Is there an outfield glove size rule for high school or college ball? My son needs a replacement and he has always used a 13" fielders glove but I was recently informed that he can't use this in high school or college ball and I am wondering if this is true. I can't find anything specific on outfield gloves in the high school rules.
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Whoever told you was partially correct. For HS, the restriction on players other than catchers is 14" (so your son's glove is legal.) For NCAA, the restriction on players other than catchers or 1B is 12" (so your son's glove is illegal.)
Thanks for the response. It's hard to believe that fielders gloves can't be over 12" in college. My son has large hands a 12" glove is awfully small. I was originally told 12 3/4 is ok, just nothing over that. Son is a couple of years away from college so good to know.
While I agree with Matt13 (at least I think I do -- I didn't actually check the book, but I trust him), and while I don't want to encourage anyone to cheat -- the next time I get asked to check the size of a glove will be the first. And, just by looking, I'm pretty sure some of the gloves are oversized.
To add to noumpere's point, son uses a 12 3/4" OF glove in college and I see this all the time. I asked him if it ever came up and he has never even heard of the rule.
Similar question which hopefully I can coat-tail onto this thread; my understanding is that a pitcher's glove is max 12" per rule. This is what my son uses when pitching, but has always looked small to me. I see other pitchers, HS, college, and pro, who's gloves appear to be significantly larger than my son's.
So double checking that 12" is correct by rule for pitchers' glove(?)
and
Is it a situation where some guys maybe prefer a larger glove on the hill... And generally no one challenges or particularly notices/cares?
While I agree with Matt13 (at least I think I do -- I didn't actually check the book, but I trust him), and while I don't want to encourage anyone to cheat -- the next time I get asked to check the size of a glove will be the first. And, just by looking, I'm pretty sure some of the gloves are oversized.
I had to check the book for the same reason.
Of course, now that the word is out about oversized gloves, coaches, you know what to do when your batter flies out to center with the tying run on third.
Don't let looks deceive.....many gloves look bigger than they are....some have long fingers, and smaller palm areas, whereas some have larger palm areas, and shorter
fingers..same overall size glove. Two 12" gloves will appear to the eye as looking very different....although they are both still 12" gloves.....
Normally OF gloves are all fingers /web, and IF gloves are shorter fingers, smaller pocket.....could be same overall size. I can't imagine a true 12" OF glove being too small for most mortals....of course, if you can get away with a 12 3/4" glove, you may make an extra shoestring catch or two in the course of a season.