When you get a new baseball glove, you'll notice that the leather is stiff and new. If you've been playing with an older glove, the new leather can feel unnatural on your hand. Experienced baseball players have tricks that will help soften the leather and create a pocket for the baseball for a more natural feel. Some methods are controversial among glove owners, but can still be employed to soften the leather for a broken-in glove.
Softening the Leather
One component of breaking in your baseball glove is to soften the leather. A variety of materials can be used to help you soften up the leather in preparation for breaking in the glove. A common material is foam shaving cream. Rub the shaving cream into the glove, wipe clean and hang to dry for a few days. Or, try saddle soap, which is available at a ranch store. Run the damp saddle soap over the leather to condition and smooth the material. You might also find oils available at a sporting goods store, made especially for baseball gloves.
Creating a Pocket
One of the best ways to break in your baseball glove is to manually create a pocket the ideal size for a baseball. This can be done by running your glove under warm water to dampen the surface, or applying saddle soap or another softening agent. Then, place a baseball in the pocket of the glove and wrap the entire glove in twine or string. Allow the glove to dry in that position for a day or two, until dry. When you untie your glove, it'll be dry and have a perfectly formed pocket.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The most organic way of breaking in a baseball glove is through frequent practice and play. Your baseball glove needs time to form to your hand and become softer with use. Simply throwing a ball with a partner and your new glove might be an ideal way to get the worn feeling that an older glove might have had for you. While you can certainly lubricate the leather and try other breaking-in methods, using your glove will give you a more personalized feel.
Heating the Glove
One of the most controversial methods of breaking in a glove involves putting it in the microwave. This is meant to soften the leather so it's easier to break in, but it's not recommended. San Francisco's Aaron Rowand swears by the tactic, telling ESPN that he soaks his glove, microwaves it for 10 seconds and then catches with it to break it in. But MittFix Glove Repair warns against the practice, noting that it can damage the glove.
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