How to Wear In a New Glove?

[nyyfan]

I've heard of several ways to do so like running a car over it and some others. How do you coached on here reccomend on doing? Does the wax stuff work?

[glovemedic]

I've heard of several ways to do so like running a car over it and some others. How do you coached on here reccomend on doing? Does the wax stuff work?

I just say be patient, and play catch with it. If you have a partner that throws hard, play catch with him (or her). It will break in nicely in its own time. Something like "Zen and the art of glove maintenance"

[Pere]

A little glove oil, and a whole lot of catch. :cap:

[xholdourownx]

I always put a ball in the glove with a rubberband around it. Just for one night. Then its just a matter of time depending on how often you use it.

I put a ball in it to make sure I break it in the way I like. Be sure to put the glove on and put a ball in it and make sure you know its how you like it. I have seen people with gloves that are broken in 'crooked' or off to the side. It becomes very difficult to catch a ball with a glove like this once it becomes worn and looser.

[nyyfan]

Thanks for the help!

[gregpphoto]

Definitely just playing it. I've never been a fan of oiling and the under-the-mattress techniques. But then again, the glove I last bought is a Louisville slugger TPS glove and it came "pre-oiled" and already pretty much softened up. It's funny especially compared to my friends Louisville slugger glove which was bought around the same time, used just as much, but remains stiff as a rock.

[hellborn]

This was asked before, and HiddenGem (pro player) had a quick break-in regimen that he used that involved a microwave. Some users were horrified, but a glove was one of his tools for making a living, so I'd bet what he described couldn't have been THAT bad for a glove!

[Pere]

All "quick" methods reduce the lifetime of the glove.

[glovemedic]

All "quick" methods reduce the lifetime of the glove.

I'll second that. I did a lace replacment on a "well oiled" A500 series. The laces were so friable they disinergrated in my hand. Dad was shocked when I showed him what the oil did to the glove. His response was "I only used the oil Wilson supplied" I told him this was the reason they wanted you to use all that oil, so they could sell another glove every other year. Of course, the A500 series are pretty lightweight gloves and you only need to play catch 1 or 2 weeks before the glove is broken into game shape.

Too many folks out there looking for a quick fix. My philosophy is "pay now" or "pay later". How many folks drop $300/season for the bat with this year's graphics and try to go cheap (under $100) on a glove that has a much longer use life. I guess its more fun to watch the kid hit a bomb, than lay out for a gold glove out. I'll take the web gem any day!

[Nutriaitch]

All "quick" methods reduce the lifetime of the glove.

I normally take my new glove(s) to the batting cages. Yeah you look dumb standing in the box with a helmet (cage rules) and a glove, but nothing breaks them in as consistently as those pitching machines.

It helps if you know someone that runs the cages and can get free tokens after hours.

[gregpphoto]

I normally take my new glove(s) to the batting cages. Yeah you look dumb standing in the box with a helmet (cage rules) and a glove, but nothing breaks them in as consistently as those pitching machines.

It helps if you know someone that runs the cages and can get free tokens after hours.

Thats the most out of the box idea ive ever heard. I hope I remember this for the next time I get a glove, kudos.

[Nutriaitch]

Thats the most out of the box idea ive ever heard. I hope I remember this for the next time I get a glove, kudos.

My uncle owned some when I was in school. So I'd go after hours while he was hitting in the softball cage. That machine can throw 70-75 mph all night long and never get tired. I don't have any friends who could do that.

[bhss89]

Play catch, keep your glove dry and clean, and play catch. NO OIL. Oil attracts dirt and dust, which are both public enemy #1 for leather.
I also contend that a serious player, if they can afford to do so, should have a practice glove and a "gamer". The "gamer" needs to be thought of as a long-term investment and treated as such.