Breaking in a Baseball Glove (Part 1 of 2)
Breaking in a new baseball glove can be both fun and rewarding. Fun because you get to play catch during the process, and rewarding because you are going to form the glove to the shape of your hand and make a deep pocket. It will, however, take a little time and effort.
There are many different ways to break in your glove, some good, and some not so good. After a lot of research, and breaking in several baseball gloves ourselves, we have come up with a three-step process that works.
First, you will want to rub into the leather a good glove oil, such as Akadema Glove Conditioner. Some people use shaving cream with lanolin, which is also okay. Lightly cover the glove from the pocket area up the fingers and webbing and all over the backside. Make sure to completely cover the laces. Be careful not to soak the glove in oil, just lightly cover it. Wipe off any excess with a dry paper towel. Glove oil can be purchased online or at almost any sporting goods store.
Second, place a baseball or softball in the pocket. Then tie the glove shut around the ball and let it sit for about 24 hours. Big rubber bands work well for this. (See Part 2)