Glove Usage

[Randy Evans]

MLB rules deal with mitts and gloves, sizes and contruction, but how about their usage?
Can an outfielder use a first baseman's glove?

[fritz]

Couldn't find anything in pro or NFHS that would prevent that scenario. Heck, the pros only say a glove MAY be used, it isn't required. However, the type of glove that a catcher or 1B uses is restricted.

[Jon Schlobotnik]

The rules only specify the various limits as to a glove's dimensions, corresponding to four classes: catcher, first baseman, pitcher, and fielder (that is, everyone else - though the only difference between pitcher's gloves and "everyone else" is that it can't be white or grey or otherwise distracting).

So, in answer to your question, an outfielder could conceivably use a first baseman's glove, so long as it doesn't exceed the size limits of a fielder's glove: no more than 12 inches from the tip of any finger through the pocket to the heel, no more than 7 3/4 inches wide (across the fingers), and the "crotch opening" no more than 4 1/2 inches wide, 5 3/4 inches deep, and 3 1/2 inches wide at the bottom (MLB Rule 1.14).

Similarly, catchers must use a leather glove that fits within the dimensions specified in MLB Rule 1.12: no more than 38 inches around (circumference), 15 1/2 inches tall (top to bottom), 6 inches at the top between the thumb and forefinger, 4 inches at the base of the thumb crotch.

First basemen's glove dimensions are: (no more than) 12 inches top to bottom, 8 inches across the palm, 4 inches at the top of mitt between thumb and forefinger - 3 1/2 inches at the base, 5 inches from top of glove to base of thumb crotch (MLB Rule 1.13).

Since the rules only specify maximums, it could easily be the case that a "first baseman's glove" could fall within the legal definition of a fielder's glove (or vise-versa), in which case it would be perfectly legal to use. I don't know that the average first baseman's mitt does, however.

You do take a tape measure to the games you umpire, don't you?

Of course, my attitude is not to seek out trouble on the field, however. I doubt it's an issue I would even address unless the opposing team brought it up.

[Jon Schlobotnik]

Oh, and, by the way, in the event someone is caught using an illegal glove, the penalty is temporary confiscation of the illegal glove (in other words, take it until the game's over, then give it back). If a player refuses to surrender a glove after you order him to do so, you can toss him. Under no circumstances, however, is any previously played part of the game changed by the discovery of an illegal glove.

For example, with a runner on third and two outs, the batter hits a deep drive to right field and the right fielder makes a leaping "snow cone" catch to save a run. The manager of the team at bat comes out and tells you he thinks the right fielder's glove is too big, and, upon inspection, you find that, sure enough, the glove's 14 inches top to bottom - illegal. You take the glove for the remainder of the game, but the catch stands - inning over, no run scored. It would be up to the league commissioner to impose any further discipline if he feels it's warranted.

Also, typically, a catcher could use a fielder's or first baseman's mitt, a first baseman could use a fielder's mitt but not a catcher's mitt, and a fielder can't use anything but a fielder's mitt, but, as I said in the previous post, anyone can use any mitt so long as it adheres to the rule maximums (for example, a kid's size first baseman's mitt very well might qualify as a fielder's mitt).

And, as Fritz pointed out, players are free to play without a mitt if they wish (or have severe mental problems).