How to Break in a New Baseball Glove With Olive Oil

For as long as there have been baseball gloves there have been "sure fire" ways to break those gloves in. Whether it's mink oil, shaving cream or any other secret trick, the goal remains the same: softening the leather and creating a flexible pocket for the glove that makes it easier to use. One of those items that can break in your new glove can be found right in your kitchen cabinet--olive oil.

Things You'll Need

• Olive oil
• Shaving cream
• Rag
• Baseball
• String

Instructions

1. Pour a small amount of olive oil onto a rag and rub it onto your new glove, making sure you wipe down the front and the back of the glove. This will help soften the leather, which will make it easier for you to form.

2. Allow the glove to sit for about 30 minutes and then use a clean rag to wipe any excess olive oil from the glove.

3. Play catch with another person or, if you don't have someone to play with, toss the ball into the glove.

4. Place a baseball into the pocket of your glove and tie a string around it. Make sure the string is tight enough to hold the glove closed.

5. Place the glove underneath your mattress or another heavy item for a few hours to put pressure on the glove to help form the glove's pocket.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use too much olive oil on your glove, as too much oil can damage the leather.

References

• Breaking in a Baseball Glove
• Break in a Baseball Glove