How to Break in a Baseball Glove Like a Pro (Without the Frustration)

Last Updated on April 17, 2025 by Matt Musico

If you’ve ever wondered how to break in a baseball glove, you probably know it can feel like a battle. The leather is stiff, the pocket feels flat, and no matter how much effort you put in, it just doesn’t seem game-ready. And for parents, that frustration can multiply when your player needs their glove yesterday for practice or a game.

But don’t worry — you’re not alone, and it’s not as complicated as it seems. As a former player who spent way too much time breaking in gloves, I’ve learned a few tricks that will save you time, frustration, and possibly a little money too. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to break in your baseball glove quickly and properly — without ruining it.

This is Part 3 of a five-part series going through all the details when it comes to finding, buying, breaking in, and caring for your baseball glove. You can find Part 1 here, which is about how to choose the right baseball glove size. Part 2 can be found here, which breaks down the differences between leather vs. synthetic gloves.

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Why Breaking In a Baseball Glove Takes Time

First off, let’s talk about why it feels like breaking in a glove takes forever. A new glove is stiff because it hasn’t been used — the leather hasn’t conformed to the shape of the player’s hand yet, and the pocket (where the ball sits) is flat.

Glove manufacturers make gloves tough and firm because that’s what ensures their durability. The goal is for the glove to last for seasons, so it starts off solid, then slowly molds to the player’s hand through use. However, as anyone who’s ever needed a glove for a game can tell you, that can take a while!

But fear not — you can speed up this process.

Editor’s Note: Looking for more personalized recommendations before deciding on your next glove? Set aside five minutes to answer questions via JustGloves’ Glove Coach on their website. It’s an awesome resource!

How to Break in a Baseball Glove Fast: Step-by-Step Guide

Breaking in a glove doesn’t have to take weeks. Follow these proven techniques, and you’ll have that glove ready to go in no time. But remember — patience is key! Rushing the process can lead to a glove that’s either too loose or damaged. Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Use Glove Oil the Right Way

The first thing that comes to mind for most people when they think of breaking in a glove is glove oil. And while it can help, there’s a trick to it.

Myth Busting: More oil = faster break-in — This is not the case! Excessive oil can damage your glove by softening the leather too much, leading to a loss of structure. A little bit of oil goes a long way!

Here’s how you do it:

Choose the right oil: Look for a high-quality glove oil or conditioner specifically designed for baseball gloves. Avoid using other oils (like cooking oil), as these can break down the leather fibers over time.
Apply sparingly: Gently rub a small amount of oil onto the glove using a clean cloth or your fingers. Focus on the high-stress areas like the palm and the back of the glove.
Let it breathe: After applying the oil, let the glove sit for 12-24 hours. This allows the leather to absorb the oil and begin softening without becoming too greasy.

Break In the Glove by Playing Catch (Consistently!)

There’s no substitute for good old-fashioned play when it comes to breaking in a glove. Playing catch is the most effective and natural way to mold the glove to your hand’s specific shape. And don’t just toss the ball around a couple of times — make sure to really put the glove to work.

Use the glove often: The more you use it, the faster it will break in. Go ahead and play catch for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a week if possible. Over time, you’ll feel the glove soften and form the perfect pocket.
Have your player throw the ball in different ways: A mix of throws (ground balls, fly balls, and fastballs) will help the glove get the right kind of flex and shape.
Don’t rush: You want the glove to mold naturally to your player’s hand. Try not to force the break-in process by using excessive force or repetitive motions.

Wrap the Glove to Shape the Perfect Pocket

This is one of my favorite techniques — it’s simple but very effective! By wrapping your glove overnight, you can encourage the leather to form the pocket where the ball sits, helping to give it the right shape.

Here’s how to do it:

Moisten the glove lightly: Dampen the glove (don’t soak it) and focus on the area where the ball will rest in the pocket.
Wrap the glove: Place a ball inside the pocket and wrap the glove tightly with a bandage or string. Some players use rubber bands for this step as well.
Let it rest: Leave the glove wrapped up for 12-24 hours. This will help the glove form to the shape of the ball and the player’s hand.

Work the Glove by Hand to Soften It Naturally

Sometimes, the best tool for breaking in a glove is simply your hands. Working the glove manually helps loosen up the leather and encourages flexibility.

Make the glove bend: Gently bend the glove in various directions. You can also press the heel of the glove into your knee to create a more natural pocket.
Flex the fingers: Make sure the fingers of the glove aren’t too stiff. You can work them individually by pressing on the tips and pulling gently to get them to loosen up.
Do this daily: Even just a few minutes a day can really make a difference in the overall flexibility of the glove.

Avoid Heat and Water When Breaking In a Glove

Here’s another common myth — heating up the glove with a hairdryer or dunking it in water might seem like a quick solution, but this can cause more harm than good. The heat can dry out the leather, making it brittle, and water can damage the glove’s shape or color.

While there are techniques like steaming used by professionals to soften gloves faster, for most players, it’s best to avoid extreme methods and stick to more natural approaches.

Final Thoughts on How to Break in a Baseball Glove the Right Way

Breaking in a baseball glove doesn’t have to be a stressful process — and it doesn’t have to take weeks either. With these techniques, you can speed up the break-in time while ensuring your glove stays in top condition for years of use.

Remember, the key is consistency. Whether you’re using oil, playing catch, or wrapping the glove to form the pocket, the more you work with the glove, the faster it will become your player’s best friend on the field.

Part 4 of this five-part series will walk you through how to keep your glove in top shape all season long.

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