Some people like to read long reviews, some like to read short reviews, so I will try and accommodate both: Short review: The Rawlings Liberty Advanced first base mitt (RLAFB) is arguably one of the best fast pitch gloves on the market for competitive players. At its price point though, it is without a doubt THE best fast pitch first base mitt on the market. You can always go more expensive (e.g. Rawlings Heart of the Hide), but this Liberty Advanced glove delivers top quality and performance for 12U-18U fast pitch players and at a reasonable price. Long review: Prior to making the switch to Rawlings, and early in our daughter’s fast pitch “career," she used a different well known manufacturer's 1B mitt where after its first season and a half, became untrustworthy as it wasn’t able to secure the ball in the palm area due to the leather flexing outward when squeezed. That manufacturer was contacted and they sent us a warranty replacement…..that had the very same defect after exclusive use through the season that followed. When she made the jump to Class-A ball, we knew she’d have to have equipment that could be counted on at all times and also withstand the rigorous schedule she'd be facing. The one thing we were worried about is that she is “OCD” when it comes to her equipment. Everything has to be a certain way with her. After reading some early reviews (this glove was relatively new to market at the time), we decided on the Liberty Advanced 13” fast pitch first base mitt (RLAFB) and well, she took to it immediately. Admittedly, it had some minor breaking in to do, but nothing like her other gloves. It was game ready within a few weeks. The very same Rawlings 1B mitt we purchased here back in early 2017 has been with her now for three full travel ball seasons (fall ball + summer ball = one season) plus a full season of high school ball. The glove has seen well over 1,200 putouts (not just catches, but in-game putouts at 1B) and thousands of catches during competition in high school, Class-A and Class-A Elite travel ball, and of course, countless practices. The glove still has its integrity and has literally become an extension of her arm during gameplay. During the 2017/2018 season, she earned recognition as being one of the top first base girls in her travel team’s home state. While credit goes to her work ethic and talent first, the quality of her glove and the confidence it brought her cannot be understated. The only wear we’ve seen so far with the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 1B mitt has been with the laces. We had to re-tighten everything in late 2019 as they all let loose around the same time and so much so that the glove was not useable. It was no big deal to get that taken care of. Because of her positive experience with this Rawlings Liberty Advanced 1B Mitt, we purchased the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12.5” fast pitch [infielders] glove in late 2017 to use during the spot-fills she sometimes does at 3rd base (I wrote a separate review on that glove). All in all, I would very highly recommend this glove regardless of a player’s experience at first base — though in the hands of a seasoned player, it should at least meet every expectation, if not exceed them. Well worth the money spent. UPDATE 1/21: In our daughter’s final college showcase tournament in November 2020 (4 full years of use), the material inside the glove that separates her fingers gave way due to dry rot. It started with just one finger slot, but others tore soon after making it barely usable for competitive play. She recorded well over 1,200 putouts with the glove during tournaments, College Showcases, scrimmages, and high school ball. Factor in countless practices over the course of four years and conditions ranging from the blistering summer sun to below freezing temps late in the year and early spring - her glove got quite a workout and withstood the demands that were placed on it. For Christmas, all our daughter wanted was the same glove, but customized directly from Rawlings - and that’s what she got. We expect nothing less than reliability and high performance from the new glove while she finishes up her travel ball career in a few years and moves on to the college level. We still highly recommend this glove.
