What’s the Best Way to Break in a Baseball Glove?
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A lot of people have their own methods for breaking in a baseball glove. But what’s the best way?
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The Basics of Breaking in a Glove
A baseball glove is an important piece of equipment for any player, and it is important to take care of it. The process of breaking in a glove is not difficult, but it does require some time and patience. In this article, we will go over the basics of breaking in a glove.
Why do you need to break in a glove?
A baseball glove, or mitt, is a large leather glove worn by baseball players of all age levels, from youth leagues to professional Major League Baseball. The glove is worn on the non-throwing hand and assists fielders in catching and fielding balls hit by the batter. In order for a fielder to catch the ball securely, the glove must be soft and supple. This can only be achieved through a process known as “breaking in” the glove.
When is the best time to break in a glove?
You can break in a glove whenever you want, but it’s generally recommended that you do it before the start of the season. This way, you’ll have a chance to get the glove nicely conditioned and shaped to your hand. If you wait until mid-season to break in a glove, you run the risk of the leather becoming stiff and unyielding, which can make it difficult to use.
How to Break in a Glove
You’ve just bought a new baseball glove and you can’t wait to use it in the game. But before you can use it, you need to break it in first. Here are a few ways to break in your baseball glove so that it’s ready for game day.
The Oil Method
One of the most common ways to break in a baseball glove is to use oil. This will help soften the leather, making it more pliable and easier to shape. You can use any type of oil, but some people prefer to use a special glove oil or conditioner.
To break in your glove using this method, start by applying a small amount of oil to the palm area of the glove. You don’t need to use a lot, just enough to coat the surface. Then, work the oil into the leather by massaging it with your hand or using a soft cloth.
Once you’ve applied the oil, shape the glove into the form you want it to take. For example, if you’re breaking in a catcher’s mitt, you’ll want to mold it into a concave shape. Once you have the glove shaped the way you want it, leave it overnight so the oil can soak in and soften the leather even further.
The Freeze Method
One of the oldest and most traditional ways to break in a baseball glove is to freeze it. This will help to soften the leather and make it more flexible. Here’s how to do it:
1. Fill a small trash bag with water, seal it closed, and then place it inside the glove.
2. Put the glove in the freezer overnight.
3. Remove the glove from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 two more times.
The Use It Method
One way to break in a baseball glove is to simply use it. This process can take some time, but it is one of the most effective ways to form the glove to your hand. To speed up the process, you can put weight on the glove overnight by stuffing it with a sock or towel. You can also roll a baseball under the webbing of the glove to help loosen it up.
Breaking in a Glove Tips
One of the most important pieces of equipment for a baseball player is their glove. A glove needs to be comfortable and form-fitted to the player’s hand, which can take some time and effort to achieve. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to break in a baseball glove.
Be patient
If you’re in a rush to break in your new baseball glove, you may be tempted to use some Quick Fix methods. But trust us—it’s worth the wait to break in your glove the old-fashioned way. By taking the time to form the pocket and soften the leather, you’ll end up with a glove that feels like an extension of your hand and provides years of faithful service.
Here are some tips on how to break in a baseball glove the right way:
-Before you start, make sure your glove is properly conditioned. This will help prevent it from drying out and cracking as you work to shape the pocket.
-Flex the leather by working it back and forth between your hands. Concentrate on problem areas like the webbing and heel.
-Roll a baseball or softball into the palm of the glove and close it up as tightly as possible. Repeat this process until the ball stays securely in place. You can also use a can of tennis balls or a sock filled with rice for this step.
-Use a softball or tennis ball to work on shaping the pocket. Throw it into the glove from different angles, working it back and forth until you’re happy with the shape.
-Wrap an old sock around your hand and insert it into the glove. Once again, work on shaping the pocket by throwing the ball into it from different angles. You can also use a mallet for this step, but be careful not to overdo it—you don’t want to damage the leather.
-Once you’re satisfied with the shape of the pocket, open up the glove and stuff it with paper towels or an old tee shirt. This will help hold its shape as it dries overnight.
Don’t overdo it
You don’t need to go to any great lengths to break in a new baseball glove. In fact, if you do too much, you could ruin it. The leather on a new glove is still stiff, and will soften and conform to your hand with use.
The best way to break in a baseball glove is to simply use it. Play catch with it, throw a softball around, and give it the occasional once-over with a leather conditioner. With time and use, your glove will develop that perfect, broken-in feel.
Be prepared to re-break in your glove periodically
Once you’ve broken in your glove, it’s important to understand that the leather will continue to stretch and soften over time. In order to keep your glove in top shape, you’ll need to re-break it in on a regular basis. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
1. Start by applying a generous amount of glove oil or another type of leather conditioner to the entire glove. This will help to soften the leather and make it more pliable.
2. Once the conditioner has been applied, work the glove by bending it, stretching it, and flexing it in various directions. Be sure to work all of the different parts of the glove, including the webbing, thumb, pinky, and back of the hand.
3. After working the glove for several minutes, wrap it tightly in a clean cloth or towel and let it sit overnight. This will allow the conditioner to penetrate deep into the leather and help keep it from drying out.
4. In the morning, remove the cloth and give the glove another good workout to help further break it in. At this point, you should start to see noticeable results in how pliable and soft the leather has become.
5. Repeat this process as needed until you’re happy with how your glove feels each time you use it. With proper care and regular re-breaking, your glove should last for many years to come!