If you're like most baseball players, you've probably been procrastinating on breaking in your new glove. And who can blame you? It could be a lot more exciting task in the world. But to be ready for game time, you'll need to break that glove in properly. Luckily, there is a way to do it overnight – no matter how stubborn your glove may be! So read on for step-by-step instructions on how to break in a baseball glove overnight. You'll be glad you did.
What Is Breaking-In a Glove Doing?
When you've bought or received a brand new glove, it can feel incredibly stiff; this is due to the thick material used to make the glove to ensure its durability and longevity. While this is a sign of a high-quality glove, it is also a bit anti-productive regarding the actual function of the glove itself. There is a couple of things you need from your glove.
Flexibility and malleability are two aspects you receive from the glove once it's broken in; this allows for more control and dexterity when using the glove. You also need the glove to fit. The glove needs to fit two things, the ball and your hand. Once the ball is shaped for the ball and fitted on your hand, you can catch and manipulate the ball comfortably and repeat all day long.
Overnight Break-In
When it comes to breaking in a baseball fielding glove, there are many philosophies and techniques used, some that work and some that don't. Most of these techniques take days or weeks and multiple attempts to work. That said, while there is no go-to answer for overnight glove break-ins, you can combine multiple techniques to get it as close to game ready as possible overnight.
Softening a baseball glove is an essential part of maintaining the equipment. However, it is also important to follow the proper steps to avoid damaging the glove. First, fill a bucket or pitcher with hot water. It is essential to use water that is hot enough to touch without burning yourself to prevent injury. Refrain from submerging the glove; if you do this, you will over-saturating the glove and prolong the drying process. Next, pour the water over the glove and work the material with your hands, bending and folding it at the hinge of the glove.
This is one of the stiff locations, so pay extra attention here. However, pay attention to the rest of the glove. Sometimes, you may need more than your hands to soften the material. In this case, use a blunt object, such as a rubber mallet or hammer, to gently work the material. Be sure to use soft-moderate blows to not over to impact the glove. This is a method everyone can use, but the better option would be to steam the glove and then follow the steps of manipulating the glove to make it malleable. To speed up the process, even more, apply a leather conditioner to it before you steam the glove.
While the shaping of the glove will have to come with time, following these instructions, you can get a fully functional baseball fielding glove overnight.