Best Youth & Adult Catcher’s Mitts of 2021

For those unfamiliar with the game of baseball, you should know that each baseball player has a special glove to meet the demands of their position.  Technically, the catcher’s glove is actually a “mitt” (short for mitten) because it’s the only unit that a baseball player would catch a ball with, that has no individual finger channels.  All other positions have gloves with finger holes which allow for more flexibility while running, diving, etc.  The catcher’s mitt is used only to catch balls thrown directly at it, so the versatility factor is not as relevant.  The catcher’s mitt is unique in structure; as it is bulkier than most baseball mitts because it needs to absorb the impact of pitches, and picking the best youth or adult catcher’s mitt is important for hand safety. Some pitches come in at over 90 miles per hour, so the Catcher’s mitt usually has protection for the inner hand and the wrist. The catcher’s mitt has a lot of extra padding around it and the leather is stitched to resemble a claw so that it is fully able to catch pitches no matter to speed or angle it is coming from. Based on the way the catcher’s glove is shaped, it is also easier to scoop balls from the ground.

In addition to protecting the catcher’s hand, the catcher’s mitt is also bulky so it can provide the pitcher with a reasonable target. If the catcher’s mitt was smaller, like the glove of an infielder, it would be a smaller target for the pitcher, but perhaps more importantly, it would be less capable of protecting the catcher if the catcher does not have stellar hand/eye coordination. The proper catcher’s mitt should also have a strong web in between the index finger and the thumb so the ball can be caught correctly inside the pocket.

Top Catcher’s Mitt Comparison Chart

 

What to Look for in a Catcher’s Mitt

Compared to other baseball gloves, the Catcher’s mitt stands out like a sore thumb. A desirable catchers glove will be made with good quality leather for durability.  Most people don’t think about the fact that unlike most of the baseball players on the field, the catcher is using their glove every single time the pitcher launches the ball. It will also have plenty of padding inside the pocket so that the inside of the hand will not get hurt while catching balls from the pitcher. The palm of the glove should be padded because that is where a majority of your intercepted baseballs will hit. The constant impact can result in a sore hand and potentially some long-term health consequences, so there should be some form of padding to compensate for that.

Keep in mind, the type of glove you purchase also depends on what arm you throw with. In simpler terms, if you throw with your right hand, you wear a glove on your left hand, and if you throw with your left hand, you need to get a glove for your right hand.

When it comes to a youth catcher’s glove, you want something that will fit the kid pretty well but also give them the opportunity to grow into it. That way, you get your money’s worth due to its longevity. Children have growing bones and it is important that they are protected at all times. Your youth glove should have reasonable padding on it so that your hand can take the beating that comes with being a catcher in baseball. An essential of the youth catcher’s mitt is the ability to learn how to play the position effectively. Using a catcher’s glove at the youth level can show you the stress your catching hand goes through, and what you need (regarding padding and other features) and what you can go without.

If you receive a stiff glove after purchase, do not be alarmed. For those who don’t know baseball well, it will take time to break in your glove. Some people wrap up the glove and use oils to soften the leather, while others just use the glove until it becomes easier to catch baseballs with. It is crucial to break in your mitt one way or the other because if you don’t, the mitt won’t be as effective. A glove that isn’t broken into will be unable to catch baseballs, and that is the primary responsibility of the catcher.

Best Adult (Full Size) Catcher’s Mitts Reviews

 

1.  Rawlings Player Preferred Adult Baseball/Softball Glove

The Rawlings Catcher’s mitt is the ideal glove for catchers in baseball. The stitched web composes a deep pocket for a secure catch, and there is also an opening above the wrist for ventilation and easy adjustment. That way, you can adjust the mitt to your liking and feel comfortable grabbing baseballs out of the strike zone.

The oval shape of the Rawlings catcher’s glove provides a wide target for the pitcher. Current users have claimed that this catcher’s mitt is relatively easy to break in; using it no more than two times before recognizing that it was no longer stiff. This particular glove is available on Amazon in “right-hand throw” (for those who throw with their right hand.)

