Baseball is a game steeped in tradition and strategy, and players have all sorts of superstitions and habits that they believe can give them an edge. One of the most common habits amongst baseball players is to keep one finger out of their glove while they’re fielding. This practice seems odd at first glance, but there are actually a few good reasons why it’s done. Let’s take a closer look at why baseball players keep one finger out of glove.
Improved Feel and Control
One of the main reasons why baseball players keep one finger out of glove is that it improves their feel and control of the ball. When a player has their whole hand in the glove, it can be difficult to feel the ball and can cause them to fumble it. The single finger provides just enough purchase on the ball to make it easier to grip and control. This is especially beneficial for infielders who have to make quick throws and need to have a steady grip on the ball.
Increased Reaction Time
Another benefit of keeping one finger out of the glove is that it increases reaction time. When a fielder has their whole hand in the glove, it takes longer for them to adjust to the ball’s direction and react accordingly. By keeping one finger out, they can more quickly sense the ball’s direction and make a quicker adjustment. This can be especially useful when a ball is hit with a lot of spin, as it can be difficult to predict which way it’s going.
Gives an Extra Push
Finally, keeping one finger out of the glove can actually give the fielder an extra push when throwing. When a fielder has their whole hand in the glove, it can be difficult to generate enough power to make a strong throw. The single finger provides an extra bit of leverage that can give the throw more power. This can be especially useful for outfielders who need to make long throws to the infield.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few good reasons why baseball players keep one finger out of glove. By doing so, they can improve their feel and control of the ball, increase their reaction time, and gain an extra push when making throws. While it may seem like a strange habit at first, it’s actually a key part of being a successful fielder.