I've seen many players that have a specific glove for pitching with a closed web (2-piece, mod trap, etc.). I'm a pitcher and third baseman, so I have a glove with an I-web. Is it really necessary for me to get a glove with a closed web? I know it is likely recommended, but I was wondering if hitters actually look through the web to tip pitches. Thanks guys.
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I've always heard this also, and wondered why it's conventional wisdom. I certainly could never see a true grip no matter what glove the pitcher wore, and only went on the normal advice of seeing a pitcher "fiddle" with the grip of meaning some sort of offspeed was likely...even then I sometimes leveled myself thinking "what if he's just trying to find the seams" or "maybe he's doing that to make me think it's offspeed."
In addition, I always tried to lengthen my focus out into center field during the early stages of the windup, and pick up a release point to see the ball quickly, rather than focusing on the pitcher as a whole early.
I've always heard this also, and wondered why it's conventional wisdom. I certainly could never see a true grip no matter what glove the pitcher wore, and only went on the normal advice of seeing a pitcher "fiddle" with the grip of meaning some sort of offspeed was likely...even then I sometimes leveled myself thinking "what if he's just trying to find the seams" or "maybe he's doing that to make me think it's offspeed."
In addition, I always tried to lengthen my focus out into center field during the early stages of the windup, and pick up a release point to see the ball quickly, rather than focusing on the pitcher as a whole early.
Which is exactly why I am wondering whether it is worth it to drop a load of money on a pitching glove.
You don't have to. Some players/teams are better at picking up P patterns than others. And it's usually not the hitter picking this up, it is a player or coach on the bench who is looking for these types of things. Some P's are better than others at not showing patterns or tips. More visibility to the hands/fingers just increases the odds. It's not seeing the grip, it's usually seeing something like varying wrist cock or repeated hand movement to a grip or spiked knuckle or index & middle fingers together vs apart, etc. It may never happen against you one way or the other. Your call. If you stick with your I-web and you are tipping, you'll eventually find out.
That said, you don't have to spend a bunch of bucks for the second glove. You may have an old smaller glove, you may pick up one a friend is replacing, you may find something on ebay, etc. I personally like a smaller softer glove for P's. If you go that route, you can get a decent-but-not-top-end leather for far less than the usual Heart-of-the-Hide, A2000, etc.
You don't have to. Some players/teams are better at picking up P patterns than others. And it's usually not the hitter picking this up, it is a player or coach on the bench who is looking for these types of things. Some P's are better than others at not showing patterns or tips. More visibility to the hands/fingers just increases the odds. It's not seeing the grip, it's usually seeing something like varying wrist cock or repeated hand movement to a grip or spiked knuckle or index & middle fingers together vs apart, etc. It may never happen against you one way or the other. Your call. If you stick with your I-web and you are tipping, you'll eventually find out.
That said, you don't have to spend a bunch of bucks for the second glove. You may have an old smaller glove, you may pick up one a friend is replacing, you may find something on ebay, etc. I personally like a smaller softer glove for P's. If you go that route, you can get a decent-but-not-top-end leather for far less than the usual Heart-of-the-Hide, A2000, etc.
Would your recommend picking up a Heart of the Hide Modified Trapeze for $140?
That's a good price. If it's the model that feels good to you and in your budget, sure.
Just follow the simple rule of thumb for pitchers....the "bigger" the pitcher the smaller the mitt must be. 
If you are cheap (like my oldest son) you pick a mitt (from a pile of 25-30 mitts) that has been donated (left behind) by the recently graduated college seniors. He did this for 4 years. I told you he was cheap!
Where does one find a new (?) Heart of Hide for $140? I thought they started at around $240.
For my son, he like a small glove with a small pocket for playing 2B. When he pitches, his glove is about the same size but has a much larger pocket which makes it easier for him to catch the quick shots back to him. His pitching glove is much cheaper than his glove he uses at 2B.
