5 Tips for Choosing Your Baseball Thumb Guard

5 Tips for Choosing Your Baseball Thumb Guard

3 minute read

Listen to article
Audio generated by DropInBlog's Blog Voice AI™ may have slight pronunciation nuances. Learn more

As a baseball player, what would you say is the most important part of your body?

Some baseball players might argue their arms. Others may say their eyes. Hips, cores, and even brains would also all be acceptable answers.

But at the end of the day, it might just be your hands that are the most important parts of all. They'll be responsible for holding the bat when you're hitting and catching and throwing when you're fielding.

For this reason, using a thumb guard when you're up at the plate should be a must. This baseball equipment will provide your hands with the protection they'll need by taking the sting out of the equation when you swing your bat and make contact with a ball.

Don't just invest in any old thumb guard, though. Here are five tips to help you choose the right one.

1. Create a List of Thumb Guards

When you're first in the market for a thumb guard, try to come up with a list of options. Google "thumb guards" and write down the names of the different choices that pop up.

Ideally, you want to consider as many options as you can. It'll put you in a great position to pick out the best one of the bunch.

2. Read About Thumb Guard Options

Once you've created a list of thumb guards, read up on each option you'll have. Visit the websites for them and find out:

  • What they look like
  • What they're made out of
  • How they'll help you

The more you're able to find out about each thumb guard on your original list, the easier it'll be to narrow down your options.

3. Look at Reviews for Thumb Guards

Most thumb guards will look like fantastic options when you're on their individual websites. But which ones will come highly recommended by others?

Discover the answer to this question by reading through online reviews for thumb guards. They'll shed light on which options you can rely on to produce results for you. Reviews for popular baseball thumb guard can be found here.

4. Compare the Price Tags on Thumb Guards

Some thumb guards will be on the cheaper side. Others will cost more than you might have imagined they would.

It would be worth comparing the price tags found on various options. It'll enable you to get your hands on one without breaking the bank.

Don't just pick out the cheapest option you can find. At the same time, don't spend a fortune on one that isn't going to do anything all that special.

5. See Which Thumb Guards the Pros Use

In a perfect world, you'll want to try to secure a thumb guard that professional baseball players use. You'll have more confidence in athletic gear that has been cosigned by MLB players in particular.

If a thumb guard is good enough for pro baseball players, it should definitely be good enough for you.

Order the Best Thumb Guard Possible Now

If you want to take your baseball skills to the next level, the ThumbPRO Thumb Guard would be a great addition to your athletic equipment. It's the best thumb guard on the market today.

Order one today to see why so many baseball players love it. Just be sure to select the right size to make the most of it.

Pitch Black

Pitch Black

$29.95

Comfort, Performance, Protection    Prevent Bat Sting ~ Protect your hand from getting jammed Engineered to Fit Your Hand ~ Comfortably stays in place Avoid the Death Grip ~Unlock your optimal swing Made of Shock-Absorbing Polymer Fits Left or Right-Handed Batter Own the Strike… read more

Shop Now

FAQs

Are. Baseball Thumb guards legal in baseball?

Are Thumb Guards Legal in Baseball? 

Yes. Baseball Thumb Guards, such as the highly regarded, ThumbPRO®, are legal in baseball and softball leagues from youth to pros and are worn as protective equipment on the player’s hand. They are in no way modification to the bat. However, beginning in 2025, Little League Baseball has banned thumb guards by incorrectly classifying them as bat alterations. All other leagues continue to recognize and allow thumb guards as essential safety equipment

What is a thumb guard and how does it work?

A thumb guard—like ThumbPRO®—is a lightweight, protective device worn on the batter’s top-hand thumb (the hand closest to the end of the bat). Its purpose is to shield the thumb joint and surrounding tissue from painful bat sting, impact shock, and vibration when the ball is hit. This helps prevent common issues like bruising, swelling, and overuse injuries that can affect performance and player confidence.

For youth players, thumb guards are especially important for teaching proper hand placement on the bat. Young athletes often grip the bat incorrectly or hold tension in their hands to avoid discomfort from sting. A thumb guard helps train better grip mechanics while providing the protection they need to swing with confidence.

Using a thumb guard encourages players to:

  • Relax their grip for better swing speed and control

  • Place their hands correctly on the bat handle

  • Avoid developing bad habits caused by fear of pain or sting

  • Protect growing joints and muscles during their key developmental years

From beginners to pros, thumb guards like ThumbPRO® offer the hand safety and performance benefits every hitter deserves.

Does a thumb guard attach to the bat?

No, it does not.
Thumb guards like ThumbPRO® are worn directly on the player’s thumb, not on the bat. They are completely independent of the bat itself and do not alter, change, or attach to the bat in any way.

Despite what Little League®'s 2025 rulebook claims, thumb guards like ThumbPRO® are not bat attachments. This is a misleading classification that has caused unnecessary confusion. ThumbPRO® simply protects the player’s top-hand thumb—helping reduce sting, improve grip confidence, and promote safer swings at the plate without modifying the bat in any form.

Are thumb guards legal in other leagues besides Little League®?

Yes.

Thumb guards like ThumbPRO® are legal and widely accepted across most baseball and softball leagues, including youth leagues up to the pros. 

They have been worn by players for over 30 years and are recognized as an essential piece of hand protection for athletes of all ages and skill levels.

ThumbPRO®'s unique, ergonomic design stays securely in place on the player’s thumb and provides critical protection from bat sting and hand injuries—without interfering with grip or swing mechanics.

Little League®’s 2025 rule is an unfortunate exception, and they have misrepresented thumb guards as bat modifications. This claim is blatantly false, as thumb guards are worn on the player’s hand, not on the bat, and have no impact on the bat’s structure or performance.

Why do players wear thumb guards?

Players wear thumb guards to, such as, 

ThumbPRO® to:


  • Protect the lead hand from painful vibration and impact

  • Prevent injuries such as bruising, swelling, or long-term damage to the thumb joint

  • Improve grip confidence and swing performance

  • Stay on the field longer by avoiding hand discomfort or injury setbacks

Thumb guards are recommended by many coaches, trainers, and pro players as an essential part of player safety.

How do I choose the right size and wear ThumbPRO® correctly?

ThumbPRO® comes in three sizesSmall, Medium, and Large—to fit players of all ages and hand sizes.
Choosing the right size is important for both comfort and effectiveness. The guard should fit snugly on your top-hand thumb, without sliding or feeling too tight.

Here’s how to wear ThumbPRO® correctly:

  1. Identify your top hand (the hand closest to the end of the bat when you grip it).

  2. Slide ThumbPRO® onto your thumb, over a batting glove or directly on your skin—both are acceptable.

  3. Position it comfortably so that the protective saddle rests on the back of your thumb joint, not on your palm side.

ThumbPRO® is ambidextrous, meaning it works for both right-handed and left-handed hitters, including switch hitters who alternate batting sides.

If you’re unsure about sizing or have specific questions, our team is always here to help—Contact Us for personalized support.

« Back to Blog