If you have played the game enough, you would know how important it is to break in your glove. A new leather glove is something you might admire but it is stiff. You need to work around it to soften it up so you can get the best catch in the air or on the ground. There are several methods that you can try to break in your gloves. Let’s take a look at some of these methods.
The Tried and Tested, Traditional Method
If you want to break in your baseball gloves in the traditional way, you will have to put in some effort and give it some time. Gather a few of your friends in your yard and play catch. As you squeeze your glove around the ball every time you catch, you will slowly and gradually break in your glove. While this is the most time consuming way of breaking in your baseball glove, it is one of the highly recommended ways of doing so. As you form the creases in your gloves in the most natural way (catching), this can also greatly reduce the risk of damaging your glove from the use of synthetic products.
Steaming
Another highly recommended method of breaking in your baseball glove is steaming. After applying glove conditioner, steam the glove at around 150o F and break in using a glove mallet. Steaming is different from heating your glove in a microwave. By placing your glove in the microwave, you can end up damaging the leather as short bursts of sudden heat can dry out leather.
Lubricate
Just like any other leather product, one way to soften up your baseball gloves is to apply glove oil or conditioner. This method is effective if you want to soften up one part of your glove. Simply apply glove oil or conditioner with a sponge and using your thumb back and forth, you can break in the stiff areas of your glove. When using this method, always remember to apply lubrication using a sponge. Glove oil or conditioner may be too concentrated for the glove and can leave your glove soaked and heavy. Also, make sure you only use recommended oils and conditioners for your gloves.
Shaping
One possible way to break in your baseball gloves in shaping. All you have to do is to place a ball in the pocket of your glove and wrap it using a few rubber bands. Make sure the bands are not tied too tightly and should form an X as they overlap. Leave your glove in this position for a few hours. Repeating the process a few times will allow your glove to soften up.
Final Words
You can try any of the above mentioned methods to break in your glove. But while it is important to break in your baseball gloves, it is also important to store your gloves away from direct heat and sunlight. So as you break in your glove, don’t forget to wrap it and store it at your home instead of your garage or trunk and enjoy catching for rest of the season.
