There are hundreds of methods, myths and traditions for breaking in a baseball glove, particularly leather ones that arrive from the factory stiff and difficult to use. The keys of breaking in a glove are to soften the leather, making it more malleable and to stretch a ball-shaped pocket into the center of the glove for easier catching.
Glove Break-In
The water method of breaking in a glove softens the leather with excess moisture. The soft, wet leather is easier to stretch and form around baseballs to create a deep, perfect-sized pocket. A baseball or softball glove's pocket is the natural cavity created when you close the fingers of the glove. A good pocket helps you hold on to the ball tighter and make fewer dropped catches. This method should only be used on new leather baseball or softball gloves.
Soaking
Fill a large bucket, sink or bathtub with room temperature or warm water. Submerge your glove in the water and leave it there for three to five minutes. In five minutes, the leather will have soaked up plenty of water. Remove the glove from the water and drain it, shaking off any excess water. Place a baseball or softball in the webbing of the glove and close the glove's fingers around it, stretching and pulling at the fingers to help form the pocket. Use string, rubber bands or a belt to hold the glove closed.
Drying
Hang the glove in a warm, dry environment with the fingers point up, so that water can drain out the bottom of the glove. Let the glove dry for two to three days, with a baseball or softball in the pocket. After the glove is dry, it should be ready to use. To help break in their glove, some professional players place their glove in a microwave when the glove is nearly dry. The heat further softens the leather and helps form a pocket, especially if you play with it right after it comes out of the microwave. If you microwave your glove, keep the time under 60 seconds to avoid melting or burning the leather.
Warning
Most glove manufacturers do not recommend the water method. If the glove is soaked for too long or does not dry correctly it can cause the glove to mold. Never soak a synthetic glove or one that has been pre-oiled or treated at the factory. Many glove conditioners and oils are meant to protect gloves from excess moisture. Soaking a pre-oiled glove can ruin the finish and the leather. When in doubt, follow the manufacturer's recommendations on glove break in.
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