Baseball gloves are essential pieces of equipment for any baseball player. They protect the hands from the impact of the ball, provide a better grip, and help a player catch the ball more accurately. However, over time, the leather of a glove can become stiff, making it difficult for a player to use. To improve the glove’s flexibility, some players suggest putting it in the oven. But does this actually work? Let’s take a closer look.
What Happens When You Put a Baseball Glove in the Oven?
Many players swear by the “oven trick” and believe that it helps to make their gloves more flexible. The thought is that by heating the glove, the oil and wax within the leather will be softened, making the glove more pliable. However, putting a glove in the oven can be very dangerous, as it can easily catch fire.
The Dangers of Putting a Baseball Glove in the Oven
The biggest danger of putting a baseball glove in the oven is that it can catch fire. The leather of the glove is highly flammable and can ignite if it is exposed to high temperatures for too long. If a glove does catch fire, it can cause serious damage to the oven and the home. Not only that, but the glove itself will be ruined.
In addition to the risk of fire, putting a glove in the oven can cause other damage. The leather of the glove can become scorched and brittle, making it even less flexible than it was before. The heat of the oven can also cause the stitching on the glove to unravel, making it unusable.
Alternatives to Putting a Baseball Glove in the Oven
Given the risks associated with putting a glove in the oven, it is best to avoid doing so. Thankfully, there are other ways to make a baseball glove more flexible.
Conditioning the Glove
One of the best ways to make a glove more flexible is to condition it. This involves applying a leather conditioner or leather oil to the glove to soften the leather. This can be done with a cloth and takes just a few minutes. The conditioning process should be repeated periodically to keep the glove in good condition.
Breaking in the Glove
Another method for making a glove more flexible is to break it in. This involves repeatedly flexing the leather and working it to make it softer and more malleable. This can be done by hand or by using a glove mallet. Breaking in a glove can take some time and effort, but it will make the glove more flexible and usable.
The Bottom Line
Putting a baseball glove in the oven may sound like a good idea, but it is actually very dangerous. Not only is there a risk of fire, but the glove can also be ruined. Instead, it is best to condition the glove with a leather conditioner or oil and break it in to make it more flexible. Doing so will keep the glove in good shape and make it easier to use.