After buying a new baseball glove, it is important to use it instead of letting the glove sit on a shelf until next season. Even if you buy the glove after baseball season is over, you should still break it in by playing catch and other practice games so that the leather will not become stiff and begin to crack. You may have to use the glove repeatedly for a week or more before it will be loose enough to use in an actual game of baseball. You can also massage the gloves and loosen the leather so that they glove will become more pliable when you are using it in a game.

You should not use a brand new glove in a game until it has been broken in. A stiff glove will prohibit you from catching balls that are easy to catch. You should play catch with your gloves and catch at least one hundred balls a game for a week. You should also purchase oil to use on parts of the glove that seem dry. This will keep the glove supple.

There are many things you should not do when breaking in a new glove. You should no soak the glove in water or oil, as this will destroy the leather. The glove will begin to fall apart and you will have to buy a new one. Do not leave the glove in your bag after a game. You should remove the glove and wipe it clean. With a new glove, you will probably not use it much during the game, but you can use it when practicing. Check for tears, broken laces, and other issues that you will have to fix. You should have these items fixed immediately otherwise you may not be able to make repairs if the damage is too much.

Do not use Vaseline to clean your new glove. This will cause the leather to fall apart. You can use saddle soap, but you must not use too much. If your new glove gets wet, you should stand it upright and allow drying overnight. Do not put it in the microwave or other heating device, as this will destroy the leather. Make sure you are using a protestant that can be sprayed on to the leather. As with any items that you place on the glove, do not use too much at one time.

Use common sense when breaking in your new glove. Do not use new outfielder’s gloves when playing an actual game. Only use them during practices. This will help break the glove in without costing you the game. It is important to teach your children these skills if they want to play baseball. If everyone cleans and maintains their gloves, they should last for a few seasons. Since gloves can range in price and quality, you should gauge how expensive a glove to buy your children if they are just getting into the sport. Sometimes children enjoy playing sports for a little while and then they change their minds. Do not get stuck with a glove that you cannot use later on.

Breaking in a new glove can be fun and can also be a challenge. But after using the above tips and taking most of a season to break in your glove, you will be prepared for next season. This will help you become a better player and you will enjoy taking care of your glove.   After all, one of the most important parts of playing baseball is being comfortable with your equipment.  Sure, you may want to use the same glove for years and years, but there will likely come a time when you need a new one.