How To Break-In Your Baseball or Softball Glove

Anyone that has played baseball or softball knows the patience typically required to break in a new glove.

There are multiple methods out there to streamline this process and JustGloves is here to help educate you on the DON'Ts and the DOs for how to break in your glove.

Sit back, grab a nice refreshment and get ready to become a master in the art of breaking in a baseball or softball glove!

We'll begin with the methods and ideas you might try and avoid...

DON’Ts For Breaking In Your Glove

1. 1. Don't Use Excessive Heat - There are some methods available for breaking in gloves which include microwaves and ovens. These methods will cause the laces to go brittle in a lot of cases and sometimes do damage to the actual shell of the glove (melts, burns, etc...). Some folks have mentioined having success with these methods, but if you can avoid adding excessive heat to a glove to get it game-ready, that is typically going to be best case scenario.
   2. Dont' Use Poor Storage - We've actually written an entire blog article on how to properly store a glove. Essentially, don't work hard to get your glove softened up and then stick in a location where it isn't going to get any airflow. This would include closets, bags, trunks of cars, etc... Lack of airflow can cause a glove
   3. Don't Think "Pillow Softness" Is Quickly Attainable - Some folks desire for their glove what we might call as "pillow softness". They want their new glove to feel like their old one that they had for 20 years. It takes many seasons of use to achieve this level of pliability. Please know that an off-season of work on a glove likely won't get your glove to show that same character that your old model displayed.

DOs For Breaking In Your Glove

1. Do Seek Advice - There are tons of locations on the internet offering tips and tricks for breaking in your glove successfully. You don't have to rely solely on your grandpa's legendary break-in method that's been passed down through the family since 1922. Folsk like the Chris Bangert, the Ball Glove King, offer tons of reliable content that will help you as set out to complete the perfect break-in. Or take doen notes from one of our own break-in videos with our Glove Expert, Logan:
   
2. Do Play Catch - The simple answer to the question of "How Can I Break In A Glove?" is to play as much catch with the glove as possible. Through playing catch, the glove's leather softens and molds to a player's hand. It takes time, but this method is simply undefeated in regard to ensuring a personal break-in.
   
   
3. Do Consider Using a Mallet - If you're completing your break-in during a time of year when it is cold, a ball glove mallet can help a ton. Take our JustGloves mallet that has a bat handle and a striking surface that is shaped like a ball. You can then smack the pocket of your glove repetitively and simulate a game of catch from the comfort of your home.
   
   
4. Do Consider Using A Conditioner - Conditioners are definitely not a requirement for breaking in a glove. However, they do certainly soften up the leather quite a bit and will make the glove easier to squeeze than if you don't use them in the break-in process. One common argument against not using conditioners is that using an excess amount can weigh down a glove. This issue can easily be avoided by simply using the smallest amount possible to cover the entire glove. Take the advice of Chris Petroff (The Glove Lab) before choosing a product!
   

When you buy a new pair of running shoes, you don’t take those shoes straight from the box and place them in the oven. No, you wear them. Maybe it’s a couple of paces back and forth throughout your house, a walk in the park, or even a quick jog --- the fact of the matter is that you are breaking them while they learn to fit your particular foot.

Your glove should be handled in the same manner. The glove needs to learn how to close to your hand for the perfect catch. We realize this is the most tedious of the methodologies, but your patience will certainly be rewarded by the resulting longevity and customized fit of your brand-new glove. Plus, added practice on your game can't hurt. 

--

Whether you are looking to purchase a new baseball glove or softball glove or just need guidance on glove break-in, JustGloves would love to help you out! If you have any questions, please give our Glove Experts a call at 866-321-4568 or  Live Chat now. They are available and will be there for you from click to catch!