Why does a infielder's/pitcher's mitt have a hole for the index finger?

Answer 1

I agree with the earlier post of the fastback glove, except that players were already leaving that index finger out years before the fastback for several reason. One of which was the added control of opening and closing the glove. Other reasons ranged from keeping that finger protected from balls hitting higher in the glove to just plain out comfort!

Answer 2

That hole was started by Rawlings... they called it the "Fastback". It was supposedly there to make controlling opening and closing the glove easier, supposedly. And other makers began doing it also. It is not exclusive to infielder's gloves either, every position glove on the field can be baught with a hole on top for the index finger to fit thru.

Answer 3

I read a boo recently about baseball golves. As everyone knows there used to be no gloves at all. Then it progressed to a little thing of leather. As it progressed into the fingers design then into the version we see to day, players complained about not being able to feel the ball or grip it in their glove. So rawlings came with the fastback and it has stuck ever since.

Answer 4

it helps grab the ball and close the glove

I think it also helps prevent finger injuries

Answer 5

when the ball misses the pocket it usually hits the first finger's area....