First Baseman's Glove

[PackLandVA]

I played baseball and watched and listened to baseball for 35+ years. But here's something I've never really heard explained.

 

Why is the first baseman's glove rounded on the pinky side?

 

Now I can sort of see the reasoning for a left handed first baseman. The pinky side is closest to the ground when trying to make a swipe tag on a pick off. But does a rounded edge really create that less of drag to make a difference? And if it does, what the explanation for a right handed first baseman having the same curve on the pinky side? Shouldn't it be on the thumb side since? And if it has nothing to do with drag, then why at all is it curved? I really have no idea! :?:

[bhogg]

I'm a right hander and a first baseman. In HS I much preferred the mitt at 1B because it gave a larger target for my infielders.

 

It only helped on scoops to my left side, which were rare.

 

So, in short, I don't know.

[frostwyrm]

I've always thought the rounding is due to 1st basemen having to dig a lot of balls out of the dirt because of low throws from SS and 3B, as well as low pickoff attempts. The rounding lets you block a dirt-level ball a little better, similar to a hockey goalie's glove.

[PackLandVA]

I've always thought the rounding is due to 1st basemen having to dig a lot of balls out of the dirt because of low throws from SS and 3B, as well as low pickoff attempts. The rounding lets you block a dirt-level ball a little better, similar to a hockey goalie's glove.

 

That makes sense, I suppose. But then why not round the pinky side of all the infield gloves? It's not like you actually use the squared off tip to catch the ball.

[Abe Frohman]

I guess that's why a first baseman and catcher use mitts instead of gloves. Kinda like gloves and mittens. I can't tell you why all infielders don't use mitts, since 3rd basemen and middle infielders do a lot of digging and picking too.

 

I guess the reason why MI use smaller gloves is for the quick transfer in turning balls, but it doesn't explain why they couldn't do that with a rounded glove that was 10-11.5 inches.

[haltz]

It's against the rules for anyone to wear a mitt that isn't a catcher or first baseman. 1.12; 1.13; 1.14

[Clem Fandango]

The simplistic side of me always thought they wore the bigger mitt for extra [padding since they're the ones who had the other infielders rocketing their throws at them. Everyone else might get a quick or soft toss depending on the play. Very rarely do third basemen or middle infielders get balls thrown at them with the same force a first baseman receives on almost every play, especially double plays. I just assume because of this that they wore it for extra protection. Ever just play around on a field wearing a regular glove at first base? Kinda hurts after while

[bhogg]

maybe i used a crappy mitt, but there wasn't any more padding in it compared to my other glove.

[imb]

wait for it

[David]

Kinda hurts after while

 

 

That's what she said.

[Vanilla Ice]

wait for it

 

I'm waiting

[Clem Fandango]

Kinda hurts after while

 

 

That's what she said.

 

[highfive]

 

[snap]