The Short Answer: Simply put, batting gloves help a baseball or softball player's performance in the batter's box. They do this by serving as an intermediary between the bat and your hands. They provide a solid grip that isn't compromised by sweat or moisture, reduce stinging, prevent blisters, and look cool all at the same time.
To fully appreciate the importance and value of these gloves, we will dive into their history, take a look at their benefits, and analyze the differences between different batting gloves available on the market. By the end of this article, you'll be equipped with vital knowledge about batting gloves that will help you understand their functionality and their impact on your performance and style.
The History of Batting Gloves
The Old Way: Batting with Your Bare Hands
In the early days of baseball, players exclusively gripped the bat with their bare hands. This practice was hardly thought twice about by players who had never considered you could wear batting gloves to lessen the sting. It is reasonable to believe that most players just accepted that discomfort was an inevitable part of a game where you hit a rock hard ball with a wood bat. However, the introduction of batting gloves brought a much-needed solution.
The Bobby Thomson Effect: Introduction of the Single Glove
The use of batting gloves was not immediately adopted by all players in Major League Baseball. Bobby Thomson was the pioneer of wearing gloves in the batter's box. He started the movement when he chose to use a golf glove in batting practice and spring training in 1949 when he was gifted a pair of golf gloves by pro golfer Danny Lawler.
The Hawk Revolution: Transitioning to Batting Gloves
In the 1960s, another crucial transformation took place. Ken "Hawk" Harrelson, a former professional baseball player who was also a professional golfer, had an idea to resolve his persistent issue of blisters; he became the first player to wear batting gloves in a real MLB game. This unconventional practice turned out to be highly beneficial in reducing pressure on his hands. His successful experiment paved the way for the widespread use of batting gloves in the game.
Mass Production & Adoption
As baseball continued to grow in popularity, batting gloves began to gain recognition as a vital tool for every hitter and companies began to produce gloves designed specifically for baseball hitters (previously players used golf gloves). Today, seeing a player in the batter's box, from the MLB to high school to little league, without a pair of gloves is a rare sight.
The Benefits of Batting Gloves
Improved Grip
One of the primary purposes of batting gloves is enhancing grip strength. They are designed to provide a firmer grip and prevent slipping during a swing, giving batters more control of their bat. Regardless of the material of the baseball bat, the better grip provided by batting gloves will ensure a more efficient swing.
Protection Against Blisters and Stingers
As we learned from Mr. Harrelson, repeated swinging can lead to the formation of painful blisters on the hands. Batting gloves create a layer of protection that decreases friction and blister formation. They also reduce the "stinging" sensation that comes when the ball connects with the bat outside the sweet spot, especially in cold weather conditions.
Added Comfort
Batting gloves provide extra cushioning which is beneficial in maintaining comfort levels during games and practices. They absorb the shock that is generated when hitting the baseball. This reduces hand fatigue and makes it easier for players to focus on the game.
The Drip Effect
Batting gloves are not only for functional purposes, let’s be real, they also just look cool. Batters often use their gloves as a form of personal expression. Even when baserunning, having a cool pair of batting gloves hanging out of your back pocket while fielding or as you run the bases with your sliding mitt is drippy.
Different Types of Batting Gloves
Style & Sizing of Batting Gloves
The choice between long-cuff and short-cuff batting gloves depends mostly on your personal preference. The two designs cater to different needs and situations, providing a more options for players.
Long-Cuff vs Short-Cuff Batting Gloves
Long-cuff batting gloves are designed to provide additional wrist support that is preferred by some hitters. They offer more stability and can help reduce the risk of wrist injuries upon impact with the ball. Their purpose is simple: extra support for your swing.
On the other hand, short-cuff gloves follow a more traditional design. They allow more wrist movement providing greater flexibility. This flexibility often translates to greater control in manipulating the bat during hitting, making these gloves quite popular with many players.
Importance of Glove Size
In addition to the design considerations, it’s essential to keep in mind that glove size matters in performance. Devising the fit based on size charts ensures the comfort and effectiveness of the glove. Similar to your fielding glove, a well-fitted batting glove should be comfortable yet snug -- resulting in a more powerful and controlled swing.
Premium vs Cost-Effective Batting Gloves
When it comes to price, batting gloves typically fall into two categories: premium and cost-effective. However, the cost should not be the only determining factor. The features, benefits, and durability of each type of batting glove should be your priority if you are serious about your game.
Premium Batting Gloves
Premium gloves are made from superior materials, like ours which are made from 100% Cabretta leather. Premium gloves offer a combination of excellent grip, luxurious feel, and increased durability. Although premium gloves come with a higher price, they are often the option chosen by professional players or serious youth players who prioritize quality and durability.
Cost-Effective Batting Gloves
On the contrary, cost-effective gloves are generally made from synthetic materials, which are more budget-friendly. They are practical for new players, casual players, or those who play softball or baseball occasionally. While the lower upfront cost is enticing, these gloves may wear out faster and need to be replaced more frequently if you are not a casual player.
In the end, the choice between long-cuff and short-cuff or between premium and cost-effective batting gloves depends mainly on personal preferences, needs, and budget.
How BRUCE BOLT Can Help
At BRUCE BOLT, our mission is more than just selling baseball gear. We aim to enhance the game for every baseball player by providing the highest quality batting gloves, arm sleeves, and sliding mitts.
Whether you prefer the added wrist support from our long-cuff gloves, or enjoy the flexibility of short-cuff gloves, we have plenty of designs to choose from. With a focus on comfort, durability, performance, and style, our gloves are designed to elevate every player's game.
Our premium range of batting gloves are made from 100% Cabretta leather, ensuring an unmatched grip and long-lasting durability. They're designed to withstand the rigors of a double-header or extended batting practice, making them the go-to choice for the best players.
We believe that in the game of baseball, every detail counts. So, why compromise on your batting gloves? With a new pair of our high-quality, performance-enhancing gloves, you won't have to.
