Mitt Hand

The Perfect Mitt - Which softball mitts are great for which positions

The first thing to consider when you go out looking for the perfect softball mitt is the position of the player who will be using it. This is essential because different positions have different tasks. And they require their accessories to do different things for them. If you are still struggling with your softball mitts, and is having trouble telling a catcher's mitt from an infielder's glove, the descriptions below will definitely help.

Strictly for catchers

The most distinctive feature of catchers' mitts is that they do not have fingers. They are also heavily padded, so they can better protect your hand from the impact of the speeding ball. These types of mitt are also relatively more sturdy and durable because they are built to withstand all the action, and also keep the hand from getting too much trauma from ball landings. The catcher's mitt has closed webbing, and features a smaller pocket so you can easily take the ball out.

First base only

First base mitts look just like catchers' mitts because they don't have fingers as well. The only difference is that they have less padding. They also have a wider but shallower pocket so it's easier to get the ball out of the mitt. The typical size is 13 to 14 inches, and the webbing is open so it's easier to trap the ball within the pocket.

Pitcher perfect

Pitchers' gloves have a closed webbing to allow the player to keep the softball hidden while he tunes up his grip before the next pitch.

Infield and out there

The gloves that infielders use are typically smaller than average and with a shallower pocket so it's easier to take the ball out and throw it to the person approaching the base. Many infielders are more comfortable with open webbing, although some third basemen will go for closed web mitts for better support during hard hits.

Outfield and over

Outfielders' gloves are typically the longest and biggest types, sometimes spanning at least 12 inches. The size is required because the players need to be able to catch fly balls.

Read more about Softball Mitts, gloves and other softball related equipment and articls at http://SoftballMitts.org

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Read more about <a href="http://softballmitts.org/">Softball Mitts</a>, gloves and other softball related equipment and articls at <b>http://SoftballMitts.org</b>

Strategizing As a Catcher in Baseball Training

In baseball training, the catcher is a defensive player, just like many. He has a job when the ball is hit, which most of the time is to guard the plate. On balance and pop-ups, though, it often is his responsibility to take the play. No matter what, though, the catcher needs to toss his "mask" aside as quickly as possible when this situation comes up.

To field the bunt, if right-handed, go to the left of the ball so that you're in a good position to throw the ball when you get it. If the ball is still rolling when you get there, put the mitt out in front of it and stop the ball from rolling, and then scoop the ball up with glove and bare hand together. If the ball has already stopped, pick it up with your bare hands.

"Catch it with your nose"

Pop-ups require that you get under the ball as quickly as possible and be waiting for it when the ball drops. The ball sharply undercutting usually causes pop-ups to the catcher, and the ball then spins at a very high speed. The spin will make the ball move, usually toward the infield. The catcher has to be careful of this because if the catcher tries to catch the ball with arms out, he won't be able to reach it.

To keep the ball from getting out of reach, keep your nose right underneath the ball. In other words, "Catch with your nose," as the pros would say. Blink your eyes very quickly as you follow the downward flight of the ball so that you don't get what are called "blind staggers." If the pop-up goes behind you, this is caused by the bat undercutting it, which can make the ball curve as it goes up.

Usually, the ball will curve toward the batter if it's undercut on an outside pitch and away from the batter if the pitch is inside. Therefore, if the ball goes over the catcher's left shoulder, turning to the right to go back and under will help him get to it. In that way, the ball's going to be curving toward him, which will make catching it much easier. If the ball goes over his right shoulder, the catcher turns left to chase it.

Covering third

If you cover third base as a catcher, most important here is the bunt defense with a runner on first. Usually, you charge the diamond on the bunt, but if the ball is fielded by the third baseman, you circle left and go to third. If that's not what you do, the base will be open and the runner going from first to second can keep going to third.

Occasionally, the catcher's also going to find himself on third as there's a rundown on home and third. Again, the catcher usually goes to third when the second baseman and shortstop take a pop fly directly in back of second base, with runners on base. In that case, the pitcher covers home and the third baseman takes second base. Catchers should back up first if the bases are not occupied and the batter hits a ground ball to the infield. This is quite important in a close game, too. To make a backup play, the catcher's going to start running right when the bat hits and go for a spot that's at least 20 feet to first base's foul side. So if the ball gets by the first baseman, the ball and the catcher will arrive at the same time and the catcher will be able to hold the runner on first or tag him going into second if he tries to go to third.

It's really important that you as the catcher know the techniques and skills required to do the best job of baseball catching possible.

I just bought a hand mitt for exfoliating skin. Do I just use it with bar soap on my face?

Also, how often should I exfoliate a week? The mit is made of cotton (like a towel) nubs.

noo! You should never use bar soap on your face, the skin on the face is very delicate! You should use the mitt on your body only, I use mine on my legs mostly. To exfoliate your face, you're going to need to buy an exfoliating wash. Bar soap is harsh for the face!

good luck! =]

ROMNEY FLASHBACK: Homosexuality Is ‘Perverse’ And ‘Reprehensible’ (Think Progress)

Our guest blogger is Elon Green, a freelance writer living in Brooklyn.
Throughout his campaign, Mitt Romney has struggled to deflect criticism that
he is an unprincipled flip-flopper. This argument has been pointed out by his
competition and by leading conservative commentators such as Brit Hume, who
recently warned, "You are only allowed a certain [...]

Think Progress

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