How To Break-In A Baseball Or Softball Glove

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Step 1: Conditioning the leather.

You will want to start with a "dime" size amount of glove oil or cream for your glove. We suggest using an applicator sponge to work the oil into every area of the glove, which includes the palm, fingers, laces, and back side. The laces are very important because they handle most of the stress from catching the ball. Once you are finished, use a paper towel to wipe off any excess oil.

Step 2: Shaping the glove.

Shaping the glove is an important step because this is where you form the pocket of the glove. To begin, place the ball inside the mitt where the pocket meets the palm. This is where the ball is caught most of the time so you want to make sure it's formed properly. Now place bands around glove. You want the bands to form an (X) shape around the outside of the glove. This shape will allow the open side to have a band across the top and bottom, which will better secure the ball in the pocket.

Now, let the glove sit out over night in room temperature. This will allow the oil to further condition the leather and let the glove continue to form.

Step 3: Breaking in the glove

Once you remove the ball and bands, you will now have a good foundation for a pocket, you just need to do a little work to break it in. We suggest using a mallet to help the break in process because it simulates catching a ball in the pocket. It also allows you to adjust the glove to fit your taste and speed up the break-in time. Place the glove on your hand and hit the glove with the mallet for about 5-10 minutes. Concentrate on hitting the area of the glove where the ball will be caught. Move the mallet around to soften up some of the more stiff areas of the glove. Once finished, re-wrap the glove with the shaping ball and let it sit over night.

Step 4: Playing catch

The last step is to simply play catch with your glove. Concentrate on catching the ball in the pocket. We recommend using the mallet once a day until you are satisfied with the way your glove feels. Also, reapplying oil periodically throughout the season will help the glove stay in peak condition.

If you have followed these four steps, you should now have a glove that fits you well and is game ready.

[izzylinc]

It's the hard way, but its the right way. The right way to break in a glove

[JustGloves]

It's important to oil the fingers and the laces in between the fingers because the glove will bend and stretch every time it is opened and closed. Oiling the fingers and laces will soften up the leather and allow it to bend and stretch easier which will cut down on normal wear and tear. If you oil the pocket but not the fingers, it could cause a weak or dry spot in the glove that could potentially break in the future.

[SpawnPowerz]

I just play catch, stretch the fingers to make it flexible, put a baseball or two in the pocket and sit/sleep on it (literally) and play catch... Works every time.

[powellcpr]

This is the best way to break in a glove, it takes the most time, however it will form a perfect pocket without damaging the leather.
I have seen kids on my son's 11u comp baseball team that would steam or use the hot mitt method in the oven, it breaks the gloves in quickly, however, it will dry out the leather and not last long.
I just bought my son a new Rawlings heart of the hide glove and used this method, it took about a month but it is formed perfect and will last for years to come.

[Jaggger]

Just a question how long do I let sit with the rubber bands on it

[jackblock]

What was that glove you were breaking in. I want one

[JustGloves]

@imDooZeH I have heard people using that method. It just always makes me nervous with the risk of ruining a nice glove.

[amatt]

It just takes a little patience. It takes a little time. A little perseverance and a little uphill climb.

[TheDibber]

@tng150 yes shaving cream! I use that an t doesn't make it heavy and it actully cleans it! Just don't use to much. Put the shaving cream on you fingers and work it in! Just don't use the gel shaving cream!

[TSSRace]

my a2000 came with a tag on it saying "No matter who the know it all is DO NOT put this glove in the oven or a microwave. IT WILL DO DAMAGE" ahahahah

[kingstonmaraganis]

Hello it really helped a lot I just got a New nice glove

[chewcrewoutdoors]

When my sons glove(Lh thrower) lays flat the thumb lays on top of the middle finger, I feel like it’s wrong that it should be more even(pinky to thumb)but I’m not a ball player. Any input is appreciated. thanks

[jflq]

My break-in method is pretty weird, What I do is that I throw the ball up in the air and try to catch it with the glove in the spot I like to catch it in

[billgatesyearsago]

I play baseball but used a soft ball for a bigger pocket and more room inside the glove

[macpollen]

I love how most people on here is from deh

[chadashton]

Ok to use Neatsfoot oil? I already have some on hand for maintaining my leather K9 leads.

[jamescampbell]

I always just oiled them down good, put a ball it the pocket, tied it up and threw it in the dryer on low for about 30 mins. Put a couple of towels in with it.

[mlandau]

Is that a soft ball sized wiffle ball they used there? Is there a reason for that? Is it better than a regular baseball?

[addisonroos]

Just got a custom 14u Nakona. Keeping a ball in it at all times. Someone suggested to sit on it every now and then. My parents said they would also help. Hope it is decently broke in by 2 months because that is when the season starts.

[Standby_JRB]

I bought a glove wrap brand called "TUFL" i think, or close to that spelling, and it says "For Best Results use WITHOUT ball or mallet" but idk if thats true or not