The best 3rd basemen in baseball history, at least for defense, include such luminaries as Manny Machado, Nolan Arenado, Brooks Robinson, Scott Rolen, Juan Uribe, Josh Donaldson, Robin Ventura, and Adrian Beltre.
In modern professional play, deficient defense in this position has been tolerated as long as the player is hitting well, but there’s still a limit to the level of incompetence allowed for this position.
In youth play, sloppy play isn’t allowed for 3rd base, since that can lead to extra bases.
In a hurry?
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With the right 3rd baseman glove, a player can cover the infield much better, and more baseline drives can be prevented from getting through.
And of course, a good third baseman glove should also help the player scoop up a rolling bunted ball so that a fast throw can be taken towards 1st base.
Young players often just use a general infielder’s glove, since they may be moved from one position to another. By the time they reach high school, however, their position is often set.
This is the best time to buy a superb 3rd base baseball glove.
But then that just begs the quest: which should you buy. We have some possible answers for you:
Wilson A2000 11.5 Inch 3rd Baseman Glove
Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Wilson A2000 3rd baseman glove is highly regarded in the industry, and for good reason. It’s also a versatile glove since it can be used by any infielder (except 1st base), and some pitchers even use it too.
Its design and features were decided up with extensive collaboration with numerous MLB players. It’s why so many professionals use the A2000 series. It’s just that good. For example, it uses the excellent Pro Stock Leather: American
Steerhide that’s well-known for its durability and its incomparable feel. This durability is so renowned that you can pretty much rely on these 3rd base gloves for years.
You can wear them through high school and college. And breaking it in is an easy process.
The same exclusive hand-designed patterns are also present, whether you’re using a store-bought glove or it’s a glove worn by actual pros. Every year, these patterns are improved upon, so you get the latest and the best.
Then it also features dual welting. This is two strips of leather placed along the back of each finger so it’s pre-curved. You get a very durable pocket and a break in that lasts for a long time.
Finally you also have the Dri-Lex wrist lining, which makes the glove extremely breathable as transfers the moisture from your skin. This leaves your hand comfortably cool and suitably dry for fielding.
Wilson A2K 1786 11.5 Inch H-Web 3rd Baseman Glove
Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a variation of the A2K, with specifications requested by the great Dustin Pedroia. So this 11.5-inch glove offers a tight fit, and the laces are longer than usual.
The hand opening is smaller, and it features a low-profile heel.
Again, it comes with Pro Stock leather, dual welting, and the Dri-Lex wrist lining.
It costs about $350, which is a little higher than the first A2000 on this list.
Although I rate this for 3rd base this might work for a 2nd base glove as well.
Rawlings Pro Preferred Series Baseball Gloves
Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In high school, it’s still possible that your coach can alternate you between 3rd base and the outfield.
So instead of buying 2 different gloves, you can always just get the Rawlings Gold Glove Series.
It’s an infiedler’s glove that 3rd basemen can use very effectively.
Its supple kip leather looks and feels very smooth due to the tight grain structure, as kip leather comes from younger cattle so it’s easier to break in.
The patterns that adorn it come straight from the pros. You have professional-grade padding so that as you break it in, it forms a pocket well and it retains the shape for a longer period of time.
For comfort, you have a special sheepskin palm lining that enhances the fit and comfort.
The price ranges anywhere from about $300 to $400, but it’s worth every penny.
Rawlings Pro Preferred Baseball Glove
Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is another high quality 3rd baseman glove at about $339 or so, but it looks like it can perform as well as a $500 glove. And in many ways, it can.
This proves that a third baseman glove doesn’t have to be extremely expensive to be really good.
The leather construction gives a broken-in feel, and deer-tanned cowhide lining is used throughout to add to its strength, durability, and comfort.
It’s very easy to break in. The specially designed palm pad reduces the sting of the ball impact. And it’s a great glove for transitioning to throws to first base.
Nokona X2 Elite Select Baseball Glove
Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You buy a Nokona when you insist on high quality, as the brand is synonymous with American craftsmanship and superior leather. This one is a versatile 3rd baseman glove that’s perfect for 3rd or any infield position for that matter.
It feels great, it looks cool, and it can really help 3rd basemen field their position. The pocket is quite shallow, and that’s perfectly suitable for quick throws to get a speedy runner out at first base.
You can even call up Nokona and they can re-lace it the way you specify—that’s one advantage of getting a handmade glove made by a true American pro.
The Triple-H leather used here is among the stiffest in the Nokona range, and in fact it’s a stiffer glove with the traditional look, feel, and character of the venerable Nokona Walnut.
Shoeless Joe Gloves Modified Trap Brown Glove
Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Finally we have this vintage style glove. It features an all-leather construction, without that ubiquitous nylon lining.
In this version, the webbing is pulled tight so the trap bows inward.
This is field-ready, which means there’s very little break-in needed.
It features 100% cowhide that’s been tanned and treated with the special Antique Tobacco Tanning Process.
After assembly and hand-lacing, craftsmen rub traditional ingredients into the leather to soften the leather and to make it look worn.
You get all this for a great deal on Amazon.
Which of These 3rd Baseman Glove Options Should You Choose?
Choose one of these, and get ready to play ball!
On third base, there’s no excuse for sloppy defensive plays.
So take after the 3rd basemen Golden Glove recipients and play like a winner.
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