The Kali Gloves Story - How We Got Started

The Youth Glove Problem

In 2024 there was a recurring topic of conversation throughout the New York Yankees' clubhouse, no one could find a quality leather, customizable glove designed specifically for their kids.

There were youth versions of the pro gloves, but they were not designed specifically for small hands, kids' strength, or learning how to catch. Some gloves had softer leather options to help with break in time but the glove would only last a couple weeks until the pocket caved in and it was floppy.

Kids didn't want a boring glove, but the custom options took months, sometimes a year to come in (even for pros) and that's not including time to break it in. Cheaper options can be a bit quicker, but the glove's pocket doesn't hold up, the leather is not as great, and the dimensions are all off making it harder for kids to play the game.

Some guys had daughters and we realized there was not the same level of quality leather out there for softball players, and most of their gloves were almost unusable. They complained that all the softball gloves came in sizes that were way too big and made it harder for them to catch.

Everyone was looking for the same thing: a big league quality glove, designed specifically for kids that would help them catch better.

Kali Gloves Was Born

Why can't we create a youth glove that feels just as good as our game glove but is designed specifically for kids to help them become better players and ultimately love the game more?

We bounced ideas around the clubhouse, made multiple prototypes, got feedback from teammates and kids, and eventually created The Signature Kali Glove.

Designed specifically for youth baseball and softball players, Kali Gloves are in a league of their own. Made with big-league quality Japanese kip leather, unlimited customization options, and reduced production times, Kali Gloves give kids a glove that looks and performs just like their favorite big-leaguer's.

That Wasn't Enough

Everyone who touched our new gloves loved them, but most parents and kids asked one more question: what do we do now? That's when we realized everyone needs to know how to properly break in, use, and maintain a glove.

Having the perfect glove is great but the magic is in the hunter, not the arrow. We wanted each parent and player who got a Kali Glove to understand the magic behind it. We felt that the best glove in the game should come with videos on how to break in, use, and maintain your glove for season after season.

Our online video library (coming soon) is available to everyone who owns a Kali Glove. Scan the QR code on your glove tag and get access to a library of videos featuring our Co-Founders Kevin Smith and Matt Talarico.

Everyone grows up wanting to be a big leaguer. We are excited to make kids feel like superstars, because they all are.

Kevin Smith & Matt Talarico
Co-founders of Kali Gloves