{"id":301,"date":"2024-03-13T15:35:26","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T22:35:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/softballace.com\/?p=301"},"modified":"2024-03-13T15:35:27","modified_gmt":"2024-03-13T22:35:27","slug":"how-to-take-care-of-your-softball-glove-proper-care-and-feeding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/softballace.com\/how-to-take-care-of-your-softball-glove-proper-care-and-feeding\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Expert-Approved Approaches to Taking Care of Your Softball Glove"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With the prices of top-end softball gloves nowadays, taking care of your softball glove is essential for ensuring its going to last<\/a>. 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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breaking it In<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you purchase a new glove<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to note that premium leather gloves<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oil and Conditioning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To keep your softball glove<\/a> in good condition after breaking it in, you need to oil and condition<\/a> 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n