A new baseball glove needs to be broken in to help you perform your best. Breaking in a glove consists of softening the leather and creating a nice cup or pocket for the ball inside the mitt. The more you use the glove, the softer it will become. But simply relying on use to break in your mitt takes time you may not have. Instead, try an alternative method for quicker results.
Step 1
Open the pores of the glove's leather by applying heat with a hair dryer for at least 2 minutes. This will allow the leather to more effectively absorb whatever product you use to soften the glove.
Step 2
Choose the softening agent to use on the glove. Options include petroleum jelly, baby oil, shaving cream, leather preservative (such as saddle soap or mink oil), glove oil or the manufacturer's recommended product.
Step 3
Apply a small amount of the softening agent onto a clean rag or cloth. Buff the glove with the softening agent by rubbing it into all parts of the glove, focusing on the fingers and the midsection of the glove. Apply a second coat if the glove still feels dry.
Step 4
Create a pocket for the ball inside the glove by placing a baseball (or a softball if that is what you play with) inside the glove and tie it shut with a string or wrap it with rubber bands. This helps form a special spot for the ball in the glove. Let the ball sit in the wrapped glove for at least a couple of days.
Step 5
Soften the fingers and web areas by placing the mitt on a table with the wrist opening against the table and the pocket facing away from you. Grab both finger sides, one with each hand. Roll each side away from you and in toward each other. Repeat several times until the leather softens across the finger and web areas.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep a ball inside the glove whenever you are not using the mitt. Leave your mitt in the car on warm days. The heat will help make the leather more pliable.
- According to BaseballGloves.com, too much oil or product applied to the glove can damage the leather. Avoid oversaturation by using small amounts of your chosen product and apply more only if necessary.
Things You'll Need
- Soft cloth
- Softening agent (such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, shaving cream, leather preservative or glove oil)
- String or rubber bands
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