Why You Need a Back Up Baseball Glove

In the world of baseball gloves and consistent baseball performance, I can't stress enough the importance of having a back up baseball glove.

When I was playing, I rarely bought a different model glove after I found the correct model for me as a player. Up until I was playing in high school, I tried all kinds of gloves from Ozzie Smith's Rawlings HOH, the Wilson Barry Larkin model, and a host of other small companies that I managed to come across. I was a baseball glove collector so to speak, but I also wanted to use what the best players in the world were using.

Once I got into high school, that quickly changed. Once I made the commitment to myself that I was going to become a professional baseball player, I decided to find a model that suited me best, and kept using that glove for the rest of my career. I remember loving the way that Edgar Renteria played and his effortless fielding at shortstop. I then noticed he was using a Limited Edition Pro Model glove from Mizuno that was 11.75", which was a bit larger than most SS gloves. Since I was 6' 3" 195lbs., it made sense for me.

Now, if you ever go to a Major League Baseball game to watch batting practice, you will see guys playing around with new gloves with various colorways and such. However, if you look closer, it's really just another version of the game model they are currently using. The majority of professional players usually know what model glove works best for them, just like they use the same model bat their entire careers. For consistency. It's no different with your glove.

I always kept at least 2 of my gloves in a rotation. I had one for batting practice and practice, and one for gameday. Batting practice is great for breaking in a new glove and preparing it for game ready use. You get a solid amount of reps while not over doing it. When you think about it, how many times do you actually catch a ball in a game or use your glove in a game? You warm up with it more than actual game usage. Having the same model to practice with before putting it in game use is extremely important for feel and consistency.

At the end of the day, baseball is all about feel, consistency, and you approach. It's hard enough to stay competitive and keep an edge over opponents. Why would you switch up your equipment every year so you have to get used to it all over again. So treat your baseball glove like Major league players treat their gloves and bats.

So use the same model once you find it. Get custom colors as much as you want, but don't sacrifice your game for something that is completely in your control. With more control and consistency in your equipment, the easier the game is to play. Get a back up glove for BP or practice, and a matching model glove for your games.