Telling a kid she needs a new glove?

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May 16, 2016
946
93
Have any of you ever told a player that she needs a new glove?

The kid is good, but her glove is holding her back. She has an old OF glove, but it is misshapen and floppy. She had trouble making with transfers.

There are cost issues, of course. No idea if it would be a burden on her family.

Any thoughts?

If they are under 12, I wouldn't say anything to the player, other than, hey, can I take a look at your glove. If glove is too small, then I might quietly feel parents out to see if they are willing/able to get a new glove.

Another tactic I've used, is to send out a team wide email about equipment, and write up a nice section about gloves, sizing, and what to look for and avoid in selecting a new glove.
 
Jun 22, 2019
258
43
I’ve asked a couple girls to get new gloves. Money isn’t an issue for the kids I’m talking about.

You can get a serviceable glove for $60...most kids are swinging $300+ Bat and paying to play softball, they can get a glove.

I basically see a drop and ask them to bring the glove to me look it over and tell them next week I expect a new glove on their hand.

I bought one girl a glove because she wouldn’t buy a new one (wasn’t a money issue). I asked to see her glove before practice and when she handed it to me, I went to my bag and put it in the bag and handed her a new one and said use this one. She was upset with me because she liked her floppy glove, but she broke in the other one and like it better. I gave her old glove back to her after I was sure she wouldn’t bring it back to practice.
 
May 16, 2016
1,024
113
Illinois
I just had a girl purchase a new glove about 2 weeks ago. I told her that her glove was garbage, and she would not be playing the infield anymore until she bought a new glove. Next practice she showed up with a new Wilson A2000.

The parents are not hurting for money, and this glove was in such bad shape I could not believe they allowed her to use it. If the ball hit the fingers of the glove you could see the whole glove bend in half and the ball would fly out. She was one line drive away from eating a softball sandwich.

I had known the parents for a few years already. I probably would not tell a girl her glove was garbage if I had not known them.
 
Jan 8, 2019
664
93
I think someone mentioned PIAS (Play It Again Sports) either in this thread or another recent one. I finally found one while returning from a business trip, and while the selection was impressive of both used and new items, I wasn't finding any real "deals" - used bats like an LXT were still labeled $200+, and the glove prices in the used bin were much higher than expected given the very worn condition most of them were in. Basically, the used gloves were around the same price level as brand new ones that are on clearance from sites like just ball gloves, baseball monkey, etc. I know many members have found good deals there, and the used catchers gear seemed to have the best bargains. I just wasn't seeing it with the bats and gloves at this particular store.
I would almost never buy from PIAS. However, in my area we have 1 small PIAS and 1 small Big 5, so our options are limited without traveling an hour in either direction. That's why I would not let a non-savvy parent go there and think they were getting a deal. Most of the stock in our PIAS is either used garbage or new garbage, and priced like it's a step above what it is. The very few items they have (of anything) that are not garbage are priced at HIGH retail.

Since I (we) have access to this knowledge base (plus other places like SBF) I try to encourage them to ask for help, and offer it up proactively when I can. In the end, they do what they want, but hopefully we have guided them into a safe zone.
 

NBECoach

Learning everyday
Aug 9, 2018
408
63
Just last week a freshman HS player asked me if she needed a new glove. I looked at it and first of all it was only slightly larger than her hand which is her case is bad as she is a taller girl who will likely still grow. Secondly the glove was flat. So I gave her a softball asked her to put it in the pocket and put a rubber band around it when not in use.
I told her if she plans on playing 4 years then yes buy a glove and try them on. Until then she can use one of the spare gloves I always bring.

Tryouts are Monday i suspect i will have a new glove to break in or at least look at.
 
Jul 29, 2013
6,782
113
North Carolina
I’ve only spoke to two boys and their parents about getting them new gloves, both parents were very receptive to the idea immediately, both parents gave me their cell numbers and I sent them links that very night.

One plays 3B, one plays OF, I sent each parent (both moms) a link for the glove I recommended for their boys position, they ordered them that night!

The outfielder got his 12.5” All-Star trap glove in two days from Don Morton’s, he used it in yesterday’s game and today’s practice. The 3B ordered a NP5PRO fro Rawlings.com the same night, there’s a 10 wait before shipping out? I love their gloves but Rawlings.com absolutely sucks!! 10 days to ship AFTER you place your order?

@sluggers, I definitely saw a need with these two boys that were performance based, the two gloves ordered will greatly improve their play, the parents listened!

Again, if you see a need, you should speak up, it’ll either be a yes or a no.
 
Feb 3, 2016
502
43
Yes I've recommended a player to get a new glove. Gloves are one of the most neglected softball items except maybe catcher bags!

This glove was actually impacting multiple games/tournaments.

The player (like most players take their glove super serious) and refused to even consider a new glove. Finally had a conversation with the Mom.

She had to stand back 10+ feet behind the running lane to take some off the ball as her glove would completely collapse on a hard hit ball and couldn't catch hard hit balls consistently.

Parent wasn't agreeing either and said her daughter wasn't getting a new glove, it's fine. The next play the glove couldn't handle the hard hit ball and like a wet rag, It just folded over. After happening like a dozen times that season they finally found a new forever glove.


Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
Have any of you ever told a player that she needs a new glove?

The kid is good, but her glove is holding her back. She has an old OF glove, but it is misshapen and floppy. She had trouble making with transfers.

There are cost issues, of course. No idea if it would be a burden on her family.

Any thoughts?
Yes, have pointed out time for new glove.
Simply inspecting gear for wear and tear.
Pocket continuity/shape.
And/Or prepairing for next age level softball size.
*At times the outside can look ok but the inside is worn out.
Simple conversation with the team about glove condition'ing can go a long way!
 
Jun 6, 2016
2,714
113
Chicago
It took a year for me to get one of our younger catchers to use a catcher's mitt. She liked her old, hand-me-down floppy glove. I think what helped convinced her was our #1 pitcher's added velocity this year. She still uses the old glove if she's in the field, but finally, FINALLY uses the catcher's mitt while catching.

I also just talked to a high school girl's dad about it last night. Her glove has caused some problems (my guess is it's 85% glove and 15% the player, but a good glove will make up for a lot). She told me she was trying to get her dad to get her a new glove. He told me he's been trying to convince her to get a new glove, but she doesn't want to give up the old one.

So maybe talk to the parents about it, too. You never know what kind of discussions they've had about it at home.
 

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