Billy Hamilton is a well-known professional baseball player, known for his incredible speed on the field. But today, we’re going to take a closer look at what he wears on his hand while making those impressive plays.
Specifically, Hamilton is one of the few big leaguers who wears a Louisville Pro Flare style glove, a popular glove style among college players.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the features of the Louisville Pro Flare glove, how Hamilton has brought it into the professional leagues, and its effectiveness in action.
We’ll also discuss other players who have adopted this glove style and how it’s becoming a trend in the baseball community. So let’s dive in and explore what makes Billy Hamilton’s glove so unique.
The Louisville Pro Flare Style Glove
The Louisville Pro Flare style glove is a baseball glove that features a unique design with a flared out thumb and pinky finger. This design provides a larger catching surface and allows for a more secure grip on the ball.
Compared to traditional gloves, the Pro Flare style glove has a more modern look and a distinctive shape that sets it apart. The Pro Flare style glove is also made from high-quality materials, such as premium leather and lacing, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
This type of glove has gained popularity among college players for its design and functionality. With a larger catching surface and a more secure grip, players can make more successful catches and throws.
In addition, the Pro Flare style glove provides better protection against hard-hit balls, reducing the risk of injury.
Billy Hamilton was one of the first professional players to wear the Louisville Pro Flare style glove in the big leagues. Hamilton’s use of the glove was noticed by other players and soon, the Pro Flare style glove gained popularity among other professionals.
Today, the Pro Flare style glove is being used by several professional players, making it a popular choice for those looking for a modern and effective glove.
Hamilton’s Glove in Action
Billy Hamilton’s use of the Louisville Pro Flare style glove has been instrumental in his successful career as a center fielder. The larger catching surface and more secure grip on the ball have allowed him to make some incredible plays on the field. Here are some examples:
In a game against the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018, Hamilton made a stunning catch while diving towards the outfield fence. The Pro Flare style glove gave him the ability to reach farther and secure the ball with a stronger grip, making the catch possible.
In another game against the Chicago Cubs, Hamilton made a game-winning catch in the bottom of the ninth inning. The ball was hit deep to center field, but Hamilton was able to track it down and make the catch with his Pro Flare style glove.
Videos and images of these plays have been widely shared on social media, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Louisville Pro Flare style glove in action.
The unique design of the glove provides an advantage to players like Hamilton, who rely on their speed and agility to make plays on the field.
By using a Pro Flare style glove, Hamilton has been able to make incredible catches and throws that might not have been possible with a traditional glove.
Other Players Using the Pro Flare Style Glove
Billy Hamilton was one of the first professional players to use the Louisville Pro Flare style glove in the big leagues. Since then, other players have followed suit and adopted this type of glove. Some notable players who use the Pro Flare style glove include:
Francisco Lindor: Lindor is a four-time All-Star shortstop for the New York Mets who uses the Pro Flare style glove. He has been seen using a Wilson Pro Flare model on the field.
Dansby Swanson: Swanson is a shortstop for the Atlanta Braves who has also been spotted using a Wilson Pro Flare style glove.
Brandon Crawford: Crawford is a three-time Gold Glove winner and shortstop for the San Francisco Giants who uses the Pro Flare style glove. He has been seen using a Rawlings Pro Preferred model.
The trend of using the Pro Flare style glove has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among college players and younger professionals.
The unique design and larger catching surface of the Pro Flare style glove have proven to be effective on the field, leading more players to switch to this type of glove.
In addition, the success of players like Hamilton and Lindor has helped to popularize the use of the Pro Flare style glove among professionals. As a result, we can expect to see more players adopting this type of glove in the future.
Some popular Pro Flare style gloves used by professional baseball players:
| Brand/Model | Player(s) | Material | Size (inches) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Pro Flare | Francisco Lindor, Dansby Swanson | Pro Stock leather | 11.5-12.5 | $199-$259 |
| Rawlings Pro Preferred | Brandon Crawford | Kip leather | 11.5-12.75 | $359-$399 |
| Louisville Slugger Pro Flare | Billy Hamilton | Leather | 11.75 | $199-$249 |
The table compares the brand and model of the Pro Flare style gloves used by some of the most notable professional baseball players, including Francisco Lindor, Dansby Swanson, Brandon Crawford, and Billy Hamilton.
It also provides information on the materials used, size, and price range for each glove. The purpose of the table is to provide a quick comparison of popular Pro Flare style gloves to help players make an informed decision when choosing a glove to use on the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pro Flare style glove legal to use in professional baseball?
Yes, the Pro Flare style glove is legal to use in professional baseball. As long as a glove meets the size requirements set forth by Major League Baseball (MLB), it is allowed on the field.
What are the advantages of using a Pro Flare style glove?
The larger catching surface and more secure grip on the ball are the main advantages of using a Pro Flare style glove. These features allow players to make quick, agile plays on the field, and can lead to better defensive performance.
Are there any disadvantages to using a Pro Flare style glove?
Some players may find that the larger size of the Pro Flare style glove takes some getting used to, and it may not be as comfortable or form-fitting as traditional gloves. Additionally, the larger size may make it more difficult to transfer the ball quickly from the glove to the throwing hand.
Can any position player use a Pro Flare style glove?
While any position player can technically use a Pro Flare style glove, it is most commonly used by middle infielders and outfielders who need to cover a lot of ground and make quick plays on the ball.
Where can I buy a Louisville Pro Flare style glove?
Louisville Slugger and other sporting goods stores carry Pro Flare style gloves. They are also available online through various retailers.
To Recap
Billy Hamilton’s use of the Louisville Pro Flare style glove has brought attention to a unique and effective type of baseball glove. With a larger catching surface and a more secure grip on the ball, the Pro Flare style glove provides an advantage to players who need to make quick and agile plays on the field.
Since Hamilton’s introduction of the glove to the big leagues, other players like Francisco Lindor, Dansby Swanson, and Brandon Crawford have followed suit and adopted the Pro Flare style glove. This trend has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among college players and younger professionals.
The success of players using the Pro Flare style glove is proof that innovation and design are key factors in the evolution of baseball equipment, leading to better performance and success on the field.
