How to Break in a Catcher's Glove
When you first pick up a brand new baseball catcher's mitt, you will notice how stiff and difficult it is to squeeze and catch a ball. However, with a bit of use and proper care, your new mitt will be broken in quickly, and you'll feel like you've had the glove for years.
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Things You'll Need
- Tanner's glove oil, Vasoline or foam shaving cream
- Shoelaces
- Catcher's mitt
- Baseball
- Pitching machine/pitcher
Instructions
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Break it in
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1
Ask a friend to play catch. Use your new mitt, concentrating on catching the ball in the pocket and squeezing it shut with each catch. Catch about 100 balls thrown at a decent velocity (60 mph or so). If your friend cannot throw that fast, go to the nearest batting cage, and catch balls thrown from a pitching machine at that speed.
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2
Apply either Vasoline, foam shaving cream or tanner's glove oil--some glove makers have their own foam/oil, make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle--liberally to the entire glove. Work it in with your hands then place a ball in the web of the mitt and tightly tie a shoelace around the glove. Allow the glove to sit on a shelf, untouched, for at least 24 hours.
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3
Take your catcher's mitt off the shelf after the leather softener is dry. Play catch. You'll notice with each time you catch the ball, your glove will be softer and easier to manage. Store a ball in the webbing of your glove when you are finished.
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Tips & Warnings
Each time you play catch, the glove's leather will become softer. The more often you play, the better broken in your glove will be. Never store your glove completely closed. If you can't wrap a baseball inside of it, open your mitt and set it down, palm side facing the ground. Try to keep your glove dry and away from water.
