One of the most contentious debates revolving around the game of baseball were never about the best position to hit the pitch or about its speed. But it was about whether baseball players need batting gloves or not? So far, we have still not managed to find a concrete answer to this question. While some players believe, batting gloves are necessary, others feel they just add more to the gear.
But before we answer the question of do baseball players need batting gloves, let’s take a look at why do baseball players wear batting gloves in the first place? By getting a better understanding of the function of batting gloves, you will be in a better position to decide whether you need batting gloves or not.
Functions of Batting Gloves
Provide a Better Grip
Most baseball players who use batting gloves do so because gloves give a better grip on the bat. In case you do not wear batting gloves, it is likely that the bat may slip out of your hands. This is particularly common during warmer weather when the palms tend to sweat making it difficult to firmly grip the bat. And a better grip certainly means a harder hit.
Act as a Cushion after a Hard Hit
As you hit the ball hard with bare hands, you are sure to experience a stinging feeling in your hands. And with every hit, your hand becomes more prone to injury. Wearing batting gloves can act as a cushion and helps prevent any uncomfortable feeling in the sweet spots of your hands as you hit the ball hard. Wearing batting gloves can protect your hands against potential injuries in the long run.
Protects Against Weather
In warm weather, hands tend to sweat a lot. This can affect the batters ability to grip the bat. Wearing batting gloves can help improve your grip on the bat during the hot summers. One the other hand, during the winter season, batting gloves can protect your hands against the cold that can lead to sore or fractured fingers. In any season, batting gloves are sure to protect you against weather.
Final Words
Now that you know what difference batting gloves can make, it is about time to know whether baseball players need batting gloves or not. While it still remains a matter of personal preference but wearing batting gloves indeed come with some genuine benefits for the players. Batting gloves can improve your grip and performance, reduce the risk of sports-related hand injuries and protects against both warm and cold weather. So the next time someone asks you this question, you should be confidently affirmative.
