Best Catcher's Mitt for 14U (2026): 8 Picks for 13 to 14 Year Olds, 32.5 to 33.5 Inch
A 13 or 14 year old catcher needs a 32.5 to 33.5 inch catcher's mitt, with 33 inches fitting most, and our #1 pick is the Mizuno Samurai Youth 33 inch (about $90), a catcher-specific 33 inch mitt labeled youth for a hand still growing into adult size. Below: eight verified mitts from about $74 to $250, how the big field changes what the mitt must do, and when to buy the one that lasts through high school.
What fits 14U
In this guide · 13 sections
- Helmet headset
- At a glance
- What size catcher's mitt does a 14 year old need?
- What changes for a catcher at 14U
- The close test for a growing hand
- How to choose a catcher's mitt for 14U
- 14U catcher's mitts compared
- Breaking in a 14U catcher's mitt
- When to move up to a high school mitt
- Common mistakes buying a 14U catcher's mitt
- The pitch call belongs in the helmet
- Also worth a look
- FAQ
Quick picks
Our top recommendations, full reviews below.
Best overall for 14U: a 33 inch catcher's mitt labeled youth
~$90 price and availability on Amazon
View on Amazon →Key takeaways
- Size: 32.5 to 33.5 inches for 14U (ages 13 to 14). 33 inches fits most; 32.5 for a smaller 13, 33.5 for a big-handed 14.
- Best overall: Mizuno Samurai Youth 33" (~$90), Mizuno's catcher line in a 33 inch mitt labeled youth. Also available left hand throw.
- Best value: Rawlings Player Preferred 33" (~$74), a soft, quick-to-break-in 33 inch mitt for a part-time catcher.
- Best step-up: Rawlings R9 32.5" (~$150), pre-oiled, game-ready in about two weeks, and good enough for a high school freshman.
- Buy once through high school: Wilson A2000 CM33 (~$250), the pattern many high school catchers use, if your 14 is a committed catcher.
- The big field changes the job. 60 feet 6 inches and 90 foot bases mean harder pitches and longer throws; the mitt needs firmer leather and a clean transfer.
A 14U catcher needs a 32.5 to 33.5 inch catcher's mitt, with 33 inches fitting most 13 and 14 year olds, and our #1 pick is the Mizuno Samurai Youth 33 inch (about $90). 14U is the bridge between youth mitts (31 to 32.5 inches) and the 33 to 34 inch high school standard. The right mitt here is big enough and firm enough for big-field pitching, but still closeable by a hand that is not fully grown.
In most organizations 13U is a transition year (50/70 or 54/80 fields) and 14U moves to the full 60 feet 6 inches with 90 foot bases. Pitchers throw harder, breaking balls get sharper, and the throw to second grows to 127 feet 3 inches. The eight mitts below were checked in stock on September 30, 2026, with the size and throwing hand read from each listing. We ranked on size and closing for a 13 or 14 year old hand first, leather second, price third. Sizes match our catcher gear sizing chart. Younger player? See the 12U mitt guide. Heading to varsity? The high school mitt guide.
At a glance
*Prices at time of writing, they move; check the listing.
Mizuno Samurai Youth Catcher's Mitt GXC95Y3, 33" (Right Hand Throw)
~$90
Samurai is Mizuno's catcher-specific line, and the GXC95Y3 is the version Mizuno labels youth, at the 33 inch size most 14U catchers need. That combination is exactly the 14U problem solved: the circumference of a high school mitt with a youth label for a hand that is still growing. At about $90, it costs less than most 33 inch mitts from the big three and far less than the pro-leather tier.
It needs a couple of weeks of real catch before it closes easily. Lefty catchers: Mizuno also lists this mitt in left hand throw at the same price, which is rare at 33 inches.
