Last updated on March 13, 2024
With the prices of top-end softball gloves nowadays, taking care of your softball glove is essential for ensuring its going to last. When it comes to maintaining your softball glove, it goes beyond keeping your glove off the dugout floor. There are plenty of aspects to consider, such as oiling it, cleaning it, and storing it properly. By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure that your glove stays in tip-top shape and performs at its best.
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Breaking it In
When you purchase a new glove, the most important part of breaking it in is not to rush the process. Soaking your glove is a popular way to quickly break in your glove, but this could take seasons off your glove’s lifespan and cause it to not fit your hand correctly. Another common misconception is that placing a ball in the web and tying up the glove with a shoelace is an effective way to break in gloves. However, this method is actually more detrimental than helpful because the glove gets molded into an unnatural position.
The most effective and efficient way to break in a new glove is to play catch. The more catches you make with your glove, the more it will form to your hand specifically. Don’t just throw once or twice either, throw as much as possible! The more times the baseball slams into where the pocket should be, the faster it develops. Whenever you aren’t playing catch, try opening and closing the glove as much as you can to avoid the palm being stiff for use in games.
It’s important to note that premium leather gloves may require more break-in time. When purchasing a new glove, be sure to take this into account and give yourself enough time to properly break it in before the season starts.
Oil and Conditioning
To keep your softball glove in good condition after breaking it in, you need to oil and condition it regularly. Glove oil helps break down the leather, making it less stiff and more pliable. Conditioning the leather keeps it soft and supple, preventing it from drying out and cracking. Here are some tips on how to oil and condition your glove effectively:
- Use a high-quality glove oil or conditioner from a reputable brand such as Nokona or Wilson. These brands offer effective oils and conditioners that can help keep your glove in top condition.
- Apply a small amount of oil or conditioner to specific areas of the glove, focusing especially on the pocket. Don’t oil your entire glove at once, as too much oil can make your glove heavier and less effective.
- Work the oil or conditioner into the leather using a soft cloth or brush. Apply a fair amount and then work it into specific areas of the glove.
- After oiling or conditioning your glove, let it dry for at least 24 hours. Check the feel of the glove after it has dried and continue to play catch with it to help break it in.
Remember to oil and condition your glove regularly to keep the leather in top condition. Watch the video below for some tips on how to oil your glove just right:
Storage and Ongoing Care
The most important part of making sure your glove maintains the particular shape that you spent all that time breaking it into, is to let it be in that position as much as possible. So many players will just toss their glove in their bag as their packing up, and then wonder why their glove is flattening out midway through the season. It’s also crucial for making sure that the elements can’t get to your glove either. Leaving it in the garage during a blistering winter or a frosty summer can negatively affect most leathers.
- Use a glove cleaner to keep it dirt-free. This will not only keep your glove looking nice, but it’ll also help prevent the leather from breaking down.
- Store your glove in a safe place when you aren’t using it. Avoid storing it in a garage or small bag for an extended period of time as it can lead to moisture buildup and mold. Instead, consider storing it in a softball bag with more room to breathe or a breathable glove bag. This will help keep it dry and protected.
- When packing your glove into your bag, make sure it’s as close to it’s natural position as you can, so it keeps that shape.
- Learn your glove inside and out and mold it to your liking. This is what makes it your glove. Take pride in it and flaunt it!
Conclusion
Now you know the journey to ensure your softball glove’s longevity and peak performance involves much more than basic care; it’s an ongoing commitment to maintenance, proper breaking in, and understanding the nuances of its care. Embracing these practices from oiling and conditioning to thoughtful storage, transforms glove maintenance into a rewarding ritual that not only preserves your glove but also enhances your game. Remember, a well-maintained glove is a reflection of the player’s dedication to their craft. As you continue to invest time and effort into your glove, it becomes not just a tool of the game but a cherished companion on the field, ready to perform at its best when you need it most. Take these steps to heart, and watch as your glove carries you through countless catches and games, a true testament to the care and respect it has been given.
Frequently Asked Questions
Figuring out if a softball glove is made from premium leather can be tricky. Oddly enough, check out how it feels and looks. Premium gloves are usually super smooth, have really neat stitches, and smell strongly of real leather, you can likely tell just by doing that. They’re also pricier because they’re made from better-quality leather that lasts longer. A quick look at the brand and model can also give you a clue since top brands are known for their quality stuff.
What are the signs that my softball glove needs more conditioning?
If your glove starts feeling stiff, looks a bit dry, or shows some light marks where it bends, it’s time for some more conditioning. When it gets tough to open and close, that’s your glove telling you it needs a bit of TLC to stay in shape and prevent cracking.
What’s the difference between a softball and baseball glove care routine?
Caring for softball and baseball gloves is pretty similar, but softball gloves are bigger to fit the larger ball. So, you might need a bit more conditioner for the extra leather. Other than that, keeping them clean, conditioned, and properly stored works the same way for both sports.
What are the consequences of over-oiling a softball glove?
Going overboard with oil on your glove isn’t great. Too much oil makes it heavy and sloppy, and it might even start losing its shape. Plus, it can get dirtier faster because the oil grabs onto dirt. Just a little bit of oil, only when needed, will keep your glove in the best shape without all those problems.
Hunter Tierney is a passionate writer, loving dad, and true sports fanatic. His experience helping his two daughters through softball, in addition to playing baseball at the collegiate level, gives him a fresh perspective on all things softball. He earned his business degree from the University of Phoenix where he also took writing and journalism courses.
