Why do they wear gloves in baseball?

Here is a start to this answer. (I won't pretend to fully understand the ins and outs of cricket strategy.) Gloves are used in baseball mostly because of the distinct requirements of the games and strategies of the batter. read more

In cricket, only the wicket keeper is allowed to wear gloves. In baseball, the rules permit all of the players in the field to wear a glove. If baseball rules outlawed gloves, the players could make plays barehanded. There would be more missed balls and more hand injuries, but it would work. Similarly, if cricketers were allowed to wear a glove, they would be able to make more catches than they do barehanded. read more

Outfielders have longer glove to help make catches on the run or diving. Anyone who has caught a baseball bare handed will only do it if they have to. read more