How To

How to break in a new baseball/softball glove

By BB15

Rate: (10 Ratings)

There are many different levels of quality in baseball/softball gloves. The higher of quality leather, the harder it is to break in. These steps will work for the cheapest dish rag money can buy to the top shelf gear used by the pros.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Your new glove
  • Rubber mallet
  • Aloe shaving cream
  • A softball
  • Big rubber band, or a belt
Step1
The first trick to breaking in a new glove is to loosen up the leather. The best way I know how to do this is to beat it like it owes you money! Take your rubber mallet and begin the beating. Beat the crap out of it until your arm gets tired, or until you're satisfied that the leather is nice and loose.
Step2
Liberally apply the shaving cream all over the glove (on the back and in the palm).
Step3
Place one or two mens (12") softballs into the pocket and wrap with the rubber band so it holds it's shape.
Step4
Repeat this a few times a day for a couple days and your new glove that was once stiff as a board, will now be soft and game ready!

Tips & Warnings

  • It's best to wrap two softballs in the pocket in order to ensure you get a nice big pocket so those fly balls can't escape.
  • NEVER use any product that requires you to put your glove in the oven. A baked glove is a ruined glove.

Comments

| View All Comments

mikedobbs said

Flag This Comment

on 9/17/2007 I've actually soaked them in water, wrapped a baseball/softball inside and rubber band them shut until the glove dries.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to break in a new baseball/softball glove

Article By: BB15

Enthusiast Enthusiast| 1000Points

Category: Sports & Fitness

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Sports & Fitness
Joe Rivera,

Meet Joe Rivera eHow’s Sports & Fitness Expert.