How To Properly Break In A Baseball Glove
Step 1: Choose the Right Glove Before you even begin to break in your glove, it’s important to choose the right one. A good baseball glove should be made of high-quality leather that is durable and flexible. Look for gloves that have a comfortable fit and are the right size for your hand. You don’t want a glove that’s too big or too small.
Step 2: Apply Conditioner The first step in breaking in your new baseball glove is to apply a leather conditioner. This will help soften the leather and make it more pliable. You can find a variety of leather conditioners at your local sporting goods store. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the conditioner, and be sure to use a soft cloth or sponge to rub it in.
Step 3: Play Catch Once you’ve applied conditioner to your glove, it’s time to start breaking it in. The best way to do this is by playing catch with a friend or family member. Start by using a softer ball, like a tennis ball or rubber ball, and gradually work your way up to a baseball. As you play catch, focus on catching the ball in the pocket of your glove. This will help mold the leather to the shape of your hand.
Step 4: Form a Pocket As you continue to play catch, you’ll start to notice that your glove is starting to form a pocket. The pocket is the area in the center of the glove where the ball is caught. You can help form the pocket by placing a baseball in the center of the glove and wrapping a rubber band around it. Leave the ball and rubber band in place for a few days, and then remove them. This will help the pocket maintain its shape.
Step 5: Repeat the Process Breaking in a baseball glove takes time and patience. You’ll need to repeat the process of applying conditioner, playing catch, and forming a pocket several times before your glove is fully broken in. Be sure to take your time and not rush the process. It’s better to take a little longer to break in your glove properly than to rush it and risk damaging the leather.
In conclusion, breaking in a baseball glove is a process that requires patience and dedication. By choosing the right glove, applying conditioner, playing catch, forming a pocket, and repeating the process, you can have a glove that fits you like a glove! A well-broken-in glove will not only improve your performance on the field but also last you for years to come.