Everything You Need to Know to Choose Third Base Glove
Third base is truly a wildcard position. It’s an infield spot, so the player has to be nimble and fast-reacting, but it also requires physical toughness and a very strong arm. Not everyone can play on the “hot corner,” just as not just any glove can be a third base glove. The position has some specific needs, from the player and the glove, and we’ll go over what they are from the glove perspective in this article.
Note: This is just our article on third base gloves for baseball. We’ve written other baseball glove guides as well. But, if you play third base on a softball team, bookmark RBI Gear and check back as we’ll be writing all of these for softball, as well.
Affiliate disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, RBI Gear may make a small commission at no additional cost to you.
What You Need in a Third Base Glove
Third base is a difficult position. You’re usually the closest to the plate (beside the pitcher), and you’re positioned to the pull side of most hitters (most hitters are righties). This means the ball can “get on you” quickly, as it jumps off the bat with a lot of speed. Then, you have the longest throw on the diamond (save for the shortstop throwing from deep in the 4-6 hole). You have to charge in for bunts, cover foul territory, and be ready for line drives up the line that you need to break down or else they become a double.
That’s a LOT to deal with, and it demands a lot from a glove. Here’s what it needs:
The Right Size for a Third Base Glove
Third base gloves need to be the right size. They’re generally larger than the shortstop or second baseman’s glove as third basemen aren’t expected to transfer and throw quite as quickly as middle infielders. They also have to cover a lot of field in a hurry, so a little extra length can be helpful when stopping balls on the line or protecting themselves on hot shots.
In general, third base gloves are between 11.5-inch and 12.25-inch. The sweet spot seems to be 11.75 and 12-inch. The smaller 11.5-inch gloves might not be sufficiently long enough to reach a ball over the fence or up the line, while the 12.25-inch gloves might be too heavy to react quickly and they often swallow the ball, making the transfer difficult. Plus, these sizes are typically reserved for pitching gloves and outfield gloves.
The Right Pocket Style
Third basemen need the proper pocket style for their gloves. They need something that will secure a hot shot, control spin, but not hold onto dirt when scooping a short hop, making the ball slippery during the transfer.
For most third basemen, the ideal pocket is either the I-web, which is shaped like a capital I and features adjustable laces, or the H-web, which is the strips over overlapping leather shaped like an H and stitched to the glove without laces. Many third basemen also like a single post web, which is almost a combination of the two, with stitching and lacing.
I-webs are also popular in shortstop gloves as well as second basemen. If you’re player moves around the infield, an I-web might be the best choice.
Heavy-Duty Leather
Because the third baseman sees some of the hardest hit balls on the diamond, sturdy leather is important. Soft leather of inexpensive gloves will be floppy and loose, not giving these players the rigidity they need to make tough plays. Sturdy leather that can take a beating is critical.
An Open Back
Third basemen need an open back on their gloves. This allows them to leave their index finger out of the pocket for better glove retention and manipulation, but it also allows more airflow inside of the glove. Between moving in for bunts, tracking pop flies in foul territory, covering the bag on steals, taking cutoffs from the outfield to home, and much more, third base is not a lazy position, and things can get hot and sweaty over there. An open back is best.
Who Makes the Best Gloves for Third Basemen?
There are a lot of brands making baseball gloves these days. There are the traditional brands like Mizuno, SSK, and Easton, as well as newer brands like 44, Rico, Stinger, and more. But, if we’re using the pros as the basis for the best glove manufacturer, Rawlings and Wilson still stand at the top.
Rawlings Heart of the Hide and Pro-Preferred
Rawlings is one of the most popular brands for third base gloves, and the company has two main lines for pros: Heart of the Hide and Pro-Preferred. These gloves are made from the best leather and are extremely durable. They’re also available in customizable designs, allowing players to pick their perfect style.
Wilson A2000 and A2K
The other leader in pro gloves for third basemen is Wilson. There are essentially two lines designed for competitive play, and they’re the A2000 and A2K lines. Both are made of excellent leather, but A2K also mixes in some other high-end materials to save wait and add some flash. They’re customizable but Wilson also offers a wide range of color combinations and styles of the rack.
