If you hear someone call a sliding mitt an oven mitt, they probably played baseball in the '90s or early 2000s. Back then, players didn't wear elbow guards, shin guards, or even batting gloves (check out Mark Grace and Moises Alou). Pitching at 89-91 MPH was enough to impress scouts and secure a D1 spot. Fast forward to 2024, and over 30 pitchers have thrown pitches at 100 MPH or more. Ben Joyce just hit 104.4 MPH. The message, things have changed.
Today, players throw harder, and infielders are taught to make runners "feel the tag." A viral video on Prospect Dugout showed a player's hand mangled from sliding into a base. So, why not wear a sliding mitt for protection and style? You have one career, protect your body so you can play and practice.
One last thing: why do some sliding mitt companies leave the thumb exposed? It can't be for grip—we have two hands, one to slide and one to grab the bag. Plus, it just looks weird. At Goat'd, we keep all your fingers safe.