Baseball is more than just a game of hitting and fielding; it's also a game of strategy and finesse, especially when it comes to stealing bases. Every baseball player, whether a seasoned pro or a young beginner, knows the thrill of the slide into base, but also the risks it carries. That's where a great product called the baseball sliding mitt comes into play.
A baseball sliding mitt, often just referred to as a sliding mitt, is a type of protective baseball gear worn by players when running the bases. Typically, players wear the mitt on their lead hand—the hand they use to slide. This could be the right hand or the left hand, and the choice varies depending on the player's preference and sliding style. The crucial role of the mitt is to keep the lead hand safe, protecting fingers from injury when sliding into a base.
Sliding mitts aren't just oversized oven mitts, as some may initially believe. They are crafted with features specifically designed to protect and support players during game-changing slides. A standard sliding mitt usually includes a protective stabilization strip, thumb hole, and elastic compression straps. The underside of the mitt may also have a special grip to ensure the hand doesn't slip when the player makes a slide.
So, are sliding mitts worth it? Absolutely. Baseball sliding mitts provide crucial protection to players, reducing the risk of getting sidelined while swiping bags. They prevent common hand injuries, like getting "cleated," where the sliding hand is accidentally stepped on by another player. By wearing a sliding mitt, players can confidently steal bases without the fear of injuring their hands.
As for which side's sliding mitt to get, it largely depends on which hand the player primarily uses to slide. The thumb hole and elastic compression strap are designed to accommodate both right and left hands, making most mitts reversible.
While it's common to see MLB players wear sliding mitts during games, not all of them do. Trea Turner, for example, has been known to wear the EvoShield sliding mitt. This mitt is a favorite among many due to its top-notch protective features and reputation as the official batter's protective gear of the MLB.
Stay tuned as we explore more about the best sliding mitts available in the market, how to choose the right one, and why they could be a game-changer for your baseball experience.
When it comes to selecting the best sliding mitt for your game, there are several key features to consider. Let's delve into what makes a great sliding mitt.
The material of the sliding mitt is critical for both comfort and longevity. Look for mitts made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of repeated slides. The mitt should be resistant to wear and tear, ensuring it will stand up to even the toughest baseball seasons.
Just like any other piece of baseball gear, the size of the sliding mitt is essential. Mitts are available in various sizes, including youth sizes for younger players and adult sizes for more mature athletes. Ensure the mitt fits your hand properly, neither too tight nor too loose, as it might affect your performance during the game.
The main reason for getting a baseball sliding mitt is protection. The mitt should cover the entire hand, including the wrist, to shield from potential injuries. Some sliding mitts come with additional protective plates or shields, especially around the fingers and the thumb hole, for extra safety.
Look for a sliding mitt that offers an elastic compression strap for a secure fit. The strap helps keep the mitt firmly in place during a slide, preventing it from sliding off. Moreover, it should be adjustable for the perfect fit.
As mentioned earlier, some players prefer to slide with their right hand, while others use their left. Hence, a sliding mitt that's reversible - meaning it can be worn on either hand - provides versatility and is a good option to consider.
While not a decisive factor for everyone, some players find value in a mitt endorsed by professional MLB players. If your favorite player, like Trea Turner, wears a specific brand or model of sliding mitt, that endorsement might inspire confidence in the product.
Price is an inevitable factor to consider. While you should not compromise on safety and comfort, ensure you are getting a mitt that provides value for your money. Compare prices from different sellers before making your final decision.
Now, having highlighted these important features, we'll dive into the specifics of some of the best sliding mitts available in the market, giving you detailed insights into their offerings and what sets them apart.
Now that we've discussed what features to consider when buying a sliding mitt, let's dive into some of the best sliding mitts available in the market. We will explore the top choices and discuss the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
When it comes to top-notch protection, EvoShield Sliding Mitt is a favorite among many MLB players. With its hardened exterior, it provides superior safety for your hand while you're stealing bases. Endorsed as the Official Batter’s Protective Gear of the MLB, it is sure to turn heads on the field.
In addition to safety, EvoShield offers excellent comfort. The mitt features an adjustable elastic compression strap for a secure and custom fit. Moreover, it comes with a thumb hole and protective shields, adding to the overall safety.
One potential drawback to the EvoShield Sliding Mitt is its price. However, given its features and endorsement, it may be worth the investment.
Find the EvoShield Sliding Mitt on Amazon
Another solid option for a sliding mitt is the Tru Pro Sliding Mitt. It features a durable hardened exterior that provides robust protection for your lead hand. It's designed with a protective stabilization strip to support your wrist during those game-changing slides.
Like the EvoShield, the Tru Pro also has an elastic compression strap for a secure fit, but it comes at a more affordable price, making it a great choice for players on a budget.
Find the Tru Pro Sliding Mitt on Amazon
For players looking for hand-specific options, the Orbis Sliding Mitt with Wrist Guard is an excellent choice. Available in both left and right hand versions, it caters to all players regardless of their preferred sliding hand. This mitt also features protective plates to guard the fingers and thumb.
While this mitt offers excellent protection, some players might find the lack of reversibility limiting, especially if they're still unsure about their preferred sliding hand.
