The Don'ts of Glove Break In
As you read popular baseball or softball forums and articles on other sites, you may stumble across some rather unorthodox methods. Although many claim these break in methods are a quick way to soften the glove up, it may shorten the life of your glove in the long run. Some of these tactics can even void the manufacturer warranty that comes with the gloves. Here are some of the "tips" you should stay clear of.
Microwave/Oven
This is one of the more popular ways people use to break in a glove, but one that can do irreparable damage. The microwave or oven method will dry out the leather and make the laces brittle causing them to break. More importantly, microwaving and baking gloves in the oven is absolutely dangerous. Left unattended, it can cause a fire. This risk is increased if there any metal parts on your glove. Unless you're planning on eating your glove for dinner, keep it out of the microwave and the oven.
Here is what happens if you put your glove in an oven or microwave—both gloves were the same size before being baked in the oven:
Inside the Car
Like the microwave method, leaving your glove in a hot car can dry out the leather and cause its laces to become brittle and break (however the chances of your car catching on fire are far less than burning down your kitchen). Keep your hands at 10 and 2, but leave the gloves out of the car.
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About the Author
Baseball Monkey is a leading retailer of baseball and softball equipment for all ages and experience levels. Our expert team worked together to build a resource hub of information designed to help players navigate through the many questions that come with gearing up for the baseball season.
MonkeySports, Inc. has been serving athletes around the world since 1999. We offer expert customer service and product knowledge that comes from employing players who are passionate about the game, the gear and the customer. MonkeySports, Inc. has six established brick-and-mortar stores and six websites. Our online stores operate under the banners hockeymonkey.com, goaliemonkey.com, lacrossemonkey.com, baseballmonkey.com, monkeyteamsports.com and monkeyapparel.com.
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