Break in technique questions...?

[spedrunr]

haha, yeah, i'm the loud mouth who got this thread going off on a tangent.

i watched all the games from my little 24" tv with rabbit ears and no remote. i have to say, i was waaayyy surprised at the little team that could.

shows what a lotta money can do these days

[opticsp]

Hey Red Sox fans, "Wild pitch, Mitchell scores and that game is tied."

LET'S GO METS!

[quaz95]

O-R-I-O-L-E-S FIVE HUNDRED BALL BABY, OYEAH, THAT STINKING KID IN NEW YORK MESSED USE UP. KINDA LIKE THE CUBBIES

JOHN

[wjr953]

Robin,
You're right, my last posting has absolutely nothing to do with this thread, but I needed to set the record straight so I would not be painted with the broad brush of someone else's thoughtless generalizations. I apologize for veering off path, I promise I will stay on topic henceforth.

VBR, br

[Goldy the Gopher]

Red Sox fans before you get too cocky remember:

You have as many world series wins in the past 11 years as the Florida Marlins.

You have as many world series wins in the past 21 years as the Minnesota Twins

You have as many world series wins in the past 17 years as the Toronto Blue Jays



PS

You're welcome for David Ortiz, Kevin Garnett, Randy Moss, and Manny Fernandez

[RichieRich]

I've always felt bad for Red Sox fan. But not anymore...they've gotten so cocky. I bet Cubs fan will do the same when they win the 2067 World Series.

[wjr953]

yawn!

[spedrunr]

anybody else want to share BREAK IN techniques

[Goldy the Gopher]

Right. My new thing is flaring the fingers out. I'm against the pro flare gloves but if you don't jam your fingers into the stalls, you get a nice groove from where your finger tips close in the glove. I feel that you can close the glove with much more power this way.

[Musashi]

One thing that I find helpful in breaking in a new glove is to work the hinge aggressively with both hands, but avoiding a crease in the palm. That said, I never tie up my gloves, or put them under the mattress. With my infielder's gloves, I prefer them to have a natural "open" position - so if I put the glove on a table, it stays wide open and won't flop closed.

The other thing I like to do with new infielder's gloves is to let out the slack in the fingertips, so I end up with an ultra-wide tip (almost, but not quite split-finger levels). So when I finally end up playing catch with it, the fingers kind of fold over the ball, and sort of makes up for the lack of a really tight closed position. Maybe it's just me, but I find that this makes for a faster glove.

[Cusser]

[quote="spedrunr"]anybody else want to share BREAK IN techniques :wink:[/quote]

In the old days I used Rawlings Glove Dope, which I believe became the old hydrocarbon-based Glovolium. Today's Glovolium is a water-based glycerine soap (I assayed both at work).

I currently start out with either cheap shaving cream (a triethanolamine soap formulation with glycerin), then I wipe off, play catch, then use Franklin Glove Conditioner which also is a hydrocarbon-based liquid. High quality Rawlings gloves take a long time to break in, but last a long time. Also oil the inside palm, and wear a batting glove to keep your hand oils off the inside.

Here's what others have posted:
Originally from Rawlings http://www.rawlings.com/gloveselector/p ... eakin.html:
To attain the amount of flexibility and comfort that's just right for you, follow these tips for breaking in your new glove from our master glove designer:
 Pour a small amount of Rawlings Glovolium II glove oil on a clean, dry cloth and carefully work the oil around the pocket area and on the back shell for maximum leather conditioning and protection. (see our accessories page)
 Allow the glove to dry thoroughly for 24 hours.
 Wipe off any excess Glovolium and play catch for 10-15 minutes or 50-70 throws to stretch the pocket and conform the glove to your hand.
 Position a ball in the pocket and tie the glove closes for a few days.
 Keep a ball in the pocket between uses.
 DO NOT OVER - LUBRICATE YOUR GLOVE. TWICE A SEASON SHOULD BE ADEQUATE.

Originally from Rawlings http://www.angelfire.com/sports/brooksi ... rglove.htm:
Rawlings Glove Care

Breaking in a new glove can sometimes take time and a lot of work. Use these steps to help break-in and care for your Rawlings ball glove.
1. Press a small amount of regular shaving cream on a clean dry cloth and carefully work the cream around the outer shell palm and back. A light coating is all that is necessary. This will lubricate the leather fibers just enough prior to usage. Remember: LUBRICATE NOT SATURATE.
2. Allow the cream to dry thoroughly for 12-24 hours.
3. Wipe off the cream and play catch for 10-15 minutes. This stretches and conforms the glove to your hand and speeds the break in process.
4. Position a ball in the "pocket" and tie the glove closed for a few days with a string or rubber band around the outer perimeter.
5. As the glove starts to break-in pour a small amount of Glovolium, glove treatment, on a clean dry cloth and carefully work the oil around the outer shell palm and back. A light coating is all that is necessary.
6. Allow the glove to dry thoroughly for 24 hours after oiling so the oil has the proper amount of time to penetrate and recondition the leather.
7. Lace will stretch with use. Keep the laces taut but do not over tighten. Check the laces after each season to determine if any need replacement.
8. Store in a cool dry place with a ball in the pocket when not in use. Do not leave your glove in an area where the temperature will become excessive.
9. DO NOT OVER OIL YOUR GLOVE. TWICE A SEASON IS SUFFICIENT.







Also from http://www.gloverepair.com/break/:

Glove Break In There are many methods to breaking your glove and everyone has their own opinion. The following ideas come from our craftsmen's personal experiences and what tends to work for them. There really isn't an overnight solution to breaking your glove, we will show you some of the do's and don'ts to breaking in your new glove.

First we will give you a step by step process to the best way we believe, to breaking in your new glove.
Rub in glove oil or glove conditioner of your choice, we prefer to use Rawlings Glovolium. Start with the palm of the glove and work outward from there, be sure to cover the entire glove (DO NOT SATURATE, JUST COAT IT). Some people like to use shaving cream in this step which is fine.

When glove has dried, play catch with someone, the more catching you do the better the glove will form to your hand and fingers.

When you are finished playing catch, apply a light coat of oil or conditioner. Then put a baseball or softball in the pocket of the glove (We prefer using a softball to increase the size of the pocket). Then close the glove around the ball. Using a string or rubber band to tie the glove tightly with the ball in place. Repeat this step whenever you are not using the glove until the glove is broke in the way you want it, this will help hold the shape of your pocket.

Repeat steps 2 and 3, until the glove is broke in. The more you use your new glove the faster the glove will break in.

Notes: Try to keep a ball in your glove when it is not being used to prevent the glove from getting flat and losing its shape. Condition or oil your glove a couple times a year, maybe more depending on how dry and dirty your glove is.
Glove Repair Don'ts:
 Do not submerge your glove under water, some believe this is a quick solution to breaking in you glove. All you are doing is ruining the leather and run a risk of cracking and drying out your glove.
 