A baseball glove is an essential piece of equipment for any player. A well-broken glove will feel like an extension of your hand, giving you the confidence and comfort you need to make plays on the field. Breaking in a new baseball glove doesn't have to be a difficult process. With a little time and effort, you can have your glove feeling game-ready in no time.
How to Break in a Softball Glove?
To break in your baseball or softball glove, start by working the leather. Bend the glove in all directions, flexing and opening it as much as possible. This will help soften and loosen the leather so it's more pliable.
Next, work some oil into the leather. You can use any type of oil, from hand lotion to petroleum jelly. Just rub it into the leather until it's evenly coated. Once you've oiled the glove, roll up a ball of newspaper and insert it into the pocket.
Why Do Gloves Need to be Broken In?
One way to break in a baseball glove is to play catch with it. This will help the leather loosen up and mold to the shape of your hand.
Another way is to oil the glove and then put a ball inside of it. Tie the ball in the glove so it doesn’t fall out, and then leave the glove overnight. The oil will help soften the leather.
There are a few other methods that can be used to break in a baseball glove, but these two are the most common.
How to Break in a Baseball Glove – The Right Way
There are a few different ways that you can break in a baseball glove, but the most effective way is to slowly work it over the course of several weeks.
This can be done by simply wearing the glove while playing catch, or by working it with a ball repeatedly.
You can also use special oils and conditioners to help soften the leather and make it more pliable. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before applying anything to your glove, as some products can damage the leather if used incorrectly.
Glove Steaming
1. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and place your glove on top of it, making sure that the steam can reach all areas of the glove.
3. Allow the glove to steam for about 10 minutes.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 if necessary.
5. Once the glove has been steamed, you can begin shaping it to your hand by working the leather around the fingers and palm area.
Glove Wrapping
1. Soak the glove in water for 30 minutes. This will help soften the leather.
2. Wrap the glove around a ball and secure it with a rubber band. Doing this will help shape the pocket of the glove.
3. Put the glove on your non-dominant hand and swing your arm in a circular motion for about 10 minutes. This will help loosen up the leather and make it more pliable.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with your other hand to break in both sides of the glove equally.
Glove Conditioners and Oils
Some people swear by using WD-40 to break in their gloves. Others prefer to use a dedicated glove conditioner or oil.
Whichever product you choose, apply it sparingly to the leather of your glove. You don't want to soak the leather, as this can cause the glove to deteriorate prematurely.
Once you've applied the conditioner or oil, work the leather by bending and flexing the different parts of the glove. This will help to loosen up the leather and make it more pliable.
The Wrong Way to Break in a Baseball Glove
Then, fold the glove in half so that the ball is trapped inside and work it back and forth. This will help to stretch out the leather and shape the pocket. You can also put some oil on the ball to help soften the leather even further.
Another common mistake is to try and break in the entire glove at once. It’s better to focus on one area at a time, such as the thumb or webbing, and work that until it’s broken in before moving on. Breaking in your glove gradually will result in a better fit and more comfortable feel overall.
Don’t: Microwave or Bake It
Don’t: Leave Your Glove in the Car
If you want your glove to last, don't leave it in the car! The heat and sun can damage the leather, making it dry out and crack. If you must store your glove in the car, try to keep it in a cool, dark place like the trunk.
Baseball gloves are an investment, so take care of them and they'll take care of you! With a little bit of love, your glove will be soft, supple, and ready for action on game day.
Don’t: Use Shaving Cream
Another method is to roll up a ball of newspaper and tie it inside the glove. Then, put the glove on and close your fist around the ball.
Hold it for about 15 minutes to help stretch out the glove. Finally, you can try repeatedly closing and opening the glove while holding it under hot water. This will help loosen the leather fibers and make them more flexible.
Don’t: Put Your Glove Under a Mattress
A baseball glove is an essential piece of equipment for any player, but it can take a while to break in. The process of breaking in a glove can be time-consuming and frustrating, but there are a few things you can do to speed up the process.
One important thing to remember is not to put your glove under your mattress. This will actually make the leather harder and more difficult to break in.
Instead, try sleeping with your glove under your pillow or hanging it on a clothesline overnight. This will help soften the leather and make it more pliable.
Another tip is to use a baseball or softball during the breaking-in process. repeatedly catch balls in the glove until it starts to feel comfortable. You can also use a bat or other blunt object to gently loosen up the leather.
Conclusion
There's no one way to break in a baseball glove. It depends on the player's position, preferences, and playing style. Some players like to use their gloves as is, while others will put special oils or conditioners on them to help soften the leather.
There are also a number of ways to speed up the breaking-in process, such as using a hairdryer or placing your glove in a microwave for short intervals.