How long does it take to break in a softball glove?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 24, 2026
To break in a softball glove, fold your glove around a ball, stick it under your mattress, and sleep on it for 1-2 nights. You can also try soaking your glove in water and then microwaving it for less than a minute so the heat from the microwave breaks it in.
How long does it take to fully break in a glove?
Important Points to Remember
Allow the glove oil to absorb into the leather for 24 hours in a warm area. Play catch daily until the glove is ready for gameplay. Use the glove oil sparingly; you can always add more.
How do pros break in their gloves?
Some break them in by dunking them in water or placing them in a microwave oven. Some, like Rodriguez, lather them with shaving cream. Others beat them with a mallet, as if tenderizing a steak.
How do you break in a softball glove fast?
To break in a softball glove, fold your glove around a ball, stick it under your mattress, and sleep on it for 1-2 nights. You can also try soaking your glove in water and then microwaving it for less than a minute so the heat from the microwave breaks it in.
How do you break in a softball glove at home?
How to Break in a Ball Glove
- MOISTEN THE GLOVE'S LEATHER. Pour a small amount of hot water (150 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit) over any area of your new glove you want to make softer. ...
- WORK THE MOST RIGID PARTS OF YOUR GLOVE. ...
- SOFTEN THE GLOVE. ...
- SHAPE THE GLOVE. ...
- JUST PLAY CATCH. ...
- CONDITIONING THE GLOVE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON.
Should infielders put two fingers in the pinky?
Putting the two fingers in the pinky slot creates a larger pocket so for a third baseman, first baseman or outfielder this would be beneficial but for a middle infielder you don't want as deep of a pocket. You want it so you can have a quick transition when turning a double play or relay throw.
Is 11.75 too big for infield?
11.5″ inches is the baseline length for middle infield gloves. The large majority of MLB middle infielders use this size. And the truth is… it's the best size for middle infielders. You simply get the best of every world from this glove size: Shallow Pocket.
Does hot water break in a glove?
Saturate the Glove
Saturate the spot of your baseball glove that you would like to soften with a small amount of hot water. (Approximately 2 cups of water on the front and 2 on the back should do the trick) Using hot water, around 150F, is the best for an easy break in process.
Can a baseball glove be too broken in?
Yes, a glove can be too soft. If you son played 1B or OF (or was 10 or under), I wouldn't be that worried. But in general middle IF's like harder (and smaller) gloves so that they can quickly get the ball out of their gloves.
How do you break in a softball glove with shaving cream?
Squirt shaving cream onto a cloth and massage
Massage the shaving cream into the leather using a circular motion. Continue the process of adding quarter-size amounts of shaving cream to the cloth and massaging it into the baseball glove until you have covered every inch of the leather.
Is Vaseline good for baseball gloves?
Vaseline is another substance you can use to break in your glove. Vaseline contains various mineral oils and moisturisers that are effective leather softeners. In addition, Vaseline is useful for sealing and protecting your glove from drying out in hot environments and from exposure to dirt and dust.
How do you break in a softball glove in the oven?
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Once it is heated, turn the oven off. Place your mitt on a cookie sheet and put it in the heated oven. Leave your mitt in the oven for about 15 minutes. Check on your mitt every few minutes to make sure it is getting warmed evenly and is not catching fire.
What size glove does Freddie Freeman use?
Rawlings Gold Glove Winner and MVP Freddie Freeman has made his mark as one of the best 1st basemen in the entire league. His 12.25-Inch FM20 pattern mitt helps him field every short-hop with ease, making every play that comes his way an 'automatic' out.
What glove did Derek Jeter use?
The same glove that Jeter wore for 20 seasons, the most ever in Pinstripes… its a Rawlings PRODJ2, a pattern that has been carried on by Anthony Rendon and Xander Bogaerts among others.
What size glove does Kris Bryant use?
Kris Bryant wears the same glove model at third base that Ryan Zimmerman did when he was a Gold Glove 3rd baseman. Its a very large glove for a third baseman at 12.5″ inches.
How should a softball glove close?
Fold your glove in half with a ball at the base of the pocket. You want to make sure that you form a crease from where the pocket meets the finger stalls. Further tighten your glove and tie it firmly to hold this position. You can use rubber bands, glove ties, shoelaces, or old glove laces.
How are softball gloves sized?
For proper sizing, measure from the tip of your index finger to the start of your wrist in inches. Your glove should have a snug fit. So, choose a size that currently fits your hand and not one that you think you can grow into.
What glove do most MLB players use?
Rawlings Gloves | Worn by 54% of MLB Starters (-5%)
Among starters, Rawlings is still comfortably the most popular glove in MLB, though the 132-year old brand dropped 5 percentage points from 2018 when 59% of MLB starters wore Rawlings.
How do you break-in a slow pitch softball glove?
After giving the leather a good stretch with a mallet and/or steamer, you should start throwing. Make sure to emphasize catching the ball directly in the pocket, as this will make for a more efficient break-in. Try to mimic catching the ball the exact way that you would if you were in a game-situation.
Can I use a softball glove for baseball?
Although it's possible to play baseball using a softball glove, traditionally, it's not recommended. You can probably get by with using a softball glove if you play baseball recreationally or just for fun, but at a more serious level of competition, it puts you at a disadvantage.
