How to Break In a Softball Mitt
Whether you’re a novice to the game of softball or a grizzled veteran there’s one thing every player has in common — the frustration of a stiff new glove! The reason? Softball mitts are intentionally designed with some of the toughest leather available to increase the durability of a glove that is expected to take a good deal of punishment over the course of its career. While breaking in a new set of softball gloves is not complicated or expensive, it’s important to do it correctly or else minor damage may occur. The major concern is not rushing it and giving the mitt plenty of time to contour to the new folds in the material.
Upon purchase it’s important to make sure that any instructions about maintenance are carefully followed. While cheaper model softball gloves may not have much in the way of instructions, the more expensive mitts – especially those which the professionals use – tend to have specifications that need to be followed. It there is a warranty on your glove you are going to want to be particularly careful about following the instructions.
The quickest way to safely break in a new softball mitt is by using glove oil. This specially designed oil is quite inexpensive and can be picked up at just about any sporting goods store. Using a rag, apply a thin layer of glove oil to all the leather areas of the glove, starting with the palm and moving to the web, fingers, laces and back of the mitt. If you don’t have access to glove oil you can use the same method with Vaseline or shaving cream instead. Just make sure to first try the substance on an small, inconspicuous spot on the glove to make sure it will not stain it.
Once your softball glove is covered with a thin coat of oil, place a softball deep in the pocket of the glove and wrap a rubber band or piece of string around the mitt and leave overnight. This will help it to contour perfectly to the shape of the ball. It can take up to three days to get a proper memory in the leather binding, so be patient. You can still use the glove during the day, but you are going to want to store it wrapped with a softball in the pocket every night for a week before the break is just right.
Remember to use your new softball mitt regularly during the breaking-in process. If you don’t have a game, go out and play a game of catch with a teammate or even just throw the ball to yourself. The constant impact of the ball on the glove will help to soften it and give it the perfect feel that will last for years.
Guide to Softball Mitts
When shopping for softball mitts, whether it be for competitive play or just for fun, there are a few things you need to consider. The style of your new mitt will depend on the position that you play. A shortstop and a pitcher are not necessarily looking for the same thing when it come to buying a mitt. In addition you need to consider the type of material you want your mitt to be made from. This is an important aspect if you are looking for a glove that will last for many seasons. You also need to find one that fits right on your hand, as an oversized or undersized mitt is likely to result in needless, embarrassing errors, hurting your confidence on the field.
Types of Softball Mitts
A softball mitt comes in one of two broad styles: open web or closed web. Open web gloves are the type you can see through when the glove is held open. The advantage of these gloves is that they help you to quickly transfer the ball to your throwing hand. For this reason the open web type of softball gloves are preferred by infielders and some outfielders as well. Closed web gloves are used by pitchers and a majority of outfielders. For pitchers, a closed web helps keep the ball hidden from the hitter. It also provides outfielders with extra support when catching a fly ball.
A first baseman’s mitt is usually open and slightly elongated in order to help grab throws in the dirt. If you plan to play behind the plate you are going to want to consider a softball catchers mitt instead of a regular mitt. Catcher’s mitts are roundish in shape and come with extra padding that protect the catcher from the sting of fast pitches. Any catcher playing fastpitch softball is going to want a dedicated catcher’s mitt when behind the plate. Slow pitch catchers can sometimes get away with using a regular type of softball glove. If you plan to play many positions, a utility glove may be what you’re looking for. Utility gloves are average in size and are designed to be effective at all positions on the diamond. These gloves are great for youth players who may not yet have a set position, or anyone in a non-competitive league.
Leather or Synthetic?
Most quality softball mitts are made of leather. Look for gloves made from steerhide or buffalo hide. In general, higher-end mitts will be made from better quality leather and as a result will last longer. Some of the heavier, high-quality leather gloves will take longer to break in, but once broken in the difference in quality will be obvious. Some cheap softball mitts are made from synthetic materials like vinyl or plastic. These gloves may work for occasional players but are not as durable as leather gloves and can often make it harder to field the ball effectively.
For young players it is extremely important to choose a youth softball glove that fits right. Frequently a parent will buy their child a glove that is too large for them assuming they will grow into it over time. This is a mistake as a young player runs the risk of developing improper fielding mechanics as a result of their oversized mitt. A young player doesn’t necessarily need the most expensive glove on the market, but it should be snug on the hand and easy to squeeze and control.
As any player knows, a softball mitt is one of the most important pieces of equipment you need when playing the game. Whether you need slow pitch softball gloves for a summer recreational league, or something for more competitive competition, you want a mitt that will allow you to take the field with the confidence of an all-star. These tips will help you find just the right glove when looking to make that difficult purchase.