As any professional baseball player knows, having a glove that fits comfortably and is broken in correctly is an essential part of any successful game. When it comes to breaking in a glove, there are a few different methods that Major League Baseball (MLB) players use to make sure their glove is ready to go. Here, we’ll take a look at the five most popular ways MLB players break in their gloves.
Oiling The Glove
One of the most popular methods for breaking in a glove is to oil it. The oil helps to soften the leather, making it more flexible and adding to its protective qualities. The glove should be oiled with a leather conditioner or mink oil, which is designed specifically for use on leather. The glove should be spread open and the oil should be applied to the entire glove, including the inside and outside, in order to ensure that the entire glove is evenly oiled. The glove should be left to sit for a few hours before being used.
Stretching The Glove
Stretching the glove is another common way to break in a glove. The idea is to gently pull the glove in all directions in order to loosen up the leather and make it more flexible. This can be done by hand or with a stretching tool. It’s important to be careful when stretching a glove as it’s possible to stretch it too much and damage the leather.
Using A Glove Mallet
Using a glove mallet is a great way to break in a glove. The mallet is used to pound the glove into the desired shape. The mallet should be used in a gentle manner, as too much pressure can damage the glove. This method is often used in conjunction with oiling the glove, as it helps to shape the glove and make it more comfortable to wear.
Playing Catch
One of the most effective ways to break in a glove is to simply play catch with it. This allows the glove to gradually take shape and become more comfortable. It also helps to loosen up the leather and make it more flexible. This method is best done over a period of time, as playing catch with a glove for a few minutes each day will help it to break in more quickly and evenly.
Using A Glove Steamer
Using a glove steamer is a great way to break in a glove. The steamer helps to soften the leather and add flexibility to the glove. It also helps to loosen up the stitching and make it easier to move the glove around. This method is best used in conjunction with other methods, such as oiling and stretching the glove, in order to ensure that the glove is broken in correctly.
Conclusion
Breaking in a glove is an important part of being an MLB player. There are several different methods that can be used to break in a glove, including oiling, stretching, using a glove mallet, playing catch and using a glove steamer. It’s important to be careful when breaking in a glove and to use a combination of methods in order to ensure that the glove is broken in correctly. By following these steps, MLB players can ensure that their glove is ready to go for the next game.