: 9.5/10

The Rawlings Sandlot baseball glove is a great choice for players. This glove is ready to use. It’s designed for both baseball and softball. The glove is a 12-inch utility model with a basket web. This design helps players catch the ball. It’s made with full-grain oiled shell leather. This leather makes the glove strong. It also has features for comfort and protection. The glove arrives mostly broken-in, so you can use it fast.

What We Like:

  • The glove is good for baseball and softball.
  • It is made of strong, oiled leather.
  • The palm pads protect your hand.
  • It has padded linings for comfort.
  • The glove is almost ready to play with.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some players may want a different web design.
  • The glove may require some additional break-in time for some players.

The Rawlings Sandlot glove is a solid choice. It’s a good glove for many players. You will like playing with this glove.

4. Rawlings

Rawlings | SELECT PRO LITE Youth Baseball Glove | Bryce Harper Model | Pro H-Web | 12" | Right Hand Throw

Rating: 9.0/10

The Rawlings SELECT PRO LITE Youth Baseball Glove is made for young baseball players. This glove is the Bryce Harper model. It has a Pro H-Web design and is 12 inches long. It is for right-handed throwers. The glove is designed for kids ages 6-12. It is made with a soft all-leather shell and palm lining.

What We Like:

  • This glove is perfect for young players.
  • It is the Bryce Harper model.
  • The 12″ Pro H-Web is great for the outfield.
  • The all-leather shell and palm make it comfortable.
  • It helps reduce shock. This makes it safe for kids.
  • The glove is lightweight. It is easy to close and control.
  • It is 90% broken in at the factory.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The glove may not last as long as a higher-end model.

This Rawlings glove is a good choice for young baseball players. It offers a comfortable and safe design. It is also easy for them to use on the field.

5. Rawlings

Rawlings | RSB Slowpitch Softball Glove | Right Hand Throw | 12" - Basket Web

Rating: 8.8/10

The Rawlings RSB Slowpitch Softball Glove is ready for your next game! This 12-inch glove is built for adult slowpitch softball players. It’s a utility glove, so you can play any position. The glove has a basket web and a quickly broken-in pocket. This helps you catch ground balls and stop extra-base hits. It’s designed for comfort and confidence. It’s a great option for both competitive and recreational play.

What We Like:

  • Designed for adult slowpitch softball players.
  • It is a utility glove that works for any position.
  • The all-leather shell is durable and lightweight.
  • Padded finger linings add extra comfort.
  • The Neo-Flex Back and Velcro strap allow for a custom fit.
  • It’s mostly broken-in at the factory, so it’s ready to use.
  • It has a wide and deep pocket for catching.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The product description does not give any cons.

This Rawlings glove is a solid choice for slowpitch softball. It offers comfort and performance right away. You can get on the field and start playing!

Get Ready to Play Ball: Your 12-Inch Baseball Glove Guide

This guide helps you pick the right 12-inch baseball glove. You will learn what to look for. You will also discover how to choose a good one.

Key Features to Look For

Choosing a glove is fun! Here are some things to consider:

  • Web: The web is the part between the thumb and fingers. It helps catch the ball. Different webs work better for different positions.
    • Closed Webs: These are good for infielders. They hide the ball.
    • Open Webs: These are good for outfielders. They are lighter and see the ball easier.
  • Pocket: The pocket is where the ball goes. A deeper pocket is better for catching.
  • Break-in: A glove needs to break in. This means it needs to get soft. Look for gloves that are easy to break in.
  • Size: A 12-inch glove is good for adults and older teens. It is a good size for many positions.

Important Materials

What a glove is made of matters. Here are the main materials:

  • Leather: This is the best material. Leather gloves last a long time. They also feel good.
    • Full-Grain Leather: This is the highest quality. It is strong and durable.
    • Top-Grain Leather: This is also good leather. It is slightly cheaper than full-grain.
  • Synthetic Leather: This is a cheaper option. It is not as durable as real leather. These gloves are often easier to break in.
  • Lacing: The lacing holds the glove together. Strong lacing is important. It stops the glove from falling apart.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality makes a difference. Here is what to watch for:

  • Stitching: Strong stitching makes a good glove. Make sure the stitching is tight and even.
  • Padding: Padding in the palm helps catch the ball. It also protects your hand.
  • Construction: How the glove is made matters. A well-made glove lasts longer. Look at the details.
  • Price: More expensive gloves often have better materials. They also tend to be made better. However, you can find good gloves at all price points.
  • Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for quality. Do some research. Read reviews.

User Experience and Use Cases

A 12-inch glove works great for many players.

  • Positions: This size is good for outfielders. It is also good for third base and shortstop. Many players can use this size.
  • Skill Level: This size works for beginners to advanced players.
  • Comfort: Make sure the glove fits your hand. Try it on before you buy it.
  • Breaking in the Glove: You need to break in your glove. This takes time. Play catch. Use a glove mallet.

10 FAQs about 12-Inch Baseball Gloves

Q: What positions are best for a 12-inch glove?

A: A 12-inch glove works well for outfield, third base, and shortstop. It is also used by many other players.

Q: Is a 12-inch glove good for beginners?

A: Yes, it can be. It is a good size for many players, regardless of skill level.

Q: How do I break in a new glove?

A: You can play catch, use a glove mallet, and use glove oil. This will help soften the leather.

Q: What kind of leather is best for a glove?

A: Full-grain leather is the best. Top-grain leather is also very good.

Q: Should I choose a closed or open web?

A: Closed webs work well for infielders. Open webs are good for outfielders.

Q: What is the pocket of a glove?

A: The pocket is the part where the ball goes. A deeper pocket is better for catching.

Q: How important is the stitching?

A: Strong stitching is very important. It keeps the glove together.

Q: What is lacing for?

A: Lacing holds the glove together. It also helps with flexibility.

Q: How do I know if a glove fits me?

A: Try the glove on. Make sure it feels comfortable on your hand.

Q: Can I use a synthetic leather glove?

A: Yes, you can. Synthetic leather gloves are often cheaper and easier to break in, but don’t last as long.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.