Buying a new baseball glove is an exciting experience, but it’s also important to ensure that the glove fits properly and is broken in so that it can provide maximum performance. While it takes time and effort to properly break in a glove, it is possible to break in a baseball glove in as little as 24 hours. Here are some tips on how to break in a baseball glove in 24 hours.
Oil the Glove
The first step to breaking in a baseball glove is to oil it. Applying oil to the leather of the glove will help to soften it and make it more pliable. You can use a leather conditioner or glove oil, or make your own mixture with one part linseed oil and two parts neatsfoot oil. Apply the oil to the glove and rub it in using a soft cloth. Concentrate on the areas that need the most flexibility, such as around the fingers and the pocket.
Form the Glove
The next step is to form the glove to the shape of your hand. You can do this by putting your hand inside the glove and pressing down firmly on all parts of the glove. Make sure to keep your fingers spread out and press down especially hard around the edges of the glove. Repeat this process several times until the glove takes the shape of your hand.
Heat the Glove
Heat helps to soften the leather of the glove and make it more pliable. Place the glove in the oven on the lowest heat setting and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on the glove and remove it as soon as it starts to get warm. Take the glove out of the oven and stretch it with your hands to form it to the shape of your hand.
Bend and Twist the Glove
Bending and twisting the glove will help to break it in and make it more flexible. Place the ball in the pocket of the glove and bend it in all directions. Make sure to bend the glove around the fingers and the web of the glove. You can also take the ball out of the glove and twist it to help break it in.
Stuff the Glove
Stuffing the glove is another way to help break it in. Take a baseball or a tennis ball and place it in the pocket of the glove. You can also use a rolled up sock or newspaper to stuff the glove. Make sure to stuff the glove firmly and press down on the pocket. Leave the glove stuffed overnight and remove it in the morning.
Hit the Glove
The final step is to hit the glove with a mallet. This will help to break in the leather and make it easier to catch the ball. Start with light taps and gradually increase the force. Make sure to hit the entire glove, including the fingers, web, and pocket.
Conclusion
Breaking in a baseball glove can take time and effort, but it’s possible to break in a glove in as little as 24 hours. Start by oiling the glove and forming it to the shape of your hand. Heat the glove in the oven and bend and twist it to break it in. Stuff the glove and hit it with a mallet to make it more flexible. With these tips, you’ll have a broken-in glove and be ready to hit the field in no time.