Quick Answer
Rawlings glove sizes are measured in inches from the top of the index finger to the bottom of the heel along the inside of the glove. Size depends on: (1) position — infield gloves are smaller, outfield larger; (2) age — youth sizes run smaller; (3) personal preference — some players prefer slightly larger or smaller within the range for their position.
How to Measure for a Rawlings Glove
Step 1: Measure Hand Length
Use a soft tape measure. Start from the tip of your index finger and measure to the point where your hand meets your wrist (the crease). This is your hand length. A typical adult male hand length is 7.5"–8.5".
Step 2: Find Glove Size
Add 3"–4.5" to your hand length for a field glove (the glove needs to extend beyond your fingertips). An 8" hand length → 11"–12" glove. Then refine based on position (see table below).
Step 3: Check Position Sizing
Position constrains the optimal range. Even if your hand says 12", a shortstop should not use a 12" glove — use the position-specific ranges in the chart below to narrow down.
Step 4: Try On If Possible
When in doubt, try both sizes within your range. The glove should feel snug but allow a complete close. Your fingertips should reach the tips of the finger stalls — not fall short (glove too big) or overflow (glove too small).
Rawlings Glove Size by Position — Adult
| Position | Size Range | Common Size | Why | Best Rawlings Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2B / SS | 11"–11.5" | 11.25"–11.5" | Smaller for quicker transfer, faster close on double plays | HOH PRO1175DCC or Pro Preferred 11.5" |
| 3B | 11.5"–12" | 11.75" | Slightly larger for hot-corner reach; still fast enough for quick transfers | HOH 11.75" PRO1175DCC |
| 1B (mitt) | 12"–13" (mitt) | 12.5" mitt | First base mitts have no individual finger stalls — measured differently; scooping palm | HOH 12.5" First Base Mitt |
| Pitcher | 11.5"–12" | 11.75"–12" | Closed web preferred; size allows hiding grip from hitters | HOH 12" Pitcher model (modified trap web) |
| CF (Outfield) | 12"–12.5" | 12.25" | Speed of close matters; smaller OF gloves for athletic center fielders | HOH 12.25" outfield model |
| LF / RF (Outfield) | 12.5"–12.75" | 12.75" | Maximum reach for corner positions; range over transfer speed | HOH 12.75" outfield model |
| Catcher (mitt) | 32.5"–34" (mitt) | 32.5" adult | Catcher's mitts are measured by circumference, not finger-to-heel | HOH 32.5" or 34" Catcher's Mitt |
Rawlings Glove Size by Age — Youth
| Age Range | Infield Size | Outfield Size | Recommended Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–6 (T-Ball) | 9"–9.5" | 9.5"–10" | Rawlings T-Ball Pro Lite / Playmaker |
| 6–8 | 9.5"–10.5" | 10"–10.5" | Rawlings Playmaker Youth |
| 8–10 | 10.5"–11" | 11" | Rawlings Select Pro Lite (Youth) |
| 10–12 | 11"–11.25" | 11.25"–11.5" | Rawlings Select Pro Lite or R9 |
| 12–14 | 11.25"–11.5" | 11.5"–12" | Rawlings R9 or Select Pro Lite adult-size |
| 14+ (Teen) | 11.5" (adult range) | 12"–12.5" | Rawlings HOH or Pro Preferred entry |
Youth Sizing Note:
Youth players often want to use adult-sized gloves to "grow into them." Avoid this — a glove that's too large slows down learning, makes ball transfer harder, and teaches poor catch mechanics. Buy the right size for the current season. Your player will develop faster with a glove that fits now.
Rawlings Glove Web Styles by Position
Beyond size, Rawlings offers 20+ web styles. The web affects pocket depth, ball visibility, and fielding style:
| Web Type | Best Position | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| I-Web | Infield (SS, 2B, 3B) | Open web — helps shovel grounders, fast ball exchange |
| H-Web | Infield / Outfield | Open web — versatile, popular all-around choice |
| Modified Trap | Pitcher | Closed — hides grip, shallow pocket |
| Dual Bar (Two-Piece) | OF / P | Semi-closed — firm pocket, good for fly balls |
| Single Post | OF / SS | Open but structured — fly ball framing, strong lacing |
| Basket Web | Outfield | Closed — deepest pocket; sun protection for fly balls |
| Trapeze | Outfield | Open + deep — maximum reach, preferred by many LF/RF |
Rawlings Glove Lines — Which One Is Right?
Heart of the Hide ($240–$350)
Top-5% steer hide leather. 7–12 year lifespan. Professional level. Requires 3–6 week break-in. For serious adult competitors.
Pro Preferred ($230–$280)
Kip leather — lighter/softer than HOH. Faster break-in. Popular with middle infielders. 5–8 year lifespan.
Select Pro Lite ($100–$140)
Full-grain leather, faster break-in than HOH. Excellent for intermediate and youth competitive players. Best mid-range Rawlings glove.
R9 Series ($50–$90)
All-leather construction, responsive break-in. Good entry-level quality for players who want real leather on a budget.
Playmaker / Highlight ($30–$55)
Synthetic materials — youth and recreational. Good for beginners and tee ball players. Not game-ready for competitive play.
Player Preferred ($45–$75)
Genuine leather, good for recreational and beginner adult players. Breaks in fast, more accessible price for casual players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an outfield glove in the infield?
Technically yes, but not recommended. Outfield gloves (12"+) are too large for infield use — the extra size slows transfers and reduces feel on grounders. Infield gloves are specifically designed with smaller, more open pockets for quicker ball exchange. Use the right tool for the position.
Does hand size affect which Rawlings glove line to choose?
Hand size affects the size of the glove (see position table above) but not which line (HOH vs R9 vs Select Pro Lite) to choose. Line selection is primarily about your playing level, budget, and how much break-in time you can invest. A beginner with large hands still buys an R9 or Player Preferred, not an HOH.
Do Rawlings gloves run true to size?
Yes — Rawlings is consistent across their product lines. An 11.5" glove from HOH and an 11.5" from Select Pro Lite will measure the same finger-to-heel length. The difference is leather quality, padding, and web construction — not size accuracy. You can use the size guides here to shop any Rawlings line with confidence.
Is right-hand throw (RHT) or left-hand throw (LHT) correct for me?
If you throw with your RIGHT hand, you need a LEFT-handed glove (worn on the left hand). If you throw with your LEFT hand, you need a RIGHT-handed glove (worn on the right hand). Rawlings labels gloves as "Throwing Hand: Right" (glove worn on left) or "Throwing Hand: Left" (glove worn on right). When in doubt: the throwing hand is the hand you don't put the glove on.