The Reason for Batting Gloves

Years ago, when I was a kid playing Little League baseball, (in the 1950’s) nobody wore batting gloves. I’m not sure if they were even invented yet. I think they got their start in golf, but I am not positive. Probably a golfer also played softball, and thought he would try his golf glove when he was batting…Just a theory, but it sounds logical. Also, the batters only wore one batting glove on the hand closest to the knob on the bat handle.

 

At any rate, batting gloves got their start, first in baseball, then softball. After not too many years, hitters started wearing two batting gloves instead of just one. I am not sure if it was because of cold weather or maybe switch hitters or a “two for the price of one” offer, but batters started wearing two.

 

So, what are the reasons for wearing them? Well, they do give you a much better grip on the bat, (main reason) and many players wear a batting glove on their glove hand when they are playing in the field. This takes a little of the sting out of catching a ball in the pocket. For young players, “looking cool” is the main reason they wear them. It’s also a great photo-op for their proud parents…they really do look cool! 

Related posts:

1. History of Softball-(Part 4)
2. Breaking in a Baseball Hat
3. Softball at a Church Picnic
4. Stitches for a First Baseman
5. Some Variations of Baseball