The best way to break in a baseball glove is to catch with it. There are ways to speed things up, but a good pocket comes from repeated use, and it will form around the way you catch.
A simple break-in routine
- Play catch often. Short, regular sessions do more than one long one.
- Work the pocket. Pound the pocket with a ball or a glove mallet while you watch TV.
- Open and close it. Flex the glove at the hinge so it starts closing where you want it to.
- Store it with a ball in the pocket. Wrap it loosely with a band to help hold the shape.
- Use conditioner sparingly. A small amount of glove conditioner helps, and too much can make the leather heavy and floppy.
What to avoid
- Ovens, microwaves and hair dryers. Heat can dry out leather and weaken the laces.
- Soaking the glove in water or oil.
- Driving over it or using other extreme tricks. They can bend the glove out of shape.
- Having lots of other people use it. A glove breaks in to the player who catches with it.
How long does it take?
It depends on the leather, the position and how often you use it. Stiffer, firmer leathers take longer but tend to hold their shape well. Give it a few weeks of regular catch before you use it in a game.
Before you start on a new glove
If you may need to return or exchange a glove, check first. Gloves that have been broken in or oiled generally cannot be returned under our return policy.
Shopping for a new glove to break in? Design a custom glove built for your position.