How to Break in a Rawlings Glove
Shopping for a new glove can be very exciting. For many baseball fans, the feel and smell of new leather is as much a part of spring as blooming flowers and singing birds. But what good is a nice, new glove if you are not able to use it properly? Check out how to turn that fancy leather into something that will serve you well for this baseball season and many more to come.
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Things You'll Need
- Glove
- Glove oil or other suitable leather softener
- Ball peen hammer
- Baseball
- Belt or string
Instructions
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Soften the glove. Before you can do anything with your glove, you must soften it. One method is using different types of oils. Several glove manufacturers make their own oil designed specifically to soften baseball glove leather. Mink oil or neatsfoot oil are also frequently used. More common household items that also work well include foam shaving cream, petroleum jelly and saddle soap. Apply a small amount to a clean rag and wipe it evenly all over the glove. Using heat is another method. Place the glove in a microwave, a warm oven or a clothes dryer for a short time until the leather is more flexible.
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Mold the glove into the proper shape. Playing catch as you would during practice or a game shapes the glove and gives you a feel it. If there is no one available to play catch with, you can firmly throw a ball into the glove repeatedly. Gloves can also be pounded into shape using a ball-peen hammer. The goal is to create a pocket that will cradle the ball. Preferably, the ball will roll into that pocket regardless of where it initially hits the mitt.
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Once you have created a satisfactory pocket, store the glove in a cool, dry place. Try not to leave it in a bag or anywhere that it could get smashed and ruin your hard work. It's also a good idea to place a baseball in the pocket and bind the glove with a string or a rubber band to help it keep its shape.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to re-oil your glove occasionally, usually twice a year or more depending on how much you use the glove. If the glove gets wet, dry it with a towel. Do not place it near a heater or oven. Keep the laces tightened.
Whatever softening agent you choose, apply sparingly! Overuse can lead to the glove feeling heavy or even worse, degrading and weakening the quality of the leather. Take care when applying heat. Too much can dry out the leather and weaken the glove. If you use a regular hammer to pound your glove, make sure there are no square or jagged edges that could scratch or tear the leather.
