Batting Gloves - A Player’s Best Friend

Batting gloves are somewhat misleading as a name because they do not capture the true importance of this critical piece of softball equipment. A batting glove is certainly designed and used to increase a player’s grip on the bat. By reducing vibration and increasing the batter’s control, the gloves actually can dramatically increase success and help a player stretch a single into a double. But for anyone considering buying a pair of gloves for batting, there are a couple of other uses to consider before making a purchase.

Decisions, Decisions - Leather or Padded Batting Gloves?

Aside from helping to increase a player’s control and grip during batting, gloves can help a player in one other critical way: provide protection. When base running, a good pair of gloves can help protect your hands against cuts and scrapes when sliding. While fielding, wearing a pair of gloves beneath the mitt can provide added protection and help take the sting off of incoming balls. So the question becomes: Do you want a pair of leather batting gloves or would padded be better?

In truth, you want both pairs of gloves. When batting, the leather gloves will provide the batter with superior grip to aid in bat control while still providing adequate protection when sliding. After batting, a player can put on their padded gloves for base running. When fielding, the padded batting gloves will provide added comfort and increased shock protection against incoming balls.

A good pair of leather batting gloves will improve your prowess at the plate while a comfortable pair of padded gloves make your entire experience more comfortable and thus enjoyable. Online retailers have a great selection of gloves for players to choose from and their low overhead allows them to sell at lower prices than most traditional sporting goods are capable of doing. In addition, online retailers will be able to answer all of your questions and help you make the best decision possible when choosing the best gloves for you.

Also see; Softball Team Gear

Softball Equipment