Breaking in a Baseball Glove (Part 2 of 2)
Third, now for the fun part. It’s time for you to play catch. It would be best if you could play for at least 10 to 15 minutes every day for about two weeks, catching the ball in the pocket. After use, tie the ball back into the pocket. The more you play catch, the quicker your glove will get broken in the way you like it. A glove break-in mallet, the Akadema Mitt Masher, can also be used. You just put on your glove and repeatedly hit the mallet into the pocket.
When your glove is not in use, it is best to store it with a baseball or softball in the pocket.
Some gloves are more difficult to break in than others. That’s because of the grain of the leather. Full-grain leather is stiffer, but will last longer. Top grain is a little softer and easier to break in, but the glove won’t last as long as a full-grain glove will. Lightly oil your glove two to three times a season.
Some things to avoid are:
- Petroleum Jelly is just too sticky
- Soaking your glove in water, then baking it in an oven or microwave – have you seen what heat does to leather car seats over time? They crack and get brittle.
- Run over you glove or mitt with a car several times. If you insist on doing that, make sure your hand is not in it!
Really, the best way to break in your glove is just to use it!