YOUR GLOVE

THE BASICS

Baseball and softball are similar in many ways, including most game rules, positions and gear. But if you look a little closer, you'll notice a major difference in one essential piece of equipment. Softballs are bigger than baseballs, so the gloves and webbing of a softball glove must be bigger to catch them. This difference also helps explain the extraordinary variation between baseball and softball pitches.

History

Legend has it that softball started at a football game on Thanksgiving Day in 1887. The first ball was a balled-up boxing glove, and the bat was actually a broom handle. Since then, official softballs replaced the boxing glove, and players took up real sporting bats in place of the broom handle.

Softball gloves evolved as much as the bats and balls have over the years. Changes began in the 1920s, when substantial padding was added to protect players' hands from injury. This move sparked more modifications, including the addition of laced fingers and webbing. Today's softball gloves are equipped with a range of specific features for each position on the field. The number of choices can be overwhelming, but don't worry. Academy is here to help.

HOW TO BUY AND BREAK IN THE RIGHT SOFTBALL GLOVE FOR YOU