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
| Picture | Name | Right/Left Handed | Size | Price | Where to Buy? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | 1. Rawlings Player Preferred Adult Baseball/Softball Catcher's Glove | Right Hand Throw | 33" | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 2. Wilson A360 Catcher's Mitt | Right Hand Throw | 31.5" | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 3. Mizuno Franchise Fast Pitch Softball Catcher's Mitt | Both Options Available | 34" | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 4. Easton APB2 Alpha Series Catcher's Mitt | Right Hand Throw | 34" | $ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 5. Akadema AGC98 Prodigy Series Glove | Both Options Available | 32" | $$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 6. Rawlings Heart of the Hide Baseball Glove | Right Hand Throw | 33" | $$$$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 7. All Star CM3000SBT Catchers Mitt | Right Hand Throw | 33.5" | $$$$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 8. Wilson A2K Catcher’s Mitt | Right Hand Throw | 33.5" | $$$$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 9. Champion Sports Catcher’s Mitt | Both Options Available | Multiple Sizes Available | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 10. Easton Mako Limited Catcher's Mitt | Right Hand Throw | 33.5" | $$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
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!)
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
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
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
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
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!!)
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
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
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
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
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 |
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