Pros

• Not too hard to break-in
• Closed web netting creates a deep pocket for the fastest baseballs
• Open back offers ventilation and easy adjustment
• “Zero Shock” padding for maximum impact protection

Cons

• Strings don’t look like they are tied tight enough
• Select users claim that the bottom of the glove sometimes irritates the wrist area
• Feels stiff and can be a bit small (I think I can say that about any new glove on planet earth to be honest!)

 

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2.  Wilson A360 Catcher’s Mitt

The Wilson catcher’s mitt looks sleek with its all-black design and yellow lettering. This glove is very appealing and seems to be credible due to the MLB logo sitting on the side of the pinky finger. There is a strap on the wrist with “Wilson” stitched on it, and this strap is used to adjust the tightness of the glove. There is also an opening for the index finger to be exposed for more freedom when catching baseballs coming your way.

The Wilson A360 catcher’s mitt is available for a great price in both right hand and left-hand throw versions, so no matter what arm you throw with, this glove is definitely available.

Pros

• Available in both right and left-hand throw styles
• MLB logo promotes Major League players using the Wilson A360 glove
• Index Finger hole offers ventilation and tight grip

Cons

• The glove could possess more padding
• Takes longer than usual to break-in
• Some users claim that the netting is weak, which could cause baseballs to leave the web

 

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3.  Mizuno Franchise Fast Pitch Softball Catcher’s Glove

The Mizuno catcher’s mitt is a pro-style catcher’s mitt made out of the retro-style leather. This one’s designed for fastpitch softball.  This coffee-colored catcher’s glove has reasonable padding on the inside of the glove and has shock resistant material in the glove to absorb constant impact into the glove. This is useful as a catcher because your hand is absorbing impact repetitively. The Mizuno brand states in the product description that this glove offers an “easy break-in” and could be bought and used the same day of your baseball game, which is rare.

The reason it’s useable immediately is that it’s made of pre-oiled, tumbled leather (which is just a method of making the leather soft and malleable)

Pros

• Soft leather material ensures an easy break-in
• Finger Channels in the glove help absorb stress that is concentrated in the hand
• Plenty of padding in the front of the glove

Cons

• As with any brand glove, there’s a chance the strings could fail (though not likely) so be ready with a backup glove at all times
• While the padding looks like enough, some say there could be more

 

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4.  Easton APB2 Alpha Series Catcher’s Mitt

The Easton catcher’s mitt comes off as very durable and comfortable. According to Easton, this mitt is “game ready” which means that there you only have to apply minimal to no effort in order to break it in thanks to the soft leather material. The web pocket looks very thick and reliable, so there isn’t any doubt that the ball you are trying to catch will fall out.

Pros

• This glove doesn’t require break-in thanks to soft leather
• The web is thoroughly made for a sturdy catch

Cons

• Users complain that the quality of the material is not up to par
• Web pocket could be a lot larger

 

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5.  Akadema AGC98 Prodigy Glove

Another brand that isn’t necessarily well known, the Akadema Prodigy Serious catcher’s mitt is bound for surprises. This glove is available for both lefty and righty throwers, and contains a deep pocket made with a spiral lock web. This will secure any ball coming your way. The “praying mantis” technology in between the index finger and thumb will protect the hand from injury and pain cause my high-speed baseballs.

Pros

• “Praying Mantis” technology is unique and beneficial to the health of your catching hand
• Double-sided padding expands target and makes it easier to catch

Cons

• Brand isn’t known well, so you don’t really know what to expect
• Doesn’t look big enough for a reliable target

 

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6.  Rawlings Heart of the Hide 33 Inch 

The Rawlings all-new Heart of the Hide glove is a breakthrough in glove technology on at least one level.  Until now, glove makers didn’t focus much on gender.  Baseball gloves were either uni-sex or biased towards the shape of a man’s hand.  Well, that’s about to change (it already has actually).  This glove has details that are manufactured specifically to cater to a slimmer, feminine hand by specifically designing the hand opening, the finger stalls, palm padding and stitching details towards that end.  

