Buying a new Rawlings baseball glove can be exciting; after all, Rawlings has been in the sports equipment manufacturing business since 1887, and its gloves are used by baseball players at every level. But just like any other glove brand, Rawlings gloves require a breaking-in period, during which the stiff, unyielding glove must become soft and molded both to your hand and the baseball.
Step 1
Play catch. As frustrating as it will be initially--since the ball will likely pop out often due to the glove's rigidity--this is the best way to break in the Rawlings glove. Ask your throwing partner to throw the ball hard and fast. The more you play catch, the faster you'll break in your glove.
Step 2
Stretch the Rawlings glove out over the end of a baseball bat. Stand the bat on its end (either one) and press the web of the glove over the other end. Move the glove around so that the end of the bat presses against much of the glove's surface. This stretching will soften the glove.
Step 3
Apply a little Rawlings Glovolium to the Rawlings glove. Only apply a small amount, perhaps on one portion of the glove first, as a test, then afterwards on the rest of the glove. The Glovolium should absorb quickly into the surface of the glove. If it doesn't absorb quickly, you've likely poured too much. Use a rag to rub it in.
Step 4
Leave the glove outside during sunny days. The heat will open up the pores in the leather, making it far more pliable. Once your Rawlings glove has been broken in, never leave it outside again.
Step 5
Wrap a baseball into the web of your Rawlings glove, using a cord to hold it tightly in place, and leave it overnight. This will mold the web of your Rawlings glove around the shape of a baseball, speeding up the break-in process.
Things You'll Need
- Baseball
- Bat
- Rawlings Glovolium
- Rag
- Cord
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