With the sun beating down your neck and the bases loaded, the pressure on you, the first baseman, is overwhelming. Did we mention that you play for the majors? The roar and rumble of the crowd, the dust rising up and glistening in the sunlight, the glares of the opposing team all around, - it can be a tough place to focus. And then it happens. Bat hits ball, the fans roar, and second base suddenly throws you fire. Before you can even think about it, you react with the "instinct" that has been trained and integrated into your mind and into your arms for years.
And when you look down you have done it. The ball's in your hand. The batter's out and you've won the game.
Anyone who has a love for the game has experienced these sort of glory moments, be it reality or fantasy. And for those who are striving to experience more of the reality sort, it is vital to know what you are doing. Making great plays is no accident. It takes practice, discipline, endurance, and knowing how to choose the right equipment. Just ask Bob Feller, one of the design advisors for Akadema. The only person in Major League history to ever pitch a no-hitter on an opening day, Feller is a respected Hall of Famer, even boasting his own museum in his native Iowa.
With achievements like that, Feller understands the importance of great equipment, which is why he backs the Akadema label. How do you find the glove that is right for you? It is easier than it looks despite the wide selection and variety out on the market right now. The first thing to ask yourself, is what position will you be playing? Are you known on your team as the star of just one, or will you be rotating through them all? As the game has evolved, so has the merchandise.
There are now gloves for all positions, not just first basemen and pitchers anymore. It is important to go to a reputable dealer like Akadema to make sure that you get the right size and fit for you. Secondly you should consider the web of the glove. There is only one thing that really matters when it comes to this component. Can you see through it? This will help you to be functional and rid you of unnecessary dirt and other interferences during the game.
Webs that are solid work best if you need a sun shield for fly balls. Next think about what works better for you - an open back or closed back. Just like the web, this comes down to personal choice and comfort. If you tend to overheat out there on the field, an open back will keep you a little cooler, while also offering you options such as an adjustable wrist strap.
Closed backs are a little more solid and offer less breathing room and yet more support. The final factor that should be considered is the price of the glove. Nobody wants to spend a lot, but also remember that what you spend also reflects quality and advanced glove technology in a lot of instances. The bigger the brand name, the bigger the price tag, so keep that in mind when shopping. Small, reputable manufacturers such as Akadema can often offer the same quality (or better) for a more reasonable price.
Scott Peters is an avid baseball fan and baseball equipment retailer. For more information please go to Akadema vintage baseball gloves.
