Baseball & Softball Gloves

Baseball Gloves

April 2nd, today was the scheduled home opener for the Boston Red Sox.  Earlier this week MHS would have been on the diamond for their opening baseball and softball games of the season.  In the spirit of game we decided to talk about gloves, yes that’s right baseball and softball gloves.  To the athletes that wear them they are more than just some leather on their hand.  Some are loose, others tight, do you want a deep pocket, preferred brand, do you buy new or make repairs to the old mitt, everyone is unique to the player.  Gloves are full of stories too.  They have been there, in the dugout, through good game and bad, in dust, rain, and especially for the great catch.  We spoke with a few of our MHS baseball and softball players to learn about their gloves.  We even heard from Mr. Economos about his mitt.

James Crossman Class of 2020

I have been using a Wilson A2000 for the past three seasons that I have it customized to the same specifications Mookie Betts uses. Being an outfielder you want a big enough glove that also fits in your hand nicely so this glove is perfect for me. Every moment using this glove has been a special one for me, some of my favorite memories of high school were made on the baseball field with this glove. 

Audra McDuffie  Class of 2020

Every time I get a new glove I always go for a Mizuno glove. A glove should be something that helps you play at the best level you can, so I always base my decision for one on comfort. I like to be able to tighten my glove because some can feel as though they are slipping off your hand. I had to get a new glove this year as the one I had been using since freshmen year broke on an attempted diving catch during our district final game. As an outfielder and first baseman I have made many catches over the years, but I do not think one particular catch stands out amongst the others.

Joey Bien   Class of 2021

I have a variety of baseball gloves used specifically for certain positions on the field, such as Infield, Outfield, and First Baseman glove. The gloves I use currently are relatively new to me. Back when I played at the younger levels, I can remember using an old, cracking, beat up mitt that looked like it was about to fall apart. But I loved it, because any player would agree that once you make plays with a glove, especially good plays, you appreciate it more. The glove I have a connection most to is my first baseman glove. My first year playing first base was 7th grade. This required me to get a first baseman glove, to enhance my success at receiving throws in the infield. I went to a used sports equipment store, and found a used first base mitt that fit like a gem. It was broken in perfectly, I knew this was the one. During the season, it treated me great, and definitely saved me on a few bad reads by me. My most memorable memory with my glove is during a practice in 8th grade. The web of my glove had recently been getting loose, and I assumed it was not a big deal, and ignored it. Then one throw from shortstop came and the ball went straight through the web of my glove, and hit me in the sunglasses.  Only ball players would understand the joy that you feel while putting your glove on, taking the field and running out to your position. Having your glove is a sense of comfort. You know your about to have fun when that mitt goes on. It sounds ridiculous to non players thinking about players' connections to their gloves. It's much more than a piece of leather, it's the game itself. I must add that the most essential part of wearing a baseball glove, is sticking the index finger out of the hole on top. Anybody who says otherwise, is wrong!

Mr. Economos

I played either Catcher or 1st base so I have always had a different type of glove.  It was either a catcher's mitt or a 1st baseman's mitt. The glove truly becomes special when it breaks in over time and fits comfortably and is the exact size and shape, hence the phrase "fits like a glove".  I wouldn't say I have any special catches I can remember with my glove, however I do remember when I was younger I used to sleep with my glove and break it in every chance possible and never take it off my hand unless I had to.  A player can become very attached to their glove and create a special bond with it that only baseball and softball players would understand.