If you’ve played the game for any length of time, you know firsthand how exhilarating it can be to dive headfirst into a base, stealing a run against the odds. However, you also probably know how dangerous ill-timed slides can be. Thankfully, we now have an excellent piece of protective gear to minimize injury risk – the baseball sliding mitt.
A baseball sliding mitt is a padded glove worn on the non-dominant hand to absorb impact and reduce abrasions while sliding into bases. Sliding mitts are crucial for injury prevention and can significantly boost confidence and performance.
Why Do You Need a Sliding Mitt?
There are several key reasons why investing in a high-quality sliding mitt should be a top priority:
Injury Prevention
The #1 reason to wear a sliding mitt is to protect your hand and fingers from harm. The edges of bases and any cleats or spikes on defending players can easily cause lacerations, fractures, and other damage during slides. The extra padding on a sliding mitt cushions your hand from abrupt impact and abrasive forces. By minimizing direct contact with the ground, you reduce the risk of painful cuts, bruises, sprains, and breaks.
Just take a look at this short 17 second YouTube video from Bruce Bolt, creator of some remarkable sliding mitts, discusses why you need one!
Confidence While Sliding
Knowing your hand is shielded by a sliding mitt allows you to slide with assertiveness and commitment. The added protection gives you the peace of mind to focus on technique rather than worrying about injuries. You can take risks and slide aggressively into bases without hesitation. That confidence and mental edge often translates into improved performance on the field.
Enhanced Grip and Control
Quality sliding mitts have a tactile, non-slip surface on the palm and fingers. This gripping material allows you to maintain control and balance during slides. The better your grip and stability, the further you’ll be able to reach when diving into a base. Increased control leads to more effective slides and a higher success rate stealing bases.
Longevity in the Sport
Let’s face it – injuries can prematurely end playing careers. Chronic issues like recurring sprains or lingering pain may cause someone to hang up their cleats earlier than expected. Wearing sliding mitts greatly reduces hand and finger injuries that commonly plague players. This allows you to keep playing the sport you love at a high level for more years of your life.
When Should You Start Using a Sliding Mitt?
The simple answer is: as soon as you begin sliding! Any baseball player who runs the bases should strongly consider wearing a sliding mitt, including:
Youth Players
Kids learning the basics of sliding technique have less coordination and control during slides. Their hands are especially vulnerable when first diving into unfamiliar bases. Padding up their non-dominant hand with a sliding mitt is wise even during the earliest practices. Developing good protective habits early promotes safety.
High School Athletes
Once fielders develop quicker reflexes and harder throws, the consequences of sliding mishaps intensify. High school players sliding into faster, more athletic defenders need the extra protection and grip of sliding mitts. Never assume your age makes you immune to injuries.
College & Adult Rec Leaguers
Even experienced players at higher levels benefit from sliding mitts. Grizzled veterans want to preserve their hands so they can continue playing for years to come. And low-stakes rec league players still appreciate injury protection since they have careers and families off the field. Better safe than sorry!
Pros Who Steal Bases
Elite pro base stealers were some of the earliest adopters of sliding mitts. When MLB careers and multi-million dollar contracts are on the line, players smartly minimize risks by padding up. If sliding mitts are standard gear for pros, they should be for amateurs too.
Factors That Increase Sliding Mitt Effectiveness
Not all sliding mitts perform the same. Several key factors determine how well a mitt will protect your hand:
Materials & Durability
Look for mitts made of synthetic leather, neoprene, and extra-durable textiles. They should have reinforced stitching at stress points. Cheaply made mitts with flimsy fabrics won’t stand up to repeated use and laundering. Invest in quality materials tested to absorb high-intensity impact.
Palm Padding
Extra cushioning on the palm, fingers and thumb is vital. Multi-layered padding arrangements with shock-absorbing gel pads or foam provide the best protection. Thin, low-density padding won’t cut it. Prioritize mitts with thick padding across the entire inner hand surface.
Wrist Support
Secure closure around the wrist enables the mitt to stay positioned correctly when sliding. An adjustable velcro strap closure is ideal. Sliding mitts that are loose or slide off your hand easily leave parts of your hand exposed. Proper wrist support promotes safety.
Fingerless Design
For the best dexterity when gripping bases, seek out fingerless sliding mitt models. This allows you to freely move your fingers without obstruction while still shielding your knuckles and back of the hand. Just ensure the individual finger sleeves have ample protective padding.
Gripping Surfaces
Traction-enhancing materials like silicone dots on key palm and finger zones improve your overall control when sliding. Bertter grip lowers your chances of having your hand slip out from under you when diving into bases headfirst.
