What To Know
- The goal is to restore some of the stiffness and shape, while still maintaining a degree of flexibility for comfort and performance.
- Tap the glove gently with a glove mallet to help reshape the pocket and reinforce the structure.
- Use a glove shaper or a tightly rolled towel to stuff the glove and maintain its shape.
Let’s face it, a broken-in baseball glove is a beautiful thing. The soft leather molds to your hand, the pocket feels like an extension of your arm, and the catch is almost effortless. But what about when that glove gets too broken in? When the pocket sags, the ball pops out, and you struggle to make that crucial catch? This is where the question of how to re stiffen a baseball glove comes into play.
A stiff glove offers several advantages:
- Improved Control: A stiff glove allows for a tighter grip, giving you more control over the ball. This is especially important for infielders who need to make quick throws.
- Enhanced Catching: A stiffer pocket helps to secure the ball, reducing the chances of it popping out. This is crucial for outfielders who need to make catches on the run.
- Longer Lifespan: A glove that’s too broken in can lose its shape and structure over time. Re-stiffening can help to prolong the lifespan of your glove.
Understanding the Process
Re-stiffening a baseball glove isn‘t about turning it back into a brand-new, hard-as-rock piece of leather. The goal is to restore some of the stiffness and shape, while still maintaining a degree of flexibility for comfort and performance. This process typically involves a combination of techniques, including:
- Moisture Removal: This is the first step, as a wet glove will be harder to stiffen.
- Leather Conditioning: This helps to soften and revitalize the leather, making it more receptive to the stiffening process.
- Shape Restoration: This involves using various methods to reshape the glove and bring back its original structure.
- Drying and Shaping: This final stage involves drying the glove properly and shaping it to your hand.
Step-by-Step Guide to Re-Stiffen a Baseball Glove
Now, let’s dive into the practical steps to bring back the crispness to your glove:
1. Prepare Your Glove
- Remove the laces: This allows for better access to the inside of the glove.
- Clean the glove: Use a damp cloth and mild soap to remove any dirt or grime.
- Dry the glove thoroughly: This is crucial before moving on to the next step.
2. Conditioning the Leather
- Apply a leather conditioner: Choose a conditioner specifically designed for baseball gloves. Apply it evenly to the entire glove, focusing on the areas that have become too soft.
- Let the conditioner soak in: Allow the conditioner to penetrate the leather for at least 30 minutes.
3. Reshaping the Glove
- Use a glove mallet: Tap the glove gently with a glove mallet to help reshape the pocket and reinforce the structure.
- Stuff the glove: Use a glove shaper or a tightly rolled towel to stuff the glove and maintain its shape.
- Wrap the glove: Wrap the stuffed glove tightly with a rubber band or bungee cord to hold its shape.
4. Drying and Shaping
- Air dry the glove: Place the wrapped glove in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat. Allow it to dry completely. This may take several days.
- Shape the glove: Once the glove is dry, remove the wrapping and continue shaping the pocket with your hand. You can also use a glove mallet to further refine the shape.
5. Break-In and Play
- Break-in the glove gradually: Once the glove is fully dry, start catching and throwing with it. This will help to further shape the glove to your hand and make it more comfortable.
- Play with the glove: The more you use your glove, the better it will feel.
Alternative Methods
While the above steps offer a traditional approach, there are other ways to re-stiffen a glove:
- Freezing: Place the glove in a plastic bag and freeze it for several hours. This can help to tighten the leather.
- Heat and Pressure: Some people use a hairdryer to heat the glove, then apply pressure to reshape it. However, this method should be used with caution as excessive heat can damage the leather.
The Final Stretch: Maintaining a Stiff Glove
Once you’ve successfully re-stiffened your glove, it’s important to maintain its stiffness:
- Avoid over-oiling: Too much oil can make the leather too soft.
- Store the glove properly: Store your glove in a cool, dry place, preferably with a glove shaper inside.
- Use a glove brush: Regularly brush the glove to remove dirt and debris and keep the leather supple.
What You Need to Learn
Q: How often should I re-stiffen my baseball glove?
A: The frequency depends on how often you use the glove and how much it breaks in. If it starts to sag or the pocket becomes too loose, it’s time to re-stiffen.
Q: Can I use a hairdryer to re-stiffen my glove?
A: While some people use a hairdryer, it can be risky. Excessive heat can damage the leather. Use with caution and only on a low setting.
Q: What if my glove is made of synthetic material?
A: Synthetic gloves generally don‘t require re-stiffening. However, you can still use a glove shaper and a mild leather cleaner to maintain its shape and condition.
Q: What are some good leather conditioners for baseball gloves?
A: Some popular brands include Lexol, Obenauf’s LP, and Brooks.
Q: Can I use a baseball glove oil to re-stiffen my glove?
A: No, glove oil is designed to soften the leather. Using it will make your glove even more broken in.
By following these tips and techniques, you can revitalize your baseball glove, bringing back its crispness and performance, allowing you to catch every ball with confidence.
