10 Best Youth Catchers Gloves 2025 in the United States

The Rawlings R9 Contour Baseball Catcher's Mitt is designed with young athletes in mind. It features a 32-inch size, which is ideal for youth players. The soft, durable leather material ensures the glove is game-ready, requiring minimal break-in time. This allows players to use it effectively right out of the box. The mitt includes a reinforced palm pad and padded thumb loop, which provide excellent impact protection and comfort, essential for catchers who face fast pitches regularly. Additionally, the padded fingerback lining enhances the comfort for the player’s hand during the game.

The 1-piece closed webbing design offers better control and stability when catching the ball, which is beneficial for players looking to improve their catching skills. The ContoUR fit is specifically built for smaller hands, giving youth players more control and a secure fit. This feature is particularly useful for young athletes who might struggle with larger gloves.

While the glove is marketed as 'game-ready,' it may still require some breaking-in for optimum performance, depending on personal preferences. Also, the glove is designed for right-hand throwers, which might limit its usability for left-handed players. Despite being listed under the adult age range, it is tailored more towards youth players, which may not suit older or more experienced athletes.

The Rawlings Select Pro Lite Adley Rutschman Youth Catcher’s Mitt is designed specifically for young players stepping into the catcher role. At 32 inches, the glove offers a good size for youth catchers, providing enough coverage for catching pitches effectively. Made from leather, it promises durability and a quality feel, which is important for a position that demands frequent catching and impact absorption. Its solid black webbing offers stable pocket control, essential for securing the ball.

One of the glove's standout features is its lightweight design, making it easier for kids to open and close the mitt without excessive strain. This is complemented by the Youth Pro Taper fit, which includes a smaller hand opening and lowered finger stalls to better fit smaller hands and offer improved comfort. The glove also comes mostly broken in (90% factory, 10% player break-in), meaning it’s ready to use quickly, reducing the usual stiff feel new gloves have. The solid web might limit airflow compared to open web styles, which could affect hand ventilation on hot days. Additionally, the catcher's mitt is tailored for right-hand throwers only, so left-handed throwers will need to look elsewhere.

This mitt is a great choice for youth baseball players who are serious about learning the catcher position. It balances comfort, fit, and performance well, especially for players transitioning from beginner to more competitive play. Its pro-inspired design and quality materials offer a feel that can motivate young players while supporting their development on the field.

The Rawlings PLAYER PREFERRED Baseball Catcher's Mitt is a well-regarded option for recreational baseball and slowpitch softball. Sized at 33 inches, this glove is designed for adult use but could be suitable for older youth players transitioning to adult-sized equipment. The one-piece solid web design is traditional for catcher's mitts, providing stability and secure catches.

Made from full-grain leather, the glove offers durability and can withstand the rigors of regular play. However, it is noted to have a synthetic leather lining, which may not be as breathable as full leather. The Zero Shock Palm Padding is a significant advantage, offering extra protection against impact, which is crucial for catchers. The adjustable wrist strap allows for a customizable fit, enhancing comfort during use.

The glove comes with an 80% factory break-in, meaning it requires minimal effort to be game-ready, which is convenient for players who prefer not to spend a lot of time breaking in their mitt. Younger players or those with smaller hands might find the 33-inch size too large. For youth catchers, this mitt is best suited for those nearing adult sizes or those looking for a durable and protective glove for recreational play.