How To Loosen Up A Baseball Glove?

Looking to loosen up a baseball glove? Here are a few tips to get the job done quickly and easily.

Introduction

A well-oiled glove will help you field the ball better and will make it easier to catch. If your glove is too stiff, it will be difficult to close around the ball. There are a few things you can do to soften up a new glove or to loosen up an old one that has become stiff from disuse.

Step 1: Soften the leather

Leather is a tough, durable material that can last for years—but it can also be quite stiff, especially when it’s new. If your baseball glove feels too tight or uncomfortable, you may need to soften the leather to make it more pliable.

One way to do this is to soak the glove in warm water for 15-20 minutes. This will help to loosen up the fibers in the leather and make the glove more flexible.

Another option is to massage some saddle soap or another type of leather conditioner into the glove. This will help to moisturize the leather and make it more supple.

Once you’ve softened the leather, try bending and flexing the glove to break it in. You can also try wearing the glove around the house for a few hours to help it mold to your hand.

Step 2: Stretch the glove

You will need to start by finding something to prop the glove open. A baseball or a can of soup works well for this. Once you have found something to prop the glove open, you will need to start stretching the glove. Grab the end of the glove and start pulling it outwards.

Step 2a: Insert a baseball into the glove

If your glove is brand new, it will likely be very stiff and will require some breaking in before it’s game-ready. A great way to do this is to insert a baseball into the glove and then work the ball around, flexing and bending the glove in all directions. You can also roll up the glove and tie it with a rubber band overnight to help loosen it up.

Step 2b: Put your hand in the glove

If the glove is too tight, you won’t be able to close it fully around your hand. Grab the end of the glove with your opposite hand and stretch it out wide. With your other hand, insert your hand into the glove.

Step 3: Break in the glove

After you’ve oiled and shaped your glove, it’s time to break it in. This is an important step because it allows the glove to mold to your hand and gives it a softer, more comfortable feel. Breaking in your glove also makes it more pliable, which will help it last longer.

Step 3a: Use a glove mallet

If you have a glove mallet, use it to break in your glove. Place the ball in the glove and hammer it with the mallet until the ball is flush with the webbing. Be sure to work the entire glove, not just one spot.

Step 3b: Play catch

After you’ve worked the glove oil into the leather, it’s time to start breaking in the glove. The best way to do this is by playing catch. Start by throwing the ball back and forth slowly, then gradually increase the speed of your throws. As you catch the ball, work it into the pocket of the glove so that it takes on the shape of a baseball. After about 20 minutes of playing catch, your glove should be well on its way to being broken in and game-ready.

Conclusion

While there are a few ways that you can break in a baseball glove, it is generally recommended that you use one of the following methods:

-Soak the glove in warm water for 30 minutes.
-Rub petroleum jelly or leather conditioner into the glove.
-Wrap the glove around a ball and tie it tightly with a string.