Let’s start with something that’s patently obvious to many players: if you’re playing 2nd base, then you need a 2nd baseman glove.
But that’s not always obvious to parents who don’t know much about baseball.
Some of them may think that all baseball gloves are interchangeable.
Just show me the best 2nd baseman glove please!
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What Makes a 2nd Baseman Glove Different?
There are subtle differences in a second baseman glove when you compare it to the gloves used by other fielders.
in the picture: Wilson A2k Second Base Glove
For any position on the field, a glove will always be a crucial tool. But 2nd basemen have to think about two primary aims.
First, they need to stop the ball from getting into the outfield so that the hitter doesn’t get to 1st base safely.
Second, they also need to think about the possibility of a double play. They can stop the ball and then pass on to the shortstop who’s covering 2nd base, and who then throws to first base quickly ahead of the hitter.
Or they can get the throw from the shortstop, and then they can hurriedly throw to 1st base.
Thus, the best second baseman glove must allow for these various possibilities.
It’s not enough that it fits the hand of the player comfortably.
Here are some factors to consider when buying a 2nd base glove
Size. In general, the gloves for middle infielders are the smallest, and the 2nd baseman glove size is even smaller than the shortstop’s.
That’s because 2nd basemen don’t often catch fly balls, unlike outfielders and the infielders along the line who go after foul balls.
Pocket size. You may want to opt for a shallower pocket, as this lets you to get the ball out of the glove more quickly, so that you can increase the chance of a double play.
Webbing. The webbings preferred by many 2nd basemen often open and come with a looser stitch. Again, this is to enable a quicker release.
Backs. This is the glove area behind your wrist, and it can be open or closed. For 2nd basemen, an open back is often preferred for better flexibility.
Padding. You don’t really need much padding for this glove, since the ball doesn’t come by you as fast as it does to the 1st and 3rd basemen.
Material. This will determine your comfort, the effectiveness of the glove in catching the ball, the weight of the glove, and its durability.
Versatility. Most players, especially the younger ones, switch fielding positions often.
So sometimes you may want a deeper pocket so that you can still use your glove when you’re switched from 2nd base to the outfield.
Brand. Many brands have established enviable reputations for excellent baseball gloves. These are often preferable to obscure brands that don’t pay as much attention to quality control.
Nokona Walnut WB-1150M 11.5 inch 2nd Baseman Glove
Last update on 2022-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Nokona 2nd base glove is a famous brand, and this glove exemplifies the reasons for its popularity.
At this size, it’s suitable for children from ages 10 to 13 years old, although older children can still use it if they have smaller hands.
It features a modified trap web that suits the middle infielder position quite well.
The “T-web” offers some depth as well as durability for the glove.
While it suits infielders, you can still use it when you’re switched to the outfield.
The pocket is deep enough to help with catching fly balls.
It uses top grain steerhide and American buffalo. This is durable leather material that’s also lightweight, and it needs very little break-in before you can use it properly.
Despite the seemingly Japanese name of the brand, it’s actually an American brand named after Nocona, Texas.
The change in the spelling is because it’s not allowed to use a town’s name for a private company brand.
Nokona has been making gloves since 1934, and Nolan Ryan’s first glove was a Nokona.
Wilson A2000 1786 11.5″ Baseball Glove Wta20rb151786 H-Web
- Wilson A2000 1789 11.5" Infield/Pitcher's Baseball Glove
- 11.5" infield/pitcher's glove, Pro laced T-Web
- Orange tan and Royal Pro Stock leather, preferred for its rugged durability and unmatched feel
- Dual welting for a durable pocket and long-lasting break-in
- Right Hand Throw = Left Hand Glove, Left Hand Throw = Right Hand Glove
Last update on 2019-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Wilson A2000 2nd base glove is one of the most famous gloves ever, and this one illustrates why so many players love it.
This measures 11.5 inches which should suit 2nd basemen who are at least 11 years old.
The H-Web is another open style of webbing that’s great for a middle infielder.
It features larger spaces in the webbing and looser stitching, which keeps you from pulling up dirt clumps when you snatch ground balls.
It uses very durable leather that’s easy to break in, and the pocket is durable as well.
