What is the best way to break in a brand new baseball glove?

Whatever you use on your glove, make sure it has lanolin in it. I've heard of players using shaving cream w/lanolin to rub into their glove. DO NOT soak in water to form. This only makes the glove heavier and will lead to drying out and cracking sooner.

They didn't offer you glove oil when you bought the glove?

We always put it under my mattress or parked a car over it for a few days.

 

But I was horrible at baseball and was only good when I used the team's catcher mitt.

 

Hmm....maybe I am on something.

What is the best way to break in a brand new baseball glove?

I prefer mink oil and rubbing in, flexing to shape with hands. I really try to soften the pocket area only, plus the palm area, inside the finger slots. I've always liked the web, to be rigid.

 

If you choose this method, it will darken.

If you put the glove in the oven does that work?

 

I have heard that works.

Saddle soap

If you put the glove in the oven does that work?

 

I have heard that works.

 

Definitely works. Usually do that after running over it in a car a few times.

I've used mink oil with good success. Also, don't forget to "oil up" the glove two or three times a season. It keeps it from drying out and will last much longer.

Saddle soap

Used that a lot and preserves well, adds some weight and darkens. I've probably broke in more gloves with saddle soap, than mink oil or anything.

 

Definitely works. Usually do that after running over it in a car a few times.

....:confused: Never heard of that method. You want to form a pocket, not flatten it out.

Used that a lot and preserves well, adds some weight and darkens. I've probably broke in more gloves with saddle soap, than mink oil or anything.

 

....:confused: Never heard of that method. You want to form a pocket, not flatten it out.

 

Saddle soap is the only thing I will even let touch my glove besides the ball. My dad has I think a 1962 Wilson A-2000 that he lets my little brother use. It is in mint playing shape thanks to saddle soap. I love the way it feels, there isnt a substitute for real straight from the cow leather.:thumb:

Saddle soap is the only thing I will even let touch my glove besides the ball. My dad has I think a 1962 Wilson A-2000 that he lets my little brother use. It is in mint playing shape thanks to saddle soap. I love the way it feels, there isnt a substitute for real straight from the cow leather.:thumb:

I agree but my only draw back to saddle soap, is the weight it adds. I always used to apply twice a season, once before and after. Then store in a sealed plastic bag, away from sunlight, like a closet.

 

It will certainly help break in and maintain the appearance/feel of the glove. It will darken, so be prepared if you use.

Saddle soap, good old-fashioned pitch and catch, and taking good care of the glove after games and in the offseason. Dont just throw it in your bag with mud on it or leave it in extreme hot of the car in the summer.

Here's another tip, take the barrel end of a "new/clean" wooden bat and pound into the pocket, to help form. Do this before applying product and after, several times a day, 3-4 days in a row.

 

Use when long tossing and it will break in. Like HHSDad said, be sure to keep water from contact with glove. It will break down the texture of the leather and decrease the longevity, very rapidly.

I used a conditioner and threw with it. Throwing is the best way, becasue it breaks in to fit YOUR hand.

 

I would not recommend running it over with a car or baking it in the oven. I wouldn't even put it under the matress.