How to Break in and Condition Baseball Gloves

Having a baseball glove that is properly broken in and conditioned is very important if you want to play your best.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baseball Glove
• Baseball
• Saddle Soap
• Large Rubber Bands
• Mink Oil
• Patience

1. The first thing you will want to do when breaking in a glove is to apply some saddle soap or mink oil to the glove. Start with rubbing the oil you choose into the palm of the glove working your way to the pocket and laces in the pocket. You will want to cover the finger as well. Now move to the outside of the glove covering everything. You do not need to use a large amount of oil but just enough to work in really well.

2. The next step is to take your baseball and place it in the pocket of the glove. Now take your rubber bands and wrap around the glove so that the glove conforms around the ball. This will help create a nice pocket that will allow you to catch the ball better. Let this set for 24 hours.

3. After your glove has set for the 24 hours you need to take off the rubber bands and take out your ball. Now you can put on your glove and throw the ball into the glove for about 15 minutes or so. This will help break in the pocket of the glove and allow the ball to fit properly when being caught.

4. Now you will want to apply a very light coat of oil to the glove again and place the ball back in the glove and wrap with a few rubber bands again and let set overnight if you can if not let the glove set for as long as you can.

5. Once again take off the rubber bands and remove the ball. You can play catch with yourself again or with someone else.

6. Repeat this process at least twice a year to keep your glove limber and conditioned.

Tips & Warnings

• Do Not try and speed up the process of drying the glove by adding heat or placing near heat sources of any kind. It can cause damage to the leather.