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NFT: Shoeless Joe baseball mitts - opinions?

Greg from LI : 12/7/2017 3:38 pm
My son has outgrown his old glove and has his heart set on a Shoeless Joe model. Anyone have kids who've used these, or had one themselves? I've always been a Rawlings guy (my dad worked for their parent company when I was a kid so we always had them), and I'm unfamiliar with this company. They weren't around back when I played so I'm unfamiliar with them. They aren't cheap, but I'm willing to pay a bit more if it's a high quality, durable glove.
I  
DanMetroMan : 12/7/2017 4:01 pm : link
still use my HS baseball glove when we occasionally play softball so I was casually researching gloves this summer and people seemed very high on Shoeless Joe brand.
they look pretty awesome  
Greg from LI : 12/7/2017 4:04 pm : link
They have that classic baseball styling. Me, I'm a traditionalist when it comes to baseball - I like the natural leather look rather than colored gloves. I just don't want to spend $180 on one if it's going to fall apart in a year or two.
I  
DanMetroMan : 12/7/2017 4:07 pm : link
never ended up pulling the trigger but I remember when I was looking it was one of the brands everyone seemed to like. I just don't play enough that I thought it made sense paying for an expensive glove when I use it 3-4 times per summer. Looks cool though.
It's a matter of preference, not better quality...  
BamaBlue : 12/7/2017 4:12 pm : link
I have a Rawlings glove that has been heavily used. I bought it in 1983 (Dale Murphy signature model), I keep it oiled with a ball in the pocket and it's still going strong. I've never had to have the rawhide replaced and it still has the right amount of stiffness in the webbing. I don't know how a glove can get any better than that...
I meant to add...  
BamaBlue : 12/7/2017 4:16 pm : link
a glove is something that requires care. Binding it when new to shape it; cleaning the leather with a good leather cleaner a few times a year; keeping it oiled with a ball in the pocket. If you take care of a good glove, it will last forever...
oh believe me, you don't have to sell me on Rawlings  
Greg from LI : 12/7/2017 4:18 pm : link
I still use my old catchers mitt when I throw with him. It's a Rawlings Lance Parrish pro model my dad gave me in 1986. It's a bit worn and I've had to re-lace it a few times (caught some guys who threw gas and snapped the laces), but it's held up quite well. This exact model, actually


Lost my A2000 XL  
Sec 103 : 12/7/2017 4:27 pm : link
a few years ago that I bought back in 1984, heartbroken ever since
All the brands have good models...I have equipped  
DonQuixote : 12/7/2017 4:48 pm : link
several competitive little leaguers with,

Rawlings Heart of the Hide, Wilson A2000, Mizuno Pro-Select, Nokona Alpha Select.

These are not the very tip top models of each brand, but are lifetime mitts and run about $250.

I think the shoeless joe gloves are a little gimmicky with the retro style, and while they feel better before the break in period, I just don't think they are at the same level after that,

Just one person's opinion.
RE: I meant to add...  
DonQuixote : 12/7/2017 4:49 pm : link
In comment 13729380 BamaBlue said:
Quote:
a glove is something that requires care. Binding it when new to shape it; cleaning the leather with a good leather cleaner a few times a year; keeping it oiled with a ball in the pocket. If you take care of a good glove, it will last forever...

+
Gotcha  
Greg from LI : 12/7/2017 5:15 pm : link
Thanks for the input. Probably not going the lifetime route yet - he's only 9. His t-ball glove is too small now but his next one probably won't fit him forever.
RE: Gotcha  
DonQuixote : 12/7/2017 5:22 pm : link
In comment 13729444 Greg from LI said:
Quote:
Thanks for the input. Probably not going the lifetime route yet - he's only 9. His t-ball glove is too small now but his next one probably won't fit him forever.


Good luck! Great times. Enjoy.

Think about an inexpensive glove and break in the Nokona or Mizuno 10.5" to be the game glove next year...depends on how much time they are going to be wearing it, of course.
my sentiments (as a middle school baseball coach)  
ShocknAwe80 : 12/7/2017 10:25 pm : link
He's 9... go to Dicks and find a glove he likes in the 40-60 dollar range and call it a day... No need to spend 100 or over at this age. Believe me when I say that you will care more about it than he does. As he gets older and his hand stops growing you can go big
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