- 33 inches, the right 14U size
- Youth-labeled catcher's line from Mizuno
- Left-hand-throw version exists
- About $90
- Not pro-grade leather
- Needs a couple of weeks of break-in
Rawlings Player Preferred Catcher's Mitt, 33" (Right Hand Throw)
~$74
Rawlings' Player Preferred line uses soft leather that needs very little break-in, and the 33 inch catcher's mitt is the cheapest real 33 inch option from a major brand we found, at about $74. For a 13 or 14 year old who catches part-time, or a pitcher-catcher who needs a legitimate mitt for bullpens, it is the smart buy. The trade-off is that soft leather also softens further under heavy use, so an everyday catcher will want firmer leather.
- About $74
- Very quick break-in
- Closed web, 33 inch size
- Soft leather loses shape under heavy use
- Not for an everyday catcher facing hard throwers
Rawlings Sandlot Series Catcher's Mitt, 33" (Right Hand Throw)
~$83
The Sandlot series is Rawlings' heavier, oiled steerhide line, stiffer than the Player Preferred and closer to the feel of a high school mitt. In 33 inches with a one-piece solid web, it is a strong choice for an everyday 14U catcher who wants a pocket that stays firm through a summer of tournaments without paying R9 or A2000 prices. Expect a longer break-in than the Player Preferred.
- Firmer oiled leather than entry mitts
- 33 inch solid web
- Under $100
- Longer break-in
- Price moves; check the listing
Rawlings R9 Series Catcher's Mitt, 32.5" (Right Hand Throw)
~$150
The R9 is the mitt we recommend to every high school freshman catcher, which makes it a natural 14U step-up. Pre-oiled full-grain leather gets it game-ready in about two weeks, the pocket is deep, and the shell is stiff enough to hold big-field velocity. At 32.5 inches it suits a 13 year old or a 14 with average hands, and it will carry into freshman year. About $150.
- Game-ready in about two weeks
- Stiff enough for big-field velocity
- Carries into high school
- About $150
- 32.5 inches is small for a big-handed 14
All-Star Future Star Adult Catcher's Mitt, 33.5" (Right Hand Throw)
~$100
The adult version of All-Star's Future Star, at 33.5 inches, from the company that makes catcher's gear and nothing else. For a 14 year old whose hand already fills a 33 inch mitt, the extra half inch gives a bigger target without the closing penalty of a 34. About $100, which is the cheapest way into All-Star's catcher pocket at this size.
- All-Star catcher's pocket
- 33.5 inches for a big hand
- About $100
- Too big for a smaller 13
- Not pro-grade leather
Mizuno Franchise Series Catcher's Mitt GXC90B5, 33.5"
~$95
Mizuno's Franchise catcher's mitt uses a center pocket design that puts the sweet spot in the middle of the mitt, which helps a young catcher receive cleanly and transfer quickly for the throw. At 33.5 inches and about $95, it is the other sub-$100 choice for a bigger 14. Confirm the throwing hand on the listing before ordering.
- Center pocket for clean receiving and quick transfer
- 33.5 inches
- Under $100
- Big for a smaller 13
- Confirm the throwing hand on the listing
Wilson A700 Catcher's Mitt, 32.5" (Right Hand Throw)
~$75
Not every 13 year old is ready for 33 inches. The A700 at 32.5 inches is a step-up Wilson mitt that closes well in a smaller hand and holds its pocket better than entry mitts. About $75. Expect to move to 33 inches by 14U or freshman year.
- Right size for a smaller 13
- Step-up Wilson leather
- About $75
- Most 14s will want 33 inches
- Needs a full break-in
Wilson A2000 CM33SS Catcher's Mitt, 33" (Right Hand Throw)
~$250
The A2000 CM33 is one of the most common mitts behind high school and college plates, and this is the prior-season colorway at about $250. For a committed 14U catcher, it is the buy-once option: Pro Stock leather that holds a pocket for years, the 33 inch pattern, and a SuperSkin back that keeps weight down. The catch is the break-in, a month or two of real work, and a price that is wasted on a kid who may switch positions.
- Pro Stock leather, holds a pocket for years
- 33 inch high school pattern
- Lasts through graduation
- About $250
- One to two months of break-in
- Wasted if the kid changes positions
What size catcher's mitt does a 14 year old need?
