10 Best First Base Baseball Gloves 2025 in the United States

The Franklin Sports Field Master Baseball First Baseman's Mitt is a strong contender for both adult and youth players seeking a reliable glove for first base. With a size of 12.5 inches, it offers ample coverage for scooping and catching, making it suitable for different levels of play, including baseball, softball, and teeball. The dual-bar web design is a classic choice for first basemen, providing a solid structure to secure the ball effectively.

The glove is made of soft synthetic leather, which mimics the feel and durability of real leather but with a significantly shorter break-in period. This means it can be game-ready almost immediately, which is a substantial advantage for players who need a quick solution. Additionally, the Contour Fit System allows for customizable thumb adjustments, ensuring a snug fit tailored to individual preferences.

The hand-formed pocket adds to the comfort and responsiveness, making catching more intuitive and secure. However, it's worth noting that while the synthetic leather offers good durability, it may not match the longevity and feel of genuine leather gloves for more advanced or professional players. Also, the padding might not be as robust as some other high-end gloves, potentially offering less protection on hard catches. Despite these minor drawbacks, it's a well-rounded choice for those looking for a versatile and ready-to-play first baseman's mitt.

The Rawlings PLAYER PREFERRED Baseball First Base Glove is a 12.5-inch mitt designed for adults, making it suitable for both recreational baseball and slowpitch softball. Its single post double bar webbing is a traditional design that first basemen often prefer, providing solid support and control when catching throws. This glove is constructed from full-grain leather, ensuring enhanced durability and a long lifespan.

The high-quality material is a major selling point, as it promises to withstand regular use and maintain its integrity over time. The glove also features zero shock palm padding, which offers additional protection against impact, making catches more comfortable and less jarring on the hands. The adjustable wrist strap allows players to customize the fit, ensuring maximum comfort during play.

An attractive aspect of this glove is its game-ready feel, which reduces the break-in period to 80% factory and 20% player effort, meaning it can be quickly prepared for use. While some users may find the leather initially stiff and requiring some effort to achieve the perfect fit and feel, the combination of quality material, protective padding, and customizable fit makes this glove a strong candidate for anyone looking to improve their game at first base.

The Mizuno GXF102 Youth Prospect First Baseman Mitt, with its 12-inch size, is designed specifically for youth players, making it a suitable choice for young athletes learning the game. One of its primary strengths is the patent-pending heel flex technology, which increases the glove's flexibility and makes it easier for young players to close. Additionally, the patented PowerClose feature simplifies catching, helping new players catch the ball correctly in the pocket. The power lock closure ensures a secure and comfortable fit, enhancing performance on the field.

Constructed from a blend of materials with synthetic leather lining, the mitt is durable and offers a good balance between flexibility and strength. The padding is sufficient to protect young hands while still being lightweight enough for ease of use. However, the synthetic leather might not offer the same longevity as genuine leather options, potentially showing wear and tear faster.

The glove's standout features and user-friendly design make it a popular choice. It’s most suitable for a youth audience and may not provide the advanced performance required by more experienced players. For parents looking to equip their children with a reliable first base glove, the Mizuno GXF102 is a great starting point.