Find the Orbis Sliding Mitt on Amazon
For the younger players, the Nocour Youth Baseball Sliding Mitt is a fantastic option. It's smaller in size, making it a perfect fit for youth players' hands. This mitt provides robust protection and comes with an elastic strap for an adjustable fit.
The downside might be that as young players grow, they'll need to upgrade to a larger mitt. However, its affordable price makes it a worthwhile investment for budding baseball stars.
Find the Nocour Youth Sliding Mitt on Amazon
The Aceletiqs Sliding Mitt is a great product for those who value convenience. It's reversible and fits both right and left hands. Plus, it comes with a carry bag for easy storage and transport.
Its protective shields ensure your fingers are safe during slides, and the elastic compression strap guarantees a secure fit. The Aceletiqs Sliding Mitt is a durable and versatile choice, but it's on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Having gone through these top choices, it's clear that there's a sliding mitt out there for every player's needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you're an aspiring pro, a weekend warrior, or a youngster starting, the perfect mitt awaits.
Find the Aceletiqs Sliding Mitt on Amazon
Baseball players at the top levels of the game, such as in Major League Baseball (MLB), are known to use baseball sliding mitts. Not only do they help prevent injuries, but they also give the players confidence knowing that their hands are well-protected when sliding into bases.
To put it in perspective, Mookie Betts, an MLB superstar, uses the Jordan Sliding Mitt, showcasing its effectiveness at the highest level of play. Similarly, Fernando Tatis Jr., another prominent MLB player, also opts for a sliding mitt during games. Their endorsement and use of sliding mitts highlight the mitts' importance in professional baseball.
While some viewers may jokingly refer to these mitts as oven mitts due to their appearance, they're far from being a joke. Their design is intentional to offer the maximum protection to the players' hands during slides.
However, it's important to note that not all MLB players use sliding mitts. Some prefer to slide without them due to personal preferences or comfort levels.
Note: Insert images of Mookie Betts and Fernando Tatis Jr. wearing their sliding mitts during a game.
Are sliding mitts worth it? Given the level of protection they provide and the endorsement from top professional players, the answer seems to be a resounding yes. But as with any protective gear, the final decision will always depend on the individual player's comfort and preference.
In conclusion, the choice of the best sliding mitt can be a game-changer for both professional and aspiring baseball players. The protective gear significantly reduces the risk of hand injuries during slides, offering players peace of mind when stealing bases or turning heads with game-changing slides.
Whether you're an adult player, or looking for a mitt for younger players, there's a wide range of options available. You can choose from renowned brands like the EvoShield Sliding Mitt, the Tru Pro Sliding Mitt, or the Nocour Youth Baseball Sliding Mitt based on your specific needs.
Consider factors like the degree of protection offered, durability, size, hand orientation, and extra features such as carry bags. And don't forget, while endorsements by famous players like Mookie Betts or Fernando Tatis Jr. might add some allure, they should not be the primary decision-making factor.
With the right sliding mitt, you'll not only play with increased confidence but also protect your lead hand from injuries that could potentially sideline you. So, wear your sliding mitt and slide into the game with style, confidence, and safety!
A baseball sliding mitt is a protective glove worn by baseball players when running bases. It is designed to protect the hand from injuries during slides, especially from being stepped on or “cleated.”
Yes, sliding mitts are worth it. They offer protection to the hand during slides, preventing serious injuries that could sideline a player from games. Furthermore, they offer confidence to the players, allowing them to slide without fear of getting injured.
Yes, many Major League Baseball (MLB) players use sliding mitts. For example, players like Mookie Betts and Fernando Tatis Jr. are known to wear them. The EvoShield Sliding Mitt is even the Official Batter’s Protective Gear of the MLB.
Most players wear the sliding mitt on their right hand, as that is typically the hand they use to slide. However, sliding mitts are reversible and can be worn on either hand depending on the player's preference or hand they use to slide.
No, the sliding mitt goes on the hand that the player uses to slide, which is often the opposite of their throwing hand.
As of right now, Trea Turner uses a Benik W-137B Short Sliding Mitt.
The use of sliding mitts in Major League Baseball has grown over recent years, but as of my last update in September 2021, I don't have the exact date when they started using them. For the most accurate information, it's best to check with official MLB resources or recent sports news articles.
Chris Sloan is a former baseball league commissioner and travel baseball coach who has made significant contributions to the sport. In 2018, he founded selectbaseballteams.com, a website that helps parents find youth and travel baseball teams in their local areas. Since its launch, the website has experienced impressive growth, offering a wealth of resources including teams, news, tournaments, and organizations. Chris's unwavering passion for baseball and his innovative approach to connecting parents with quality baseball programs have earned him a respected reputation in the baseball community, solidifying his legacy as a leading figure in the world of youth and travel baseball.
There are 0 comments on "Top 5 Best Sliding Mitts for Baseball in 2023"
chandler allen says:
"Hi my name is chandler, i’ve enjoyed..."
On Wanting to tryout for summer ball. as an 18 year old
david graham says:
"With no current MLB team in Canada,..."
On With no current MLB team in
Charles Chavez says:
"To All Coaches: Do you have13U or..."
On Looking for Games