The special wrist lining can also help keep your hand dry and cool, which is a big deal during the summer.
With so many decades tweaking the Wilson A2000, this model’s performance and durability is justifiably renowned.
It’s the model of choice for players like Elvis Andrus of the Texas Rangers and Eric Sogard of the Oakland A’s.
Akadema Pattern Modified-Trap Web Gloves with Open Back and Medium-Deep Pocket
- top ranked baseball glove
- Pro Soft leather
- Easy break in
- Right Hand Throw = Left Hand Glove, Left Hand Throw = Right Hand Glove
Last update on 2019-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Akadema brand is based in New Jersey, and it’s well-known for its creative baseball glove designs.
Its Praying Mantis design was revolutionary, and they’ve made gloves for the likes of Bryce Harper.
This particular model is superb, especially for younger players who play the 2nd base position.
It uses excellent Pro Soft steerhide leather that’s easy to break in, so it doesn’t take long before you can rely on it for a game.
It features the modified trapeze webbing with loose stitching.
The pocket is very durable, and the medium depth of the pocket is well suited for a middle infielder for a quicker release.
At the same time, this depth isn’t all that shallow so you can still use it when you get to the outfield.
The open back offers greater comfort, and you also get better flexibility so you can get at ground balls even when they bounce crazily.
Shoeless Joe Gloves Modified Trap Brown 2nd Baseman Glove
- Affordable leather reconditioning program to make any used Shoeless Joe Glove look, feel, and smell like new
- "Field Ready" Shoeless Joe Gloves require little or no break in time
- Made from 100% Antique Tobacco Tanned cowhide & hand rubbed with old time ingredients to soften the leather
- Shoeless Joe Ball Gloves have that "Game Worn" look but are designed and ready to take to the field at any level of play
- Affordable leather reconditioning program to make any used Shoeless Joe Glove look, feel and smell like new
Last update on 2019-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When it comes to tradition, the Shoeless Joe brand is something else.
They offer classic-looking non-nonsense gloves that look entirely functional, and without the flashiness of many modern gloves today.
This modified trap model is a good example of what they offer.
It also offers the modified trapeze webbing, which offers great versatility for younger players.
It uses 100% specially aged tobacco-tanned cowhide.
It’s been hand-rubbed with traditional ingredients to soften the leather. It’s extremely comfy.
It also doesn’t have a brand-new look, even if it is really brand new.
Instead, the glove has that game-worn look that’s so much better.
Maybe you can spend a day or two playing catch, and then after that it’ll be ready for an actual game.
This can work excellently if you’re transferred to the outfield.
The all-brown color of the glove displays a no-nonsense attitude that’s common to many of the best players of the game.
You can demonstrate your flashiness with your fielding, and not with the bright colors of the glove.
Mizuno Pro Limited Edition Infield Baseball Glove 11.5″
- Handcrafted by Mizuno technicians in Japan
- Japanese tanned Northern European kip leather
- Off season reconditioning program
- Roll welting
- Limited edition
Last update on 2021-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This 2nd baseman glove is one of the most expensive in the market today. It retails for about $500, although you can find some sellers offering it for a whopping 40% discount or more.
Yet even with the standard retail price, many say that it’s really worth your money. It really is that good.
Like many good leather gloves, this will take some time to break in.
But after that, you’ll have many years of use due to the extreme durability of the leather.
It’s very soft, and it will easily conform to the shape of your hand.
This can do wonders for your comfort level and to how you can field the ball cleanly.
The deerskin palm liner is the ultimate in soft feel.
The web offers great function for 2nd basemen, but you can still use it even for outfield positions.
It features an open back for greater coolness and flexibility.
Mizuno used the latest technology to give it the best balance for the best reaction possible.
Mizuno even offers a free one-time reconditioning and repair service for the glove, so that when it’s nearing the end of its lifespan you can have it foxed for an extended period of use.
Conclusion on These Top 5 2nd Baseman Glove Options
All of these gloves can work as a 2nd baseman glove, but they also offer enough versatility so that it can still be used for other positions.
Have this in your glove hand, and you can find your team getting more double plays on the future!
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