How Do The Baseball Pros Break In Their New Gloves?

If you asked 100 professional baseball players how they break in their new gloves, you would probably get 100 different answers. The best way to break in your new glove will depend on a couple of factors. How quickly you need the glove broken in and how long you want the glove to last.

Goals

There are two goals to breaking in a new glove. First, you need to soften the leather and second, you need to create a good pocket. The most effective, but also probably the most time consuming way is just to play catch with it. You should also check with your glove manufacturer for their recommendations according to BaseballGloves.com.

Pro Ball Players

Professional baseball players at the highest levels generally get their gloves free so they are not usually as concerned about a glove lasting for years. Some pros will submerge their glove in hot water for one to two minutes, then put one or two baseballs in pocket and wrap it tightly with a sock. They will then drop it in the dryer on hot to dry it. When they remove the glove from the dryer they will apply glove oil or shaving cream to the entire glove and begin to pound the pocket. A bat is great for that. This process speeds up the break-in period but does decrease the lifespan of the glove, says JustBallGloves.com.

Hot Glove Treatment

A controversial way to break in a glove is to apply a special foam to your glove, then bake it in your oven for four minutes. BaseballGloves.com says some glove owners love this method and others think it is bad for the glove.

Manufacturers Recommendation

According to Wilson.com, the best way to break in a glove is to first make sure the glove is well-oiled. You should oil the entire glove, including the back of the web and the finger areas. Next, place a ball in the pocket exactly where you want to catch the ball and then tightly wrap rubber bands around it and let it sit. The oil should be applied two to three times a week for the first two to three weeks.

The Old Fashioned Way

The best way to break in a glove is to play catch with it as often as possible. By doing this you will ensure the glove is broken in in the exact way that you naturally close your hand. If you play catch consistently, you should have your glove in great shape in about two weeks according to Wilson.com. This method will also provide you with a glove you can use for a long time.