Mizuno is on top of the world right now. Team Japan (the club that Mizuno sponsored for the 2023 World Baseball Classic) just won the entire international tournament only a short while ago. Japan’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Team USA was watched by a whopping 5.2 million viewers in the United States, which shatters the previous World Baseball Classic viewing record in the US—and doesn’t even factor in Japan’s or the rest of the world’s viewership stats. That’s 5.2 million people who watched Shohei Ohtani strike out Mike Trout and celebrate with his Team Japan teammates, while all of them were wearing jerseys with the Mizuno logo plastered on their right shoulders. That’s called prime exposure—and Mizuno must be feeling fantastic about it. They’re surely looking to capitalize on that exposure by gaining more traction in the American glove market. And considering the fantastic roster of gloves and mitts they’ve released in recent years, they should have no issues getting people interested.
Mizuno Pro Fernando Tatis Jr. Infield Glove
The Mizuno Pro Fernando Tatis Jr. infield glove is made with US kip leather tanned in Japan to give a soft, yet firm feel that will form just the way you like it and hold up to the speed of the game. This glove is crafted by Mizuno’s experts who eat, sleep, and breathe glove design and have dedicated their lives to the perfect pattern. Utilizing the glove scans of Fernando Tatis Jr. himself, this 11.75-inch Mizuno Pro model is created with a perfect, already-formed pocket based on his specific preferences. The Mizuno Pro Fernando Tatis Jr. Infield Glove retails for $400 but is listed on SidelineSwap for less.
Our Expert’s Take:
Fernando Tatis Jr. has the most swag in baseball, and his signature glove model mirrors that. Mizuno gloves are known to mold to a player’s hand quicker than most other gloves, and this is said to do that even quicker than the rest. The thumb slot this glove includes adds comfort, too. One thing to know before buying this glove is that it’s a bit heavier than most infield models you’ll come across. But if weight isn’t a major issue for you, then you should strongly consider matching your leather with El Niño’s.
Mizuno Global Elite First Basemen’s Mitt
The Mizuno Global Elite first basemen’s mitt features E-Lite leather which is soft and light, creating the ultimate standard in performance. Utilizing Mizuno's exclusive counterbalanced design, the Global Elite series offers reduced weight in the fingers for lightweight performance. Every Global Elite has a new roll welting to increase structure and support throughout the fingers. Plus, with patented 3D Technology that has set the industry standard for position-specific pattern designs, the Global Elite offers the best craftsmanship, fit, and performance in a Pro Level glove. The Mizuno Global Elite first basemen’s mitt retails for $250 but can be found on SidelineSwap for less.
Our Expert’s Take:
The Mizuno Global Elite first basemen’s mitt is technically a discontinued glove. Yet, that just means Mizuno isn’t making it anymore. It’s still available at select retailers (including SidelineSwap), and if you can find a version available for you, don’t second guess snatching it up. This is one of the lightest adults' first basemen’s mitts ever made, which is owed to the lack of padding on the palm. This does sacrifice some protection when picking balls but is a worthwhile swap in my opinion. It’s also got an elongated web with an extra deep pocket to make picking balls easier than ever. Discontinued or not, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better first basemen’s mitt than the Global Elite.
Mizuno MVP Prime Outfield Glove
The Mizuno MVP Prime outfield glove is handcrafted with Bio Soft leather, which is a professional-style smooth leather that has the perfect balance of oil and softness for the exceptional feel and firm control that players demand. This glove features a center pocket design pattern that naturally centers the pocket under the index finger for the most versatile break-in possible, and its PlusGrip thumb slot provides ultra-comfortable padding, making it easy to catch balls. The Mizuno MVP Prime outfielder is 12.75 inches long, includes a trapeze web, and retails for $120. It’s available at the same price on SidelineSwap.
Our Expert’s Take:
Mizuno’s outfield gloves seem to be their best sellers—and it’s no wonder why, considering this MVP Prime gloves combination of quality and affordability. While this glove is said to arrive extremely stiff, and will take some time to get game ready, that stiffness only adds to its durability once broken in. This glove is another favorite among youth and high school baseball players, as it’s considered a fantastic glove to transition away from youth and into baseball’s higher levels due to its elite feel and dependability. Yet, once you make that transition with this glove on your hand, I’m not sure you’ll want to switch to something else.
Mizuno Prospect Youth Catcher's Mitt
Mizuno’s Prospect Youth catcher’s mitt uses full-grain pigskin leather, providing great durability and enhanced softness. In addition, this youth mitt offers Mizuno's Power Close technology, which makes it easier for younger players to close it on the field. This Prospect mitt also features the patented Para Shock palm, which absorbs the shock of repeated use, providing less rebound, outstanding protection, and ideal comfort. The PowerLock wrist strap provides the quickest and most secure fit available. The Mizuno Prospect Youth catcher’s mitt retails for $70 and can be found on SidelineSwap at comparable prices.
Our Expert’s Take:
Back in 2019, Mizuno released what’s arguably the best youth catcher’s mitt on the market. This Prospect catcher’s mitt has a number of perks that are suited for catchers between 7-10 years old; namely, the Power Close technology which makes this catcher’s mitt extremely easy to close, avoiding a serious problem for young players. In addition, the PowerLock wrist strap guarantees that this glove will fit (and stay on) your kid’s hand, even if they’re struggling to receive balls behind the dish. This glove is only $70, which is wonderful because, ideally, your kid catcher will be graduating from this mitt to something bigger after a few years of use. You won’t find a better youth catcher’s mitt than this.
Mizuno Pro Series Pitcher's Glove
I’ve always been envious of pitchers who have this Mizuno Pro Series pitcher’s glove—mainly because its modified trapeze webbing is my favorite web of all time. Not only is it a unique and awesome look, but it’s an entirely closed web as well, which means that it’s impossible for opponents to pick your pitches inside this glove. This glove is another favorite among youth and high school baseball players, as well. If I could go back in time and buy another glove during my career, I’d get this Mizuno Pro Series pitcher’s glove.
Conclusion
Considering their forward momentum on the heels of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, combined with their excellent selection of gloves (especially ones that are more catered to youth players), I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mizuno leather making its presence known across baseball diamonds in the United States very soon. Perhaps you or your kid will be a part of its takeover, too.