32.5 to 33.5 inches in circumference, with 33 inches fitting most 13 and 14 year olds. Catcher's mitts are measured around the outside, not by length.
| Player | Catcher's mitt size | Picks on this page |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller 13, 13U transition year | 32.5 in | Wilson A700, Rawlings R9 |
| Typical 13 to 14 | 33 in | Mizuno Samurai Youth, Rawlings Player Preferred, Sandlot, Wilson A2000 CM33 |
| Big-handed 14 | 33.5 in | All-Star Future Star Adult, Mizuno Franchise |
High school catchers mostly use 33 to 34 inches, so a 33 inch mitt bought at 14 is the size they will use as freshmen. Skip 34 inches for now; it closes too slowly in most 14U hands.
What changes for a catcher at 14U
The big field changes the mitt's job in three ways. Velocity: older pitchers from 60 feet 6 inches throw noticeably harder than 12U pitchers from 46 feet, and a soft youth mitt lets the ball push the thumb back. Movement: sharper breaking balls mean more receiving and framing on the edges of the pocket. The throw: on 90 foot bases the throw to second is 127 feet 3 inches, so a clean, quick transfer matters; our pop time by age guide shows what is typical. Firmer leather and a well-defined pocket handle all three, which is why 14U is the age to leave soft youth mitts behind.
The close test for a growing hand
Size labels are a starting point; the hand decides. Put the mitt on, have someone toss balls into the pocket from about ten feet, including a few low and to the glove side, and watch whether the catcher squeezes each one shut with the mitt hand alone. Then have them catch and transfer to the throwing hand as fast as they can ten times in a row.
If the ball rattles or they have to trap it, the mitt is too big or not broken in yet. If the transfer is slow because the ball sinks deep into the pocket, the pocket is too deep for their hand. A 13 or 14 year old in the middle of a growth spurt can pass this test at 32.5 inches in March and want 33 by July, which is why buying in the off-season and rechecking at midsummer works better than guessing ahead.
How to choose a catcher's mitt for 14U
- Size to the hand: 32.5 for a smaller 13, 33 for most, 33.5 for a big hand.
- Leather to the innings: part-time catchers do fine with the Player Preferred; everyday catchers need firmer leather like the Sandlot, Samurai or R9.
- Plan the break-in: soft mitts are ready in days, the R9 in about two weeks, the A2000 in one to two months.
- Decide on the long game: if your 14 will catch in high school, an R9 or A2000 now can be the high school mitt too.
14U catcher's mitts compared
| Mitt | Size | Approx. price | Break-in | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mizuno Samurai Youth | 33 in | ~$90 | About 2 weeks | Most 14U catchers |
| Rawlings Player Preferred | 33 in | ~$74 | Days | Part-time, value |
| Rawlings Sandlot | 33 in | ~$83 | 2 to 4 weeks | Firm leather, budget |
| Rawlings R9 | 32.5 in | ~$150 | About 2 weeks | Into freshman year |
| All-Star Future Star Adult | 33.5 in | ~$100 | 2 to 3 weeks | Big hands |
| Mizuno Franchise | 33.5 in | ~$95 | 2 to 3 weeks | Quick transfer |
| Wilson A700 | 32.5 in | ~$75 | 2 to 3 weeks | Smaller 13s |
| Wilson A2000 CM33 | 33 in | ~$250 | 1 to 2 months | Buy once through HS |
Breaking in a 14U catcher's mitt
Firmer leather means a longer break-in. The method does not change: daily catch, a mallet or ball worked into the pocket every evening, the mitt stored closed with a ball inside, and a light coat of conditioner, never a soak. No oven, no microwave. Two weeks gets the Samurai, R9 and A700 ready; plan one to two months for the A2000. Buy firm-leather mitts in the off-season. Our break-in guide covers it step by step, and a glove break-in kit speeds it up.
When to move up to a high school mitt
Most catchers settle at 33 to 34 inches in high school. If your 14 bought a 33 inch mitt, it may be the freshman mitt too; the upgrade is usually leather, not size. Move up when the pocket goes soft against high school velocity, or the hand fills a 33 inch mitt completely. Our high school catcher's mitt guide covers the pro-leather tier (A2000, Heart of the Hide, CM3000).
