Everything You Need to Know About Sliding Mitts

The Short Answer: A sliding mitt is a protective glove worn on the hand of a player when they are baserunning. It houses a protective plate and is secured with an elastic compression strap. Because aggressive base running can put the hands, wrists, and fingers at risk of impact injuries, a sliding mitt adds a layer of protection and gives players more confidence.

The sliding mitt has evolved from a specialized piece of equipment into a popular addition to many players' gear. Although it is a newer innovation compared to traditional baseball equipment, sliding mitts are now seen across all levels of the game, from Little League fields to the majors.

The History of Sliding Mitts

The roots of this protective gear can be traced back to the 2008 MLB season with Scott Podsednik, a former All-Star outfielder known for his speed on the base path. Podsednik finished his career with 309 stolen bases, including a league-leading 70 in 2004. A player sliding that often puts his hands in harm's way more than almost anyone on the field.

The Original Removable Cast

Eventually the injuries caught up with him. After hurting his thumb in 2003, Podsednik broke his pinkie finger sliding into second base in 2008, which was the main reason he started looking for a solution. He collaborated with a hand therapist to create what he referred to as a "removable cast." Initially made out of fiberglass, this early prototype was designed to protect his fingers during head-first slides.

Adoption & Popularity

Although Podsednik was the pioneer, the sliding mitt didn't gain widespread attention from other professional baseball players until later. Teammates began adopting the gear after seeing its effectiveness, and the trend picked up momentum as players like Brett Gardner and Rajai Davis began using more refined versions of the mitt.

From the Majors to the Youth Level

Today, it's common to see the majority of baserunners wearing these mitts during games, highlighting their acceptance and perceived benefits among pros. Beyond major leaguers, the popularity of sliding mitts has trickled down through minor league baseball and into the youth level, most commonly seen worn by the best young talent.

Regulatory Considerations

As the sliding mitt becomes more prevalent in MLB, questions about its regulation have emerged. Unlike other pieces of equipment like first base mitts and wood bats, there are currently no specific MLB rules governing the size or features of sliding mitts. This raises interesting scenarios, especially in critical moments, about how much of an advantage a player might gain from the extended length of a mitt on a slide into home plate with the season on the line. The lack of clarity in the rules suggests that as sliding mitts become more controversial, official regulations may need to be established.

League rules vary below the professional level. Check with your organization before buying:

Understanding the Importance of Sliding Mitts

At first glance, a sliding mitt looks like a simple oven mitt. However, it's specially designed to protect a player's hand, wrist, and fingers when sliding into a base. The mitt, typically tucked away in a player's back pocket or left in the dugout until needed, makes its appearance once a player reaches base.

The Role of a Sliding Mitt on the Field

Sliding is an essential part of baserunning, making it imperative to stay protected while doing so. The nature of sliding significantly raises the possibility of hand or wrist injuries, and the commonality of these injuries is a big reason for the growing popularity of sliding mitts. The protective plate and elastic compression strap of a protective sliding mitt are designed to provide a buffer on every headfirst slide.

Impact on Player Performance & Confidence

Regardless of their skill level, every baseball player stands to benefit from a sliding mitt. This protective accessory allows players to focus on polishing their performance by providing extra confidence and a bit of style. Even in leagues that prohibit headfirst slides (like Little League), a mitt protects the trail hand from being stepped on going in feet first.

Versatility Across Positions

The sliding mitt is a versatile accessory, benefitting athletes across positions and ages, from seasoned MLB players to high school softball players. Anyone stealing a base or diving back on a pickoff throw is putting a hand in harm's way, which is why a protective sliding mitt has become standard softball gear as well. The benefits extend well beyond the professional level, making it an asset for any player.

What Sets BRUCE BOLT Sliding Mitts Apart

BRUCE BOLT gear is built to keep players protected without slowing them down. Here is what goes into every baseball sliding mitt we make:

• An exclusive non-slip palm made from proprietary materials delivers an assured grip.

• Semi-flexible TPU protective plates guard against cleats and hard impacts on the bag with maximum durability.

• High-quality straps and extra padding provide targeted wrist protection.

• Durable materials hold up across a full season of slides without breaking down.

• The fit prioritizes player safety without compromising comfort or mobility.

Finding the Right Fit

Sizing matters more than most players expect. A mitt that runs too big shifts around on impact, and one that runs too small limits how freely the hand moves. Our sliding mitts come in youth and adult sizes, and the size guide on each product page walks you through measuring before you order.

Slide With Confidence

With a BRUCE BOLT sliding mitt, you don't just get to slide with confidence, you get to elevate your game. It is a smart addition to any player's bag, whatever level they play at.

Our lineup covers two builds. The classic sliding mitts use a 3-inch elastic strap to lock the mitt on the hand, which is the traditional fit most players know. The Speed sliding mitts drop the strap for a one-piece build that slips on in a second and comes 40 percent lighter than the previous model. Both use the same non-slip palm and TPU plates, and the strapless shape fits either hand, so there is no left or right version to pick between.

Pair your mitt with a set of our batting gloves to round out your kit, and gear up before the season starts.