There are many methods to breaking your glove and everyone has their own opinion. The following ideas come from our craftsmen's personal experiences and
what tends to work for them. There really isn't an overnight solution to breaking your
glove, we will show you some of the do's and don'ts to breaking in your new glove.
First we will give you a step by step process to the best way we believe, to breaking
in your new glove.
Rub in glove oil or glove conditioner of your choice, we prefer to use Rawlings
Glovolium. Start with the palm of the glove and work outward from there, be sure
to cover the entire glove (DO NOT SATURATE, JUST COAT IT). Some people like to use
shaving cream in this step which is fine.
When glove has dried, play catch with someone, the more catching you do the better the glove
will form to your hand and fingers.
When you are finished playing catch, apply a light coat of oil or conditioner. Then
put a baseball or softball in the pocket of the glove (We prefer using a softball
to increase the size of the pocket). Then close the glove around the ball. Using
a string or rubber band to tie the glove tightly with the ball in place. Repeat this
step whenever you are not using the glove until the glove is broke in the way you
want it, this will help hold the shape of your pocket.
Repeat steps 2 and 3, until the glove is broke in. The more you use your new
glove the faster the glove will break in.
Notes: Try to keep a ball in your glove when it is not being used to prevent
the glove from getting flat and losing its shape. Condition or oil your glove a couple
times a year, maybe more depending on how dry and dirty your glove is.
Glove Repair Don'ts:
Do not submerge your glove under water, some believe this is a quick solution to breaking
in you glove. All you are doing is ruining the leather and run a risk of cracking and drying out
your glove.
Do not put your glove in the oven or microwave.
Do not dry your glove using a heat source such as a hair dryer.
Do not buy a pre-broken in glove, they are not as durable and will not last as long.
Glove Repair Do's:
Keep a ball in your glove when it is not being used.
Condition your glove occasionally to prevent drying and cracking.
To protect the inside of your glove you can wear a batting glove to keep sweat from drying and cracking the leather.
Tighten your laces routinely, occasionally leather will loosen.
