Breaking In A New Glove

by Brent McLaren

You have just taken the plunge; purchasing that leather ball glove you always wished you had for yourself for your son or daughter. There it sits: shiny, tight and stiff as a board. Time to break it in. But how do you go about ensuring that the glove will work properly and last a long time.

First, dismiss the fables :

Gloves do not break in properly by:
  • soaking them in linseed oil or other oils
  • saturating them with water
  • heating them in the oven or microwaves
  • beating the leather with a hammer or bat
  • wrapping it up with rope and then sleeping on the glove
You could probably add hundreds of home remedies to this list. Yes, some methods will brings about a quick solution but endanger the long term life of your investment. How then can you ensure a long life for your quality glove as well as bring it to playability in a reasonable length of time.

Second, plan on a two week process

  • Glove oil or conditioner must be used sparingly and allowed to absorb into the glove for 24 hours after its application. Excessive amounts of oil will saturate, damage the leather and actually shorten the life of the glove. Used to an extreme the glove will have no structural strength and will be too floppy for adequate control. I have used Neats Foot Oil, which can be inexpensively purchased at any hardware store, for many, many years.

  • Apply glove oil with a cloth only on areas where the glove needs to be more flexible. Do not oil the entire glove. Place a small amount of oil on the cloth not on the glove and work it evenly into the leather in these areas, such as the hinge, the pocket or base of the web. Pouring or placing oil directly on the glove will cause concentrations of oil within the leather and not give the best results.

  • Play catch daily for the first two weeks you own the glove, at least 100 good tosses. Do not apply any more oil until the end of the second week. Once you have determined which areas still require softening the you may apply a very small amount of oil at that location, allow it to be absorbed and go back to playing catch.

Third, the lacing

When a glove leaves the factory its laces are generally set for the stiffness and tight spacing the company feels is optimal for the glove. Remember this tension and adjust the glove constantly to maintain the factory settings. Always keep the knots tied and replace broken laces immediately and properly.

Fourth, daily storage

Every company recommends keeping a ball in the pocket when the glove is put away for the day. Most gloves will accommodate a softball for this storage. Encourage your child to clean the glove, inspect it and put the glove away properly each day. The glove should be stored in a dry location and not in direct sunlight.

And, how about Glove Guard

Have you ever heard of a product called "Glove Guard" made by DC Enterprises in California? This lightweight plastic liner is easily form-fitted to your ball glove in less than three minutes using some hot water. Once fitted you put it in your glove every time you put it away. As a result your glove lasts longer and retains its shape game after game. I know it extends the life of my gloves significantly. Glove Guards are $16.95 (us) each and in my book, worth every penny. DC Enterprises is located at 3857 Birch Street, Suite 475, Newport Beach, CA, 92660-2660. Ph: (714) 786-6531 or (800) 742-5358.

Finally, at the end of the season

At the end of the season use only the smallest amount of oil, on a cloth, wiped all over the glove. Do not neglect the inside linings and between the fingers.. Take care doing this so as to avoid brittle or hard leather patches when you bring the glove out next year. Place a softball in the pocket or use a Glove Guard. Placing the ball in a cloth bag and setting it in a protected location, such as the top shelf of a clothes cupboard, will ensure the glove is in good for next season.

The off-season is also a good time to have the glove professionally relaced if it requires this work. There are many companies that offer this work in addition to complete rebuilding and repair services.

Properly cared for a quality glove will perform for many seasons. Improper handling, cleaning, adjusting and, in particular, oiling can greatly shorten the life expectancy and enjoyment you will receive from your baseball glove.


I wish to recognize the assistance of the Glovesmith Glove Care Instructions sheet that was used as a basic reference in preparing this article.


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