Common mistakes buying a 14U catcher's mitt
- Staying in a 32 inch youth mitt. At big-field velocity a soft youth pocket folds and the thumb takes the hit.
- Jumping to 34 inches. It closes slowly in most 14U hands; 33 is the right step.
- Buying pro leather two weeks before the season. An A2000 will not be ready. Buy the R9 or Samurai if the season is close.
- Skipping the thumb guard. A slip-on thumb guard is cheap insurance once pitches get hard.
- Forgetting the rest of the kit. Sets and NOCSAE chest protectors for this age are in our 14U catcher's gear guide.
The pitch call belongs in the helmet
On the big field, runners on second read signs, and many 14U coaches call every pitch. A helmet-mount Bluetooth headset (about $13) turns the catcher's helmet into a pitch-call receiver for the free MAVTRAX app, so the call goes from the coach's phone to the catcher's ear (install guide). Little League has allowed one-way coach-to-catcher calls since 2025, and many travel events do too; check your event's rules.
Also worth a look
Rawlings Glove Break-In KitMallet and conditioner for firmer 14U leather.~$12 · View on Amazon →
EvoShield Catcher's Thumb GuardCheap insurance once big-field velocity arrives.~$25 · View on Amazon →
ELIKIDSTO Helmet-Mount Bluetooth Headset (IPX7)The ~$13 helmet-mount headset for pitch calls in the helmet.~$15 · View on Amazon →
FAQ
What size catcher's mitt for a 14 year old?
32.5 to 33.5 inches in circumference, with 33 inches fitting most 14 year olds. Big-handed 14s can use 33.5; smaller 13s may prefer 32.5.
What size catcher's mitt for a 13 year old?
Usually 32.5 to 33 inches. A smaller 13 in a 13U transition league does well with a 32.5 inch mitt like the Wilson A700 or Rawlings R9; most move to 33 inches by 14U.
What is the best 14U catcher's mitt?
The Mizuno Samurai Youth 33 inch (about $90) is our #1 for 14U. The Rawlings Player Preferred 33 inch (about $74) is the value pick, and the Wilson A2000 CM33 (about $250) is the buy-once premium option.
Is a 34 inch catcher's mitt too big for 14U?
For most 14 year olds, yes. 34 inches is a high school and adult size for big hands. It closes slowly in a 14U hand, which costs strikes and causes passed balls.
Can a 14 year old use a high school catcher's mitt?
Yes, if it is 33 inches and the catcher can close it. A Rawlings R9 or Wilson A2000 CM33 bought at 14 can be the freshman mitt too; just plan for the longer break-in.
How much should a 14U catcher's mitt cost?
About $74 to $100 buys a good 33 inch catcher's mitt for most 14U catchers. $150 buys the R9, which carries into high school, and about $250 buys the pro-leather A2000.
Are there left-handed 33 inch catcher's mitts?
A few. The Mizuno Samurai Youth 33 inch is also listed in left hand throw at about the same price. Lefty stock is thin, so order early.
Should a 14U catcher use a thumb guard?
Many do once they reach the big field. Harder pitches caught off the edge of the pocket push the thumb back, and a slip-on thumb guard inside the mitt is an inexpensive fix.
Does a 14U catcher need pro-grade leather?
Not usually. Firm mid-range leather like the Mizuno Samurai, Rawlings Sandlot or R9 handles 14U velocity. Pro leather like the A2000 makes sense for a committed catcher who will keep the mitt through high school.
How long does it take to break in a 14U catcher's mitt?
Days for soft mitts like the Player Preferred, about two weeks for the Samurai and R9, two to four weeks for the Sandlot and Franchise, and one to two months for the A2000.
We're the team behind MAVTRAX, a free pitch-calling app. This is a research guide: picks are chosen on manufacturer specs, league rules, build quality and real-world price, checked against live listings, not on who pays the highest commission. We haven't hands-on tested every product. Full criteria on how we pick.