More Affordable Options
For third basemen on a bit of a budget, there are two options that are quite good, though they’re not as long-lasting or durable as the more expensive Rawlings or Wilson models. They are the Gold Glove Elite series from Rawlings and the A1000 series from Wilson. They’re about half the price of the other gloves, but still high quality, making them a great option.
Check out this Wilson A1000 on Amazon
Check out this Rawlings Gold Glove Elite on Dicks Sporting Goods
What Are the Best Third Basemen in the MLB Using?
Here are some of the options that the best third basemen are using. We’ll choose the gold glovers from both leagues for the last two years as well as cover some fan favorites.
Alex Bregman (2024 GG)
Type: Easton Professional
Web: Single post
Size: 11.75
Matt Chapman (2024 and 2023)
Type: Wilson A2K (sometimes A2000)
Web: I-web
Size: 11.75
Ke’Bryan Hayes (2023 GG)
Type: Wilson A2000
Web: I-web
Size: 11.75
Nolan Arenado (Multiple GG awards)
Type: Rawlings Heart of the Hide
Web: H-web
Size: 12
Rafael Devers
Type: Wilson A2000
Web: Single post
Size: 11.5
(there actually an awesome story to this one, where Dustin Pedroia gave Devers the glove at the end of 2018, and he’s continued using it)
Jose Ramirez
Type: Easton
Web: H-web
Size: 12
Manny Machado
Type: Rawlings Heart of the Hide
Web: V-web
Size: 11.75
How To Break In a 3rd Base Glove
Once you decide on the best glove for playing third base, you’ll need to break it in. Third base gloves tend to be stiffer than outfield gloves, for example, but they’re much easier to break in than a catcher’s mitt. Here’s how to get started.
Decide How It Should Close
Gloves can close differently depending on your break-in method. Third basemen often prefer a thumb-to-ring finger closure to create a pocket deep enough for secure catches while keeping the glove versatile. Avoid a thumb-to-middle finger closure, as it doesn’t typically provide the right pocket shape for infield use.
Decide How You’ll Wear It
You also need to decide how to wear your glove. Many infielders, including third basemen, use a “two in the pinky” setup, which means placing the pinky and ring fingers in the pinky stall, the middle finger in the ring finger stall, and the pointer finger in the middle finger stall. This technique creates a snug, deep pocket and enables quick closure, even as the glove breaks in. Another option is the traditional finger placement with fingers in their natural stalls.
Beat It Up
Begin breaking in your glove by working it with a glove mallet. Pound the pocket, palm, heel, and outer edges to soften the leather and form the hinge. Roll the glove along the hinge lines to further loosen it up. These gloves are built to withstand a lot of use, so don’t hold back when shaping it.
Condition It
Apply a light glove conditioner (not oil) to soften the leather and protect it. Conditioner is preferred over oil because it doesn’t make the glove heavy or greasy. Conditioning keeps the leather pores protected from dirt, stains, and sweat. Be generous with the conditioning, especially if the glove has been on the shelf for a while.
Play Catch
Playing catch is the final step in breaking in a glove. This helps shape the glove to your hand, so you can get a feel for how it responds. The glove will naturally start closing as you use it, typically forming a thumb-to-ring finger grip for infielders. Practicing with hard-thrown balls helps develop the pocket and gives a sense of how the glove handles quick grounders, line drives, and tough throws.
Third Base Glove FAQs
What glove does Matt Chapman use?
Matt Chapman uses a Wilson A2000 or A2K, 11.75 inches long, with an I-web pocket. His specific A2K model is the MC26. See it on Wilson.com
What size glove should a 3rd baseman use?
Most third basemen prefer gloves between 11.75 inches and 12 inches, as this makes the glove large enough to play the position, reach into foul territory, and make diving stops, but small enough that the transfer is easy.
What glove does Machado use?
Manny Machado uses a Rawlings Pro Preferred 11.75-inch model with a V-web. See it on Rawlings.com
How do you break in a third base glove?
First, decide how you’ll want it to close (thumb to ring is the common option). Then, decide how to wear it (two in the pinky or traditional). Then, beat it up with a break-in mallet. After it’s been beaten up, condition it and play catch. That’s all you’ll need to do.