Proper Wear & Care of Your Sliding Mitt
To maximize performance and extend the usable life of your sliding mitt:
Non-Dominant Hand
Wear the mitt only on your non-dominant hand (typically the left hand for righties and vice versa). You’ll maintain best dexterity and feel this way. Never wear a sliding mitt on your throwing hand.
Snug Fit
The mitt should fit snugly without restricting blood flow. If it’s loose it can shift and expose parts of your hand. When properly fitted, it won’t interfere with your throwing motion either.
Break-In Period
Brand new sliding mitts may feel stiff. Take some time to break in the materials and padding by wearing it during practices. This helps soften and shape the mitt to your exact hand size.
Post-Game Care
After each use, gently clean off excess dirt then allow the mitt to fully air dry. Don’t store it away damp. Periodically hand wash and air dry it to prevent salt and grime buildup which can degrade materials.
Selecting the Best Sliding Mitt – What to Look For
With many sliding mitt options available, selecting the right one for your needs and budget takes some savvy shopping. I’ve done a write up on my top recommended sliding mitt. However, if you’re out shopping for one, keep these tips in mind:
Reputable Brands
Stick with mitts from established athletic brands known for quality gear. Look for genuine leather construction and name brands like Franklin, Wilson, Rawlings or Mizuno. Lesser known generic mitts may cut corners.
Structured Finger Sleeves
Well-defined finger sleeves with individual padding are best for comfort and flexibility. Avoid mitts with a simple flap of fabric for fingers – these make gripping tough. Finger sleeves shouldn’t pinch or restrict movement.
Breathable Fabrics
Look for mitts incorporating open mesh panels and moisture-wicking fabrics. Your hand inevitably sweats inside the confines of the mitt, so breathability and quick-drying materials keep you cool and dry.
All-Around Protection
Ensure the mitt shields the sides of your hand too – not just the palm and fingers. This protects vulnerable wrist bones and ligaments from impact during slides. You want padding coverage for the whole top of your hand.
Little League Approved
For youth players, opt for an official Little League approved sliding mitt. This ensures it meets stringent safety standards and regulations for young players. The approval patch should be displayed on the mitt.
Sliding Mitt Use in Major League Baseball
Curious when sliding mitts became part of MLB? Here’s a quick history:
- As recently as 2006, sliding mitts were still banned in professional baseball. MLB expressed concerns that padded mitts gave baserunners an “unfair advantage.”
- By 2008, MLB softened its stance. It allowed sliding mitts for the first time, provided they were no thicker than 1/2 inch.
- Adoption was initially slow. But after star players like Mike Trout and Rajai Davis began using them without repercussion, they became normalized.
- Today, dozens of top MLB stars now wear sliding mitts routinely without scrutiny. They are accepted protective gear for professional baserunners.
So within just 15 years, sliding mitts went from prohibited to commonplace equipment in pro baseball! Their clear safety and performance benefits make them a staple for amateurs and youth players too.
Are Sliding Mitts Mandatory?
While many coaches advocate using sliding mitts, keep in mind they are not mandatory protective gear in baseball and softball. Wearing one is ultimately up to each player’s preference and risk tolerance.
However, most insurance policies necessitate the use of reasonable safeguards to prevent foreseeable injuries. Sliding mitts qualify as a prudent precaution that limits lacerations and breaks. So don’t be surprised if you void coverage by declining to wear one.
We always recommend erring on the side of caution. A quality sliding mitt is inexpensive protection that can save you from serious harm down the road. Ultimately though, the choice comes down to your personal needs and situation.
Caring for Multiple Sliding Mitts
For players with several mitts in rotation, proper organizational habits will keep them in top shape:
- Label each mitt with your number so they don’t get mixed up in team bags
- Use a unique mitt only for games to optimize its lifespan
- Keep a practice mitt handy for drills to save wear on your gamer
- Let them fully air dry after practices and washings before storage
- Check for damage after each use and retire tattered ones
- Replace gamer mitts annually or semiannually depending on usage
With some diligence, you can maintain a stable of mitts that provide reliable protection for years of baseball ahead!
Hand injuries from slides gone wrong can derail seasons and playing careers. But players at all levels can avoid needless harm by investing in a high quality baseball or softball sliding mitt. With the right mitt safeguarding your non-dominant hand, you can slide boldly into bases without fear.
Modern sliding mitts allow you to steal more bases, make daring defensive plays and give your all in the field – all while shielding your hands from damage. Chances are your opponents are already gearing up with mitts for an edge.
Thanks for learning the scoop on this game-changing piece of gear! Whatever your level of play, be sure to grab a trusted sliding mitt and take your baserunning to thrilling new heights. You worked too hard over the years honing your skills to lose playing time to preventable injuries.
Play hard, slide hard and stay protected out there on the diamond! Let me know if you have any other baseball gear questions – I’m always happy to help players perform their best and enjoy long careers in the game.
