Anyone who has played baseball or softball knows the patience typically required to break in new gloves. That stiff, fresh-out-of-the-box feeling is something every player has wrestled with. The good news? With the right approach, breaking in a baseball glove or softball glove doesn't have to feel like a chore.
There are multiple methods out there to streamline this process, and JustGloves is here to help educate you on the DON'Ts and the DOs for how to break in your glove.
Sit back, grab a nice refreshment, and get ready to become a master in the art of breaking in a baseball or softball glove!
Key Takeaways
- Nothing beats playing catch. It's the oldest trick in the book and still the best way to break in a glove — your hand does the work, the leather follows.
- A mallet, some conditioner, and a ball stuffed in the pocket overnight can speed things up, but that perfect broken-in feel? That takes a season of real use.
- Skip the oven, go easy on the oil, and don't believe everything you read about shortcuts. Your glove will thank you for it.
We'll begin with the methods and ideas you might try and avoid...
DON’Ts For Breaking In Your Glove
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- Don't Use Excessive Heat - There are some methods available for breaking in gloves, which include microwaves and ovens. These methods will cause the laces to go brittle in a lot of cases and sometimes do damage to the actual shell of the glove (melts, burns, etc). Some folks have mentioned having success with these methods, but if you can avoid adding excessive heat to a glove to get it game-ready, that is typically going to be the best-case scenario.
- Don't Use Poor Storage - We've actually written an entire blog article on how to properly store a glove. Essentially, don't work hard to get your glove softened up and then stick it in a location where it isn't going to get any airflow. This would include closets, bags, trunks of cars, etc. Lack of airflow can cause a glove to break down faster than it should.
- Don't assume "Pillow Softness" Is Quickly Attainable - Some folks desire for their glove what we might call "pillow softness". They want their new glove to feel like their old one that they had for 20 years. It takes many seasons of use to achieve this level of pliability. Please know that an off-season of work on a glove likely won't get your glove to show that same character that your old model displayed.
A Few Other Things to Avoid
When it comes to breaking in a baseball glove, a few lesser-known pitfalls are worth knowing before you get started. Some players turn to household shortcuts that end up doing more harm than good.
- No harsh chemicals - Petroleum-based products like Vaseline or shaving creams without lanolin can degrade leather fibers. Instead, stick to glove-specific conditioners.
- No flattening methods - Placing a glove under a mattress or running it over with a car crushes the heel and leaves you with a flat, shapeless glove that won't hold a pocket. Not ideal.
DOs For Breaking In Your Glove
- Do Seek Advice - There are tons of locations on the internet offering tips and tricks for breaking in your glove successfully. You don't have to rely solely on your grandpa's legendary break-in method that's been passed down through the family since 1922. Folks like Chris Bangert, also known as the Ball Glove King, offer tons of reliable content that will help you as you set out to complete the perfect break-in. Or you can jot down some notes from one of our own break-in videos with our Glove Expert, Logan:
- Do Play Catch - The simple answer to the question of "How Can I Break In A Glove?" is to play as much catch with the glove as possible. Through playing catch, the glove's leather softens and molds to a player's hand. It takes time, but this method is simply undefeated in regard to ensuring a personal break-in. The high-speed impact of the ball naturally shapes the pocket to your catching style, making it the best way to break in a baseball glove and customizing it to your specific hand!
- Do Consider Using a Mallet - If you're completing your break-in during a time of year when it is cold, a ball glove mallet can help a ton. Take our JustGloves mallet that has a bat handle and a striking surface that is shaped like a ball. You can then smack the pocket of your glove repetitively and simulate a game of catch from the comfort of your home. Getting the most out of a mallet comes down to knowing where to hit. Our tip? Focus on the pocket first, then work the hinge points at the base of the thumb and the base of the pinky. These are the spots where the glove naturally folds when closing, and loosening them up makes a noticeable difference in how easily the glove snaps shut. A few solid sessions with a mallet can simulate hundreds of catches without ever stepping outside!
