Selecting a good baseball glove begins with fit and comfort. Some models come already broken in, but others still need some work. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines in using certain oils or lotions to help break in the glove. Leather oil, glove oil or even the manufacturer's own glove oil can be useful in softening the leather to improve the fit and flexibility of the glove. In addition to softening the leather, good old-fashioned use of the mitt is effective.
Step 1
Apply a small amount of oil or lotion to the glove. Create a very thin layer of oil or lotion on the leather, but do not soak the materials. Rub the glove with a rag to evenly distribute the softening agent.
Step 2
Put the glove on and open and close it frequently to work out the stiffness. Using the opposite hand, squeeze the pocket a few times when the glove is closed. This will help break in the leather in multiple angles. Let the glove dry overnight.
Step 3
Put a baseball into the pocket of the glove. Put your catching hand inside the glove when placing the ball to ensure the ball is in the "sweet spot." The sweet spot is the center of the netting that is most effective in capturing the baseball.
Step 4
Squeeze the mitt shut with the ball still in the glove. Tie a string tightly around the glove to trap the ball and leave it overnight.
Step 5
Use the glove as much as possible by playing catch. The more use the glove gets, the more broken in it will become.
Tips and Warnings
- Some people break in a baseball mitt by sleeping with the glove on and the ball inside. Whether this method is more effective than using a string depends on personal preference.
Things You'll Need
- Leather/glove oil or lotion
- Rags
- Baseball
- String
Member Comments