The baseball mitt is an essential piece of equipment. In order to get it to perform correctly, you have to break it in before you start using it and then maintain it throughout the season and over the years. It isn't difficult to make sure the glove is in game-worthy condition, but you will need to check it regularly to make sure there are no issues.
Step 1
Break your glove in when you first purchase it. Squirt a generous amount of shaving cream into the pocket and work it into the fingers as well. This should take five to 10 minutes. Put a baseball in the pocket and fold the fingers portion of the mitt over the ball. Use a rope or belt to tie the glove shut with the ball in it for at least eight hours.
Step 2
Play catch immediately after you untie the glove. It is best to play with a hard thrower, someone who is capable of making the leather on the glove pop every time you catch the ball. Play for 15 minutes, then give the glove another coat of shaving cream. Tie the glove up the as you did in Step 1 and let it sit in that position for another eight hours. Untie the glove and play catch again for about 15 minutes. Two sessions of tying up the glove and playing catch is enough.
Step 3
Replace torn and frayed laces as soon as you see the hint of a crack or a tear. Use a knife to cut out the torn or broken lace, then tie the new lace to the remaining piece left in the glove. Use a lacing tool to thread the leather lace back through the holes and tie the end to the remaining piece of leather. Always use a square knot when tying leather laces for a baseball glove.
Step 4
Keep your glove lubricated throughout the season. When you get into the hotter summer months, your glove will dry out, especially if you are playing a lot of day games. Glove oil should be spread throughout the pocket and fingers of the mitt. Rub it in thoroughly and then take a towel and dry off the excess. Do this every two to three weeks or when you notice your glove is drying out.
Step 5
Clean the glove once a month or so, particularly in the hot days of summer if you are playing on a dry field. Take a wet wash cloth and go over the mitt on the catching surface and between the fingers. A mild soap solution can be used if the mitt is exceptionally dirty. Dry the glove with a clean towel.
Tips and Warnings
- If you notice tears in the palm or finger areas along the seams, you must get these professionally repaired. Ignoring them and trying to play with a damaged glove will cause additional damage.
Things You'll Need
- Shaving cream
- Belt or rope
- Baseball
- Glove lacing tool
- Leather lacing
- Glove oil
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