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There are literally hundreds of different catchers mitts on the market, some of which are much better than others. So we set out to identify the best catchers mitt for serious Baseball catchers and narrowed down our list to three picks.
Our top pick is a premium catchers mitt that really stands out from the pack. Keep scrolling to learn more about this and other options...
Best Catchers Mitt for Baseball Catchers
(NOTE: Are you looking for reviews specifically for Fastpitch Softball catcher's mitts? Then click HERE / Are you looking for reviews specifically for Youth catcher's mitts? Then click HERE)
For many catchers, their mitt is the most used and typically the most cherished piece of gear that they own.
It's the first thing a pitched Baseball comes in contact with and it's typically the first line of defense from wild pitches.
As you might expect then, having a high quality catcher's mitt is really important for catchers of all ages and skill levels.
In this review, we will take a close look at two premium mitts as well as our budget pick for those most concerned about affordability.
A Very Brief History of Catchers Mitts
When organized Baseball first began way back in the 19th century, catchers caught the ball with their bare hands.
Ouch.
It was in the 1870s when the first use of a protective glove by a catcher was recorded. At that time, it was little more than a thin leather glove fitting tightly over the hand.
The first catcher's mitt bears literally no resemblance to the top of the line mitts of today.
However, practically every decade since there have been some changes (i.e., improvements) to the design, look, and functionality of catcher's mitts.
For example, take a look at the image below to see how the catcher's mitt has changed over the years.
Our custom graphic we created to show how the design of catcher's mitts has changed over several decades.
What Size Mitt Do I Need?
Catcher's mitts are not measured by their length, but by their circumference. For Baseball catchers that are age 12 or older, we suggest choosing a mitt that's at least 32.5 inches, if not more.
Many adult Baseball catcher's mitts are 33 or 33.5 inches, which as a rule of thumb works well for most in this age bracket.
However, you can always choose a mitt that's a little bit bigger or smaller based on what you feel most comfortable wearing. Your comfort - as opposed to any other particular guideline - is what's most important when choosing a new catcher's mitt.
What is the Best Catchers Mitt?
We believe the best catchers mitt for this season is the Wilson A2000 (2022 M1DSS). Its thick steerhide leather, deep pocket and classic black and blonde design are among some of the reasons why this mitt stands out so much.
Our top three picks for the best catchers mitt (or best baseball catchers gloves, as some refer to them) are the following:
- Wilson A2000 (our top overall pick)
- All-Star Pro Elite (runner up)
- Rawlings Player Preferred (budget pick)
Continue scrolling to see our reviews and images of each of these mitts.
Budget Pick: Rawlings Player Preferred
Our top pick for budget minded shoppers
The Rawlings Player Preferred catcher's mitt is a good choice for those specifically looking for an affordable catcher's mitt made with quality materials.
This mitt has a conventional back, it is constructed with a buffalo leather shell, and it has a 1 piece closed web. It also features an internal zero shock palm pad that helps to reduce the sting of the ball when it impacts the pocket.
The full grain leather shell on this mitt is oiled, giving it a smooth finished look. It is also built with strong leather laces.
Rawlings' red logo appears prominently on the leather over the back of the hand, and Rawlings branding also appears on the shell above the thumb and pinkie finger stalls.
The Player Preferred mitt measures approximately 33 inches. With a player break in of only 20 percent, the mitt can be broken in relatively quickly.
It is a good baseball catchers glove for people of different skill levels, though you should definitely keep in mind that it is not in the same league as the A2000, the All-Star Pro Elie or even the Heart of the Hide.
Nonetheless, among baseball catcher's mitts at this low of a price point, it's hard to beat.
Pros
For a cheap catcher's mitt, it's hard to beat
The palm padding helps to absorb shock and to limit stinging
Nice full grain leather with a pretty deep pocket
Can be broken in quickly, especially with moderate to good hand strength
Cons
There are a few documented complaints about sections of the lacing coming undone with use
Close up Images of the Rawlings Player Preferred
Frequently Asked Questions
About Baseball catcher's mitts
Question: What should I do if my catcher's mitt doesn't have enough padding to prevent my palm from stinging?
Answer: If you have a new mitt but your palm is still hurting when you catch, you should consider getting an inner padded glove. It fits like a batting glove and has thick padding placed over sensitive parts of the hand like the palm and index finger. Check out our post on these inner gloves to learn more and see our top picks.
Question: Should I get a catcher's mitt that has an adjustable wrist strap?
Answer: A mitt with a wrist strap is not better or worse than one without it. It's largely based on preference - some catchers just like having the wrist strap so they can make it tighter or looser as needed. In many cases a mitt without a strap will fit the hand just fine. However, if your hand and wrist are smaller than average, you may lean towards getting one with the adjustable strap.
Question: I'm a catcher who throws left handed. None of these mitts have left handed versions. What should I do?
Answer: Unfortunately a wide variety of catcher's mitt products aren't made for left handers. Nonetheless, left handed catcher's mitts do exist. If you're a lefty catcher in need of a mitt, we'd encourage you to read our detailed article on the topic, which includes our top picks for left handers.
Question: What is a baseball catchers glove and how does it differ from a catchers mitt?
Answer: Although the phrase baseball catchers glove is often thrown out there, the correct term is not a baseball catchers glove but a catchers mitt. They are the same thing, just two different word choices to describe it!
Thank You for Reading!
We hope this review was interesting and useful to you. If you have any questions for us about catcher's mitts - or about catching in general - don't hesitate to reach out by heading over to the Contact Us page or by dropping us a note at scott (at) catchershome (dot) com.
Thanks for stopping by to read!
Scott Perry
Scott Perry is the owner and lead author at Catchers Home. He's a former baseball player, a current coach, a husband and a Dad. He remains as passionate about baseball today as he was as a kid.