Breaking in a new Baseball Glove.

Breaking-in

There are as many theories regarding glove break-in as there are players. But some are pretty far-fetched. One we've heard is to soak the glove in water, then place a ball in the pocket, wrap it with a leather belt, place it in a plastic bag and store it in a warm place. You'll end up with a waterlogged, mildew-covered chew toy for the dog when you're finished.

Another is to oil the glove and place it in the oven on low for a couple hours, to get the warm oil to penetrate the pores. We know of one very impatient player who tried it in the microwave! His result? Beef jerky!

Here are some of the expert's tips to break in a new glove:

Rawlings' "master glove designer" recommends:

1. Press a small amount of shaving cream with lanoline on a clean, dry cloth and carefully work the cream around the outer shell, palm, and back. A light coating is all that is necessary. This will lubricate the leather fibers.

2. Allow the cream to dry thoroughly for 12 to 24 hours.

3. Wipe off the glove and play catch for 10-15 minutes, or 50 to 70 throws.

This stretches and conforms the glove to your hand and speeds the break-in process,

4. Position a ball in the pocket and tie the glove closed for a few days with a string or rubber band around the outer perimeter.

5. As the glove starts to break in, pour a small amount of 'Glovolium' on a clean, dry cloth, and carefully work the oil around the outer shell, palm, and back. A light coating is all that's needed.

6. Allow the glove to dry thoroughly for 24 hours so the oil has time to penetrate and condition the leather.

7. Store the glove in a cool, dry place with a ball in the pocket when not in use.

8. Lace will stretch with use. Keep laces taut but do not overtighten. Check for replacement if necessary after each season.

9. Do not over oil your glove! Twice a season is sufficient!

Wilson's Jim Hackett explains his favorite method:

"With full-grain leather, most major leaguers use foamy style shaving cream to break in their ball gloves.

On a clean glove, spread the shaving cream all over using your hand or a towel. Let the cream-covered glove sit for at least 15 minutes, then wipe off the excess shaving cream and pull/push/pound/massage the glove for a while, shaping the pocket the way you want it. Play some catch and keep pounding it. Sometimes a bat works as a good mallet to pound the pocket.

Clean the glove off and repeat the process. Depending on the stiffness of the leather, the glove should be ready in an hour or less, but the pocket will continue to improve over several practices or games."

Cal Ripken, Jr., says:

"I don't do anything strange, like soak it in water or anything. I play with it in practice a lot, and maybe rub a little vaseline into the palm. I break in a couple of gloves, and if one seems to have the potential to be a game glove, I save it for games once it's ready. I tighten the laces as the glove breaks in over a period of time, so it forms closely to my hand. I don't let anyone else put their hands in my gloves, as they can change the fit and feel. Practice gloves get a lot more wear with all the ground balls and drills. I've had one game glove that lasted me three years, but most last only only one.