Newly purchased baseball gloves are stiff. To form the glove perfectly to your hand and improve its catching abilities, the glove's leather needs to be softened. There are several methods that professional and recreational baseball players use to soften a glove, loosen it and break it in. You can choose just one method or use many to soften your baseball glove quickly.
Step 1
Rub oil onto the glove with a clean cloth. You can use saddle soap, baby oil, petroleum jelly, shaving cream or special glove oils. You need only a light amount because too much oil can crack the leather of the glove. Allow the oil to sit for a couple of minutes, then rub it in to the glove.
Step 2
Play catch with the glove outdoors. Using the glove is an efficient way to gradually loosen the glove and break it in.
Step 3
Place the glove in the dirt, then pound on it with a hammer or baseball bat. The dirt and beating of the leather will work to break in the glove and soften it.
Step 4
Expose the glove to heat. You can leave it in the car on a hot day or place it in an oven that has been preheated to 350 degrees F. Be sure to shut the oven off once it has preheated. The glove does not need to be in the oven at a consistent 350 degrees.
Step 5
Place a baseball in your glove and tie the glove closed with shoelaces or string. Leave it to sit that way overnight. This will allow the glove to take shape and soften.
Tips and Warnings
- There are many ways to soften the leather of a baseball glove. For best results, you can check with the company that manufactures your baseball glove. All leathers are different, and you may be able to get an idea of what works best for your glove.
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