How to Break in a Baseball or Softball Glove
Whether you’re a player or parent, learning how to break in a glove properly is an important part of preparing for the upcoming baseball or softball season. With a properly broken-in glove, players will enjoy a more comfortable feel and better overall use while on the field, ensuring their glove lasts longer. Our Experts take it step by step so players can break in their gloves and dominate their season.
Step 1: Play Catch
The first step when breaking in a new glove is to play catch with a partner. By playing catch, the leather will stretch each time the ball hits the pocket. As you catch the ball, pay attention to how you close the glove so you can start to train the leather and foam padding to how you want it to close during a game or practice.
If you don’t have a partner to play catch with or it’s cold outside, you can play one-person catch by repeatedly throwing the ball in your glove on your own. When using this method, you may want to use a weighted training ball for more pop to get the glove softened. Although starting with this step can extend the time it takes to break in your glove, you’ll be happier with the result.
Step 2: Apply Glove Oil or Conditioner
Continue the process of breaking in your glove by applying a thin layer of glove oil or conditioner. Some players don’t oil their gloves until the end of the first season, but if you're looking for a softer glove at the start of the season, this is an important step.
First, spray the glove oil on a clean sponge or rag. You’ll want to avoid using a colored sponge or rag as the oil can transfer the coloring to your light-colored glove. Next, move your sponge or rag back and forth over every portion of your glove, even the laces. By oiling the entire glove, it will maintain an even weight. Our experts recommend waiting a season or two before oiling the shell liner.
Do not apply the oil directly to the glove as it will change the color and can make the glove feel heavier.
What’s the difference between glove oil and conditioner?
While both products can be used for the break-in process, there are key differences between glove oil and conditioner: glove oil is liquid while conditioner looks more like a paste. Glove oil will penetrate and remain in your glove longer, making it a good product to use when breaking in a glove to prevent stiffness. Because of this, it’s important to not over-oil your glove as it will weigh it down, clog the pores, and affect performance. Conditioner is designed to clean, protect, and soften gloves. Containing oil and other necessary ingredients, glove conditioner moisturizes your glove and then evaporates, allowing for more frequent use (a few times a season).
Step 3: Use a Glove Mallet
After you’ve played catch and oiled your glove, using a glove mallet will continue to break down the fibers and soften your glove. Understanding how you want your glove to perform is important to consider before using a mallet. Depending on what position you take on the field, you may want a deeper or more shallow pocket than others.
The first area to focus on is the heel padding, as this part is what restricts players from closing the glove. You want to hold the glove upright with the heel resting evenly on the surface. Then, begin hitting the mallet along the width of the heel.
The pocket is the second part of the glove to break in. To break in the pocket, lay the glove on its back, position the mallet at the same angle that the ball comes in contact with your glove, and hammer several times. Eventually, the welting loosens, and the leather stretches to form a nice, deep bowl.
Be aware when using the glove mallet to not over-break in your glove. Our experts recommend using the mallet a little bit to loosen up those restricted areas and then testing the glove’s feel by playing catch. You can continue to repeat this step until your glove fits and feels good for the best performance on the field.
How to Break in a Catcher’s Mitt
A catcher’s glove is their most important piece of gear and making sure it’s properly broken in is crucial for performance and safety. Players can follow these same steps to soften their catcher’s mitt. The glove should be able to hold its shape while allowing movement, and the pocket should be deep enough to secure the ball with minimal effort.
The process of breaking in a glove can be confusing, but with these step-by-step instructions from our Experts, you’ll be able to get the results you want and improve your performance on the field. For more information or questions about how to break in a glove, contact your local SCHEELS store to speak with an Expert.