As if that wasn’t enough, these gloves come 80% broken-in (at least according to Rawlings) from the factory with only 20% more to go in order to achieve that “fits like a glove” feel, which until now has been a tad elusive in the world of baseball glove manufacturing.  They are made with full-grain leather, “Zero Shock” palm padding to minimize ball impact, and an adjustable pull strap closure.

This glove is truly made for an Elite-level female athlete!

Pros

• Made of premium full-grain leather
• Designed for a female hand
• 80% broken-in
• Great Brand name

Cons

• Extremely pricey (which is probably why there are no other negative comments – it seems the higher the price, the fewer the problems!!)

 

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7.  All-Star CM3000SBT Catchers Mitt

The All-Star Catcher’s mitt stands out from the crowd due to its extremely high price. So why is it more expensive than the average adult catcher’s mitt? Are there some special capabilities that we don’t know about? Well, apparently the All-Star Catcher’s mitt is specifically intended for the player with experience. The glove is made of Japanese steer hide leather which extends its life and makes it easier to break in.

The back of the mitt is hand-built to take control of the ball and provide the user with comfort and support. The attached pocket makes receiving pitches easy and is a sustainable target for the most experienced pitchers. On the wrist, there is a Velcro strap for adjustment and an opening on the back of the hand area.

Pros

• Handmade with genuine leather for durability
• Mitt is built to protect the hand from shock

Cons

• Mitt is more expensive than most
• Built for right-hand throwers only

 

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8.  Wilson A2K Catcher’s Mitt

This mitt is the most recent edition to the Wilson catcher’s mitt line.  The A2K Wilson Catcher’s mitt is built with black “Superskin” which is a synthetic material that is twice the strength of leather but half the weight.  That’s kind of big deal friends!  One of the other impressive features of this glove is the wrist lining that quickly absorbs sweat and other wetness, keeping your hand dry and cool. This glove has a pocket that was diligently focused on and should be strong enough to obtain even the fastest pitches. If you are looking for something inexpensive, this glove is not the best option.

This is a more expensive glove, this catcher’s mitt is recommended for someone who takes the game seriously and somewhat experienced. While the price is very high, it may be worth it for the player who is looking for a long lasting glove that will protect your hand and give you the ability to play the catcher position at a high level.  Amazon purchasers give it a 4.7 out of 5.0 stars and Wilson is the official glove of Major League Baseball.

Pros

• Black SuperSkin, twice as strong as regular leather, but half the weight
• Wrist lining resembles “dri fit” and keeps your hand dry
• Pocket is deep and well made

Cons

• Priced high
• Not a glove for beginners

 

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9.  Champion Sports Catcher’s Mitt

The Champion Catcher’s glove looks like the standard glove for a catcher. The two-tone black and brown glove has an adjustable wrist strap with an opening above the strap. There isn’t much to this mitt online and from the way it looks, I could see this being a solid beginner’s glove, but nothing more. The 32-inch version starts at a very low price on Amazon so if you are looking for something inexpensive or temporary you can go with this glove, although I am not certain if the quality will be good enough for the glove to be long-lasting.

Pros

• Glove looks like a typical catcher’s glove; meaning it can take on the responsibility of a catcher
• You can fix the way it fits using the wrist strap
• Cheap glove

Cons

• The material of the glove looks average

 

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10.  Easton Mako Limited EMK Catcher’s Mitt

Looking at the Easton Mako glove, it has the look of the ideal catcher’s mitt. The pocket in between the index finger and thumb looks sturdy and should definitely handle any pitch coming your way. The lacing in the pocket is doubled up so there aren’t any rips or breaks from repetitive use. The padding used in this glove will reduce the chances of injury to the hand. The leather used in this glove is also high end compared to most gloves. When it comes to the Easton brand in baseball, any product you purchase should have long-lasting quality.

