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.