- Do Consider Using A Conditioner - Conditioners are definitely not a requirement for breaking in a glove. However, they do certainly soften up the leather quite a bit and will make the glove easier to squeeze than if you don't use them in the break-in process. One common argument against not using conditioners is that using an excess amount can weigh down a glove. This issue can easily be avoided by simply using the smallest amount possible to cover the entire glove. Take the advice of Chris Petroff (The Glove Lab) before choosing a product!
Shaping The Pocket and Store It Right
One of the most overlooked steps in breaking in a baseball glove is actively shaping the pocket and storing it correctly between sessions. Doing this consistently will speed up the process and help the glove hold its shape long-term.
- Insert a ball - Place a baseball (or softball for a larger pocket) where you want the pocket to form and pound around it with your mallet or fist. Really go nuts at it.
- Secure the shape - Wrap the glove snugly with a glove wrap or rubber bands while the ball sits inside.
- Oil and store - Apply a light layer of conditioner, let it absorb, and always store the glove with a ball in the pocket to maintain its shape between sessions.
- Rest - Let the glove sit for 12 to 24 hours in a cool, dry spot. Repeat this throughout your break-in, and the pocket will form faster than you'd expect!
How Long Does Breaking In a Glove Actually Take?
With focused, consistent effort combining catch, mallet work, and conditioning, most players can get a glove game-ready within a week or two. That said, a truly broken-in glove with deep pocket character and that coveted soft feel takes a full season or more of regular play. Think of it l
When you buy a new pair of running shoes, you don’t take those shoes straight from the box and place them in the oven. No, you wear them. Maybe it’s a couple of paces back and forth throughout your house, a walk in the park, or even a quick jog --- the fact of the matter is that you are breaking them while they learn to fit your particular foot.
Your glove should be handled in the same manner. The glove needs to learn how to close around your hand for the perfect catch. We realize this is the most tedious of the methodologies, but your patience will certainly be rewarded by the resulting longevity and customized fit of your brand-new glove. Plus, added practice on your game can't hurt.
The Best Way To Think About Breaking In a Glove
When you buy a new pair of running shoes, you don’t take those shoes straight from the box and place them in the oven. No, you wear them. Maybe it’s a couple of paces back and forth throughout your house, a walk in the park, or even a quick jog --- the fact of the matter is that you are breaking them while they learn to fit your particular foot.
Your glove should be handled in the same manner. The glove needs to learn how to close to your hand for the perfect catch. We realize this is the most tedious of the methodologies, but your patience will certainly be rewarded by the resulting longevity and customized fit of your brand-new glove. Plus, added practice on your game can't hurt.
How to Break In a Baseball Glove FAQs
How do you break in a baseball glove fast?
Combine mallet work, conditioner, and catch. Pound the pocket and hinge points, apply a small amount of conditioner, play catch, then place a ball in the pocket and wrap the glove overnight. With consistent effort, most gloves are game-ready in three to seven days.
How long does it take to fully break in a baseball glove?
Game-ready in one to two weeks with consistent work. A truly broken-in glove with deep pocket character takes a full season or more. There is no shortcut to that level of pliability.
Does oiling a glove help break it in?
Yes. A small amount of glove-specific conditioner softens the leather and makes it easier to close. Use as little as possible — over-oiling weighs the glove down and breaks down the leather over time.
What does 2 in the pinky mean?
Two in the pinky means placing two fingers into the pinky stall of the glove. It shifts your hand position for better control and quicker ball transfers. Many infielders and outfielders prefer it.
Can I use shaving cream to break in my glove?
Only if it contains lanolin, which is what actually softens the leather. Avoid creams without it. When in doubt, use a conditioner made specifically for baseball gloves.
Need Help Finding a Glove or Breaking It In?
Whether you're researching how to break in a softball glove or tackling breaking in a baseball glove for the first time, the process is the same: play catch, use your tools, be patient, and store it right. You’ve got this!
Whether you are looking to purchase a new baseball glove or softball glove, or just need guidance on glove break-in, JustGloves would love to help you out! If you have any questions, please give our Glove Experts a call at 866-321-4568 or Live Chat now. They are available and will be there for you from click to catch!
