Sports Betting Articles
How to Break in a Baseball Glove
By: Vinci Pro
Baseball gloves should be broken in before they are used in play in order to provide a proper fit. Different players have different methods of breaking in a baseball glove, and these techniques are generally viewed as a personal preference. When breaking in a glove, there are two basic goals. First, you want to soften the leather so that the glove is pliable and moves well with your hand. Second, you want to form a pocket or molding an area in the palm of the glove so that it will catch and the baseball tightly.
A number of different lotions can be used to soften the leather of a baseball glove. These include:
* Foam shaving cream
* Manufacturer's solutions
* Lexol leather conditioner
* Pure petrolium jelly
In order to soften the leather, less oil, soap or cream is best. Use small amounts of oil on a cloth and lightly coat the glove. Do not oil the entire glove, and don't allow oils to soak in as this will cause the leather deteriorate faster. Apply oil once, and allow it to absorb into the glove for 24 hours after its application. Do not apply any more oil until the end of the second week.
Besides actually playing catch or spending your afternoons throwing a ball into your glove, there are a number of ways to form a pocket in your baseball glove. Another great method (especially if you don't have a partner to play catch with) is to visit a batting cage and instead of batting, use the machine to simply catch balls and help break in the glove.
The most popular way to form a pocket in a baseball glove is to place a baseball or softball in the pocket and tie the glove shut with a rubber band or belt overnight. A regular daily practice workout of at least 100 good tosses will continue to soften the glove and help mold the pocket to the user's hand. If you do not have someone to play catch, you can visit a batting cage and use the machine to catch balls. Each night, when the glove is put away, continue to place a ball in the mitt and secure it tightly.
Continue this process for at least 2 weeks.
When breaking in your baseball glove, avoid the following techniques:
* Baking or microwaving the glove. This will damage the leather.
* Soaking the glove in water will also damage the leather.
* Completely soaking the glove in any oils.
Simply using the glove will produce the best results. The more playtime your glove experiences, the better it will properly form to your hand. Before you know it, you'll find that your baseball glove is broken in and ready to serve you for many seasons to come.
Vinci Pro produces high-quality baseball and softball equipment. At http://www.vincipro.com , discover our full line of quality baseball gloves, baseman and catcher's mitts.
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