To break in a baseball glove, you can use methods such as playing catch, using a mallet, or applying glove oil or balm
. Traditional methods, like playing catch, will help form the glove to your hand, while mallets and glove oils can help to soften and shape the leather
. You can break in a baseball glove by:
- Playing Catch Repeatedly catching balls in the glove will gradually stretch the leather and mold it to your hand
. Using a pitching machine or having a friend throw hard balls can help speed up the process
- Using a Mallet Focus on the areas of the glove that need to be more flexible, such as the base of the thumb, the top of the web, and the pocket area, hitting these spots with the mallet to loosen the leather
. To shape the pocket, put a baseball inside the glove when hammering
- Applying Glove Oil or Balm Applying glove oil or balm can help lubricate the leather, making it more malleable and easier to stretch
. Apply a thin coat to a non-visible area and then stretch the glove to form the desired pocket
- Using Warm Water Pour warm water into the pocket of the glove to make the leather easier to stretch and shape, but avoid soaking the glove, which can lead to over-drying and damage
- Stretching the Glove Grasp the thumb and pinky side of the glove and squeeze, moving each side back and forth to soften the heel pad
. You can also stretch the finger tops and web lace to further loosen the glove
- Closing and Wrapping Close the glove with a ball in the pocket, touching the pinky and thumb together, and then wrap the glove with a string or rubber bands to help maintain its shape
Some methods are best to avoid. Reddit users advise against using hot water or steam, as this can remove moisture from the glove and make it more likely to tear
