As a gift for my 8 y.o. niece. Her first season, also I'm a rookie assistant coach.

Leather still the best?

If so, do you need to do all that conditioning/oiling stuff with todays genetically supple cows? (I have heard you don't)

Any brands you favor?

I imagine an in-store fitting at a sporting goods store is mandatory, rather than an online order, correct?

What flavor chewing tobacco are kids into these days?

Quote
papercup
As a gift for my 8 y.o. niece. Her first season, also I'm a rookie assistant coach.

Leather still the best? Yes

If so, do you need to do all that conditioning/oiling stuff with todays genetically supple cows? (I have heard you don't)Yes, but not for an 8 y.o.

Any brands you favor?Wilson

I imagine an in-store fitting at a sporting goods store is mandatory, rather than an online order, correct?Wow, never thought about this, at least at 8 years old.

What flavor chewing tobacco are kids into these days?BubbleYum

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Bill
Flagler Beach, FL 32136

Carpe Vino!

Fermentation may have been a greater discovery than fire.
— David Rains Wallace

Buy leather - the plastic ones never "loosen" up.

I would also buy a can of spray conditioner - it comes out like shaving cream, you rub it on, and put it in the oven for approx. 1 hour. Really softens the leather, and helps the kid use the glove....

Cary

Can you find a leather glove today without spending too much?

Go shopping with her and pick one that fits her hand and is flexible. Doesn't need to be an expensive glove. 8 year olds aren't that strong and will out grow it in a year or two. NO NO plastic. If she will keep playing then you can get a good glove and it will last a few years. Read this on conditioning a glove.

[www.baseballgloves.com]


Then play catch a lot to really break it in.

I've gotten outrageously good service from this place, and if your niece is lefty, this a great deal:

[www.softball-bats.org]

I think the guy's name is Roy. He literally called me and told me the glove I'd bought sucked, and sent me a much better one for the same amount. I've bought several bats, etc. from them (probably more than $1000.00), and they always come fast. They've replaced one broken bat quickly without any probs for me. If you buy online, these guys are great.

And hey, a lot of 8 yr. olds are pretty dang skilled now days. A good glove can be really helpful, plus it can last at least a couple seasons. kj.

Here's another that looks good:

[www.softball-bats.org]

kj.

I've had good experience with Mizuno brand gloves. Very soft feel and good quality for a reasonable price.

Thanks, all.

I'll be at the batting cages this weekend, then off to glove shop.

Always been a Rawlings fan, myself.

They make plastic baseball gloves? Why the hell would someone buy a plastic baseball glove?

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It is what it is.

>>They make plastic baseball gloves? Why the hell would someone buy a plastic baseball glove?

I don't know, but they do. I don't think anything can beat leather for a lot of things, but everything has gone plastic. Basketballs, soccer balls, shoes, etc. I guess the break in period is intolerable for people. kj.