The 5 Best Rawlings Heart Of The Hide 11.5" Infield Gloves For The 2025 Season
The Rawlings Heart of the Hide (HOH) 11.5-inch glove remains the gold standard for elite infielders, and for the 2025 season, the lineup has been refreshed with new patterns and colorways that blend classic craftsmanship with modern flair. As of December 2025, the latest releases focus on the core needs of second basemen, shortstops, and third basemen—speed, control, and a quick transfer—all built on the foundation of the world-renowned Heart of the Hide steerhide leather. This comprehensive guide breaks down the top models and features you need to know to lock down the middle infield.
The 11.5-inch length is universally praised as the sweet spot for infield control, offering a perfect balance between a large enough pocket to secure the ball and a shallow enough depth for lightning-fast transfers. From the popular 31-Pattern to the classic NP Pattern, the new 2025 HOH models are engineered to give players a professional-grade feel right out of the box, ensuring you have the confidence to make the difficult plays look routine.
The 2025 Heart of the Hide 11.5" Infield Lineup: Model Breakdown
The 2025 collection of Rawlings Heart of the Hide 11.5-inch gloves introduces several standout models, each tailored for a specific type of infielder. These gloves utilize the finest U.S. steerhide leather, which is known for its durability and ability to maintain its shape over time.
1. The PROT204-2B: The Classic Infield Pattern
The PROT204-2B is a highly anticipated 2025 model, continuing the legacy of one of Rawlings' most popular infield patterns. This glove is a favorite among professional shortstops and second basemen due to its exceptional pocket depth and feel. The 204 pattern is designed for quick scoops and secure catches, making it a reliable choice for players who demand consistency.
2. The PROR314-2YB: The Versatile 31 Pattern
The PROR314-2YB is a key model in the 2025 lineup, featuring the highly versatile 31 pattern. This pattern is an excellent choice for any infielder—shortstop, second base, or third base—as it strikes a perfect balance between a deep pocket for security and a shallow pocket for quick ball retrieval. The use of premium U.S. Steerhide leather ensures a high-quality feel and a long lifespan.
3. The R2G Series 11.5" Glove: Ready to Go Performance
For players who prioritize a minimal break-in time, the Heart of the Hide R2G (Ready to Go) 11.5-inch model is a top contender. This series retains the ultra-premium HOH leather shell but features a modified design and extra factory softening to reduce the break-in period by up to 30%. It's built with pro-style patterns and includes a thermoformed wrist liner for superior comfort.
4. The 93 Pattern: Flash and Function
Another notable 2025 option is the 11.5-inch glove built on the 93 pattern. This model often features eye-catching colorways, such as the Dark Shadow, Gray, and Pink combination seen in recent releases. While visually distinct, the 93 pattern is fundamentally an elite infield design, offering the control and precision expected from a Heart of the Hide glove.
Key Features and Patterns: Why the 11.5" is the Infield Standard
The 11.5-inch glove size is the most popular choice for middle infielders (second base and shortstop) because it maximizes control over the ball. The specific patterns and webs used in the Heart of the Hide line are what truly elevate its performance.
The Dominance of the Pro I™ Web
Most 11.5-inch Heart of the Hide infield gloves, including the 31 pattern and the NP pattern, feature the Pro I™ web. The Pro I™ web is the preferred web for infielders for several crucial reasons:
- Quick Transfer: Its open design prevents dirt and debris from collecting, allowing for a clean, fast transfer from glove to hand.
- Visibility: The open web allows the infielder to see the ball clearly into the pocket, which is vital for securing a catch.
- Shallow Pocket: It naturally creates a slightly shallower pocket, which is essential for shortstops and second basemen who need to get the ball out immediately.
Understanding the 31 and NP Patterns
The 31 pattern is a modern favorite, praised for its versatility and perfect blend of pocket depth and quick release. It provides a secure catch while ensuring the ball doesn't get lost in the leather. The NP pattern (often associated with players like Neifi Perez) is another classic infield option, known for creating a deep, rounded pocket that is ideal for securing the ball, particularly for players with faster hands.
Wing Tip Design
Some specialized 11.5-inch models, such as those with the 200 Wingtip pattern, offer a unique style element. The Wing Tip design adds a distinctive look while maintaining the high performance of a Pro I™ web infield glove. These models often feature vibrant, limited-edition colorways, like Pink/White/Mint, appealing to players who want to stand out.
Breaking Down the Leather and Construction Quality
The quality of the Rawlings Heart of the Hide is not just in the pattern, but in the materials and construction, which is why it has been the official baseball glove of Major League Baseball for decades.
Ultra-Premium U.S. Steerhide Leather
The Heart of the Hide series is crafted from the top 5% of all available steerhide leather. This ultra-premium leather is sourced from the United States and is known for its dense, durable structure. This material is what gives the HOH its famous longevity and ability to hold a custom-formed shape, allowing the glove to mold perfectly to the player’s hand over time.
Pro-Style Features and Comfort
Beyond the leather, the construction includes several professional-grade features:
- Pro-Grade Laces: Used to ensure the pocket and web maintain their integrity under the stress of high-velocity catches.
- Padded Thumb Sleeve: Provides crucial comfort and protection for the thumb, a small detail that makes a big difference over a long season.
- Thermoformed Wrist Liner: Found on models like the R2G, this liner provides a custom, comfortable fit that wicks away moisture, keeping the player’s hand cool and dry.
The combination of these elements—the Premium U.S. Steerhide, the Pro I™ Web, the 31 Pattern, and the Thermoformed Wrist Liner—ensures that the 11.5-inch Heart of the Hide is not just a glove, but a long-term tool for elite performance. Investing in a 2025 HOH model like the PROT204-2B or PROR314-2YB means investing in a glove that will elevate your defensive game and last for years to come.
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