Baseball gloves, newly purchased, are typically stiff and inflexible. This makes catching a baseball challenging, since the glove lacks sufficient "cushion" and refuses to bend over the shape of the ball. It is necessary, therefore, to "break in" a baseball glove before attempting to use it in an actual game situation. By following a few simple steps, you should be able to properly break in a baseball glove with little difficulty.
Step 1
Leave the glove out in the sun for several hours. Usually, leaving your glove out in the sun is one of the worst things you can do to its chances of favorable longevity. In this case, however, the heat from the sun can open up the pores of the glove's leather, making it softer and more pliant.
Step 2
Put a baseball in your glove, in the center of the glove's web area. Shut the glove tightly around the ball, then wrap it securely using a bandanna or a shirt. Do this whenever the glove is sitting idle.
Step 3
Play catch. This is the single best way to break in your glove. Not only will your glove be made more flexible as it is repeatedly pelted by a hard baseball, but it will also get used to your hand inside it. Playing catch often--and having your partner throw the ball nice and hard--will quickly break in your glove.
Step 4
Rub some baseball glove conditioner or oil (like Rawlings Gloveolium) into the leather of the glove, mostly on the inside. Use a rag to rub the conditioner in. Be sure that you only use a very small amount--just enough to absorb into the surface of the glove. This will soften your glove, making it more pliant.
Step 5
Stand a baseball bat on its end (either one). Press the web of the glove down onto the bat, moving the glove around slightly. This will stretch out the leather of the web, improving its cushion and making it softer.
Tips and Warnings
- Before applying the glove oil or conditioner, you may want to try it on a small portion of the glove, just to test the amount, before applying it to the glove generally.
Things You'll Need
- Bandanna or t-shirt
- Glove oil or conditioner
- Rag
- Baseball bat
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