Pros

• The Easton brand typically provides good quality items
• Pocket is stitched with double the effort for outstanding durability

Cons

• Wrist area is adjustable
• Tough to break-in

 

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Top Youth Catcher’s Mitt Comparison Chart

Picture	Name	Right/Left Handed	Size	Price	Where to Buy?
	1. All Star Pro Advanced Youth Catcher's Mitt	Right Handed Throw	31.5"	$$$$	Check Price on Amazon
	2. Easton Paragon Series Youth Catcher's Mitt	Both Options Available	32"	$	Check Price on Amazon
	3. All Star Youth Catcher’s Glove	Right Hand Throw	31.5	$$$	Check Price on Amazon
	4. Mizuno Prospect GXC105 Youth Catcher's Mitt	Both Options Available	32.5"	$$	Check Price on Amazon
	5. Under Armour Framer Youth Catcher’s mitt	Both Options Available	31.5"	$$$	Check Price on Amazon
	6. Wilson A360 Youth Catcher's Glove	Left Hand Throw	31.5"	$	Check Price on Amazon
	7. Mizuno Prospect GXC105 Youth Catcher's Mitt	Both Options Available	32.5"	$$$	Check Price on Amazon
	8. Rawlings Renegade Glove	Both Options Available	31.5"	$$	Check Price on Amazon
	9. Akadema AHC94 Professional Series Youth Glove	Left Hand Throw	11.5"	$$$	Check Price on Amazon
	10. Nokona Alpha Series 30 Inch Baseball Catcher's Mitt	Right Hand Throw	30"	$$$$	Check Price on Amazon

 

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Best Youth Catchers Mitts Reviews

1.  All-Star Pro Advanced Youth Catcher’s mitt

Wearing the All-Star Pro Advanced youth catcher’s mitt will help you or your young one learn how to handle catching pitches comfortably and safely. There is plenty of padding in the front of the glove, which I’m assuming will protect the hand from shock. The web pocket is stitched thoroughly and is shaped so you will be able to efficiently scoop any ground balls and keep control of incoming pitches. The finger hood right on top of the index finger also protects your finger from any impact or an accidental swing of a bat.  It features an extended pocket, an adjustable velcro opening and a Flex Action crease.  It’s made from Japanese tanned US steer hide.  The look and feel of this glove are as nice as they come, and thus the $150 (ish) price tag!

Pros

• Padding in the front of the glove will definitely protect the hand well
• Finger hood gives the finger room to move while offering protection
• Several enviable features

Cons

• Hard to break-in

 

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2.  Easton Paragon Series Youth Catcher’s Mitt

The Easton youth catcher’s mitt comes in both right-handed and left-handed styles, so no matter which hand you or your young player throws with, Easton is sure to have your back. This glove is specifically made for a youth baseball player; with a smaller hand opening and smaller pocket. This glove also has a palm pad so the youth player will not hurt their hand. The palm pad will absorb almost all the impact, so the player will be able to play their position confidently without the worry of that hurtful sting you get in your hand when you catch a fastball.

The most useful part of this mitt is the extended pocket and index finger sleeve for comfort. The extended web pocket will be able to give the user a better chance of catching incoming baseballs.

Easton’s new Paragon Series Youth ball gloves are built with a Select Cowhide palm and leather shell, and cowhide laces to reinforce the pocket, web and fingers. The incredibly soft palm lining helps a player’s grip for better control.

The glove measures 31 inches with its one-Piece Solid Web.

Overall, it’s a perfect choice for a casual young player who needs a good glove in which to compete but is not eyeing elite level play.

Pros

• Palm pad reduces pain in the hand and adds control
• Is available for both right and left-handed players

Cons

• Non-adjustable wrist strap

 

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3.  All-Star Youth Catcher’s Glove

All-Star offers a youth catcher’s mitt made with oil-softened leather for an easy break-in and maximum comfort. This glove is good for a rookie player because the material is good quality and very easy to open and close. The back of the glove has a wrist strap with the “All Star” logo on it and has fur on the inside so your hand stays dry and feels good. This glove is worth purchasing because it comes with a 1-year warranty, so if anything goes wrong with your glove, you can handle it with the company and get compensated either with money or a new glove.

The All-Star youth catcher’s glove is a good starter mitt and reasonably priced, so if you’re looking for a new glove this is something to consider.

Pros

• One year warranty just in case the glove isn’t effective
• Oil-softened leather make the glove durable and easy to open/close

Cons

• There could be more padding in the front of the glove.
• Two-toned glove, so if you want just one color, you should explore other options

 

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4.  Mizuno Youth Catcher’s mitt

This right-hand thrower glove has the look of a heavy-duty catcher’s mitt. The Mizuno Supreme youth mitt has a tightly sewn in the pocket that looks like it can take a lot of impacts. Luckily, most of the youth level doesn’t throw fast enough to blow out the pockets of catcher’s mitts, but extra support should always be appreciated.

Pros

• Pocket webbing looks very durable
• Easy to scoop up baseballs off the ground
• Available for righty’s and lefty’s

Cons

• Some people claim that the glove is not useful for a youth player
• The pull strap on the wrist doesn’t look like it stays at the adjustment you want

 

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5.  Under Armour Framer Youth Catcher’s mitt

It isn’t often that you see Under Armour come out with a baseball mitt. With the Framer mitt, you see the Under Armour logo aggressively stand out of the black glove on the thumb side. This product is all black (besides the logo) and has red stitching all around it. The webbing looks legitimate but not as big as other catcher’s gloves.

Under Armour is a good sports brand, but not necessarily known for making baseball gloves. While I’m sure the Framer glove is made out of good quality material, I feel like the black material used for this glove is a soft, cloth-like material that could end up attracting a lot of dirt, which wouldn’t help the cosmetics of the glove.

Pros

• Under Armour is known for producing good sportswear
• Red and black color scheme looks nice

Cons

• Material looks like it can attract and obtain dust and dirt
• There should be a lot more padding for a catcher’s mitt

 

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6.  Wilson A360 Youth Catcher’s Glove

The Wilson A360 glove is one of the more desirable catcher’s gloves because of Wilson’s affiliation with the MLB. The A360 has an opening on top of the index section for a better grip on the glove. It also has an adjustable wrist piece that helps with the fit of the glove. The best part of this glove is the added padding on the palm area (the palm is full pigskin). This padding will be useful when catching fast pitches, and the webbing for the pocket is structured so that it is easy to scoop up baseballs.

This particular glove is a right-hand throw glove (worn on the left hand) and it’s 31.5″ in size.

Also, the Showtime logo is right in the center of the front of the mitt, which could provide the pitcher with an effective target.

Pros

• Extra padding makes this glove safer and more efficient
• Index finger opening helps you with your grip
• Adjustable wrist strap helps you wear the glove the way you want to

Cons

• Not many openings for ventilation
• Strings in the glove look like they can undo themselves

 

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7.  Mizuno Prospect GXC105 Youth Catcher’s Mitt

Mizuno has another option for catchers at the youth level. The Prospect GXC105 is a 32.5″ mitt featuring a ParaShock palm pad which is supposed to absorb all the shock of repeated use, all the while being comfortable and offering stellar protection.  It’s made also to provide less rebound of the ball so the catch will be surer and the ball will be less likely to leave the glove after it’s arrived!  The palm padding is excellent for a youth glove and will protect your hand from the most impact.

It’s a transitional sized glove and the “Power Close” feature makes it easier for younger players to close the glove after a catch.  

Overall, with its emphasis on youth via its V flex notch to help the glove close easier with a young hand, we give it our thumbs up.

Pros

• ParaShock palm filled with protective features
• Slightly larger web than most youth catcher’s mitts
• Breaks in a bit faster than others

Cons

• Some owners of the glove have had problems with the pocket lace breaking

 

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8.  Rawlings Renegade Youth Catcher’s Glove

Here’s another name everyone in North America over the age of 3 will recognize.  Rawlings is a classic baseball/softball equipment manufacturer with a long history of quality.  The Renegade Series of gloves is unique in that the gloves already come with a 90% break-in condition, with only 10% being left to the player.  That’s quite a claim.  We found the glove did not feel as broken in as the 90% would claim, but it was a nicer glove with more of a broken in feel than any other glove we tested.  This particular glove for youth catchers is 31.5 inches in size and fully leather.  It has the all-important index finger hood for stray bat protection.

Pros

• Index finger protection
• Iconic name brand
• 90% broken in

Cons

• Lacing broke for some users after a month or two of play

 

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9.  Akadema Youth Glove

Similar to the adult Akadema glove, this youth glove contains the unique “praying mantis” material keeps the glove soft and ready to use. The break-in should be fairly easy, and the glove will easily absorb pitches. The glove is handcrafted so I’m sure that the Akadema brand has taken time out to diligently observe this glove and how it can benefit someone playing the catcher position.

Pros

• “Praying Mantis” material is unique in the market and could benefit the catcher
• Soft padding makes it easier to catch fast pitches

Cons

• Not everyone is aware of the Akadema brand

 

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10.  Nokona Alpha Series 30 Inch Youth Catcher’s Mitt

Here’s a lesser-known brand but fully American!  In fact, the name Nokona comes from the fact that its factory is based in Nokona, Texas.  The company likes to say it’s “America’s glove” and by all counts, that seems to be the case – technically!  The thing we really liked about the Nokona is the leather choice;  top grain steer hide and American Buffalo.  They promise a nearly broken-in feel and this one did not disappoint us.  It truly did open and close easily.  The extent to which it moves easily will be determined in large part by the strength of the little hand that goes into it, but that’s another issue altogether.

Included is the all-important index finger guard/pad for protection and a 2-piece fully closed web.  This glove is meant for (around) 10-14-year-olds.

Pros

• Made of top grain steer hide and American Buffalo that is lightweight and flexible (broken in feel)
• Has smaller finger slots and smaller hand openings to fit a youth level hand

Cons

• Can you say INSANELY expensive?!!  I mean like “$200 expensive”! …. for a kid’s glove!  (but oh how nice it is!)

 

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The Verdict

Catcher’s mitts are essential to fulfilling all of the responsibilities of the position. Certain features are completely necessary when you play the catcher position in baseball. You need palm padding so that your hand doesn’t get hurt from the repetitive impact of high-speed pitches. You also need a product made of a material that is going to last. Temporary mitts are useful, but if you are a serious athlete you are going to want a mitt that is top flight.

For adults, I would go with the Rawlings catcher’s mitt since it has a good name behind it, good reviews and an affordable price tag.  It’s under $100, and we all know you can spend $350 on some really great (but restrictively expensive brands like Nokona). It has all the necessary characteristics of a catcher’s mitt and is made with great material.

As far as the youth level is concerned, I would recommend the All-Star pro or the Nokona Alpha glove (never mind why Nokona is way down on our list – could it be the price?). These mitts have good quality and fit a smaller hand very snugly. They also have pads that will absorb impact and scoop a ball like a spoonful of ice cream. They are also very lightweight so they will not drag you down when you are behind home plate.

When buying a catcher’s mitt, you want something that will protect the hand of the catcher while also giving the pitcher a big target to throw to. You’ll want a mitt with quality leather, a lot of padding for hand support, and a pocket that will take any ball, no matter how fast it comes in. Don’t worry about having a baseball glove that is bulkier compared to the rest. You need something that is going to protect your hand while it catches hundreds of baseballs thrown your way by some dude (or dudess) who’s throwing it as hard as they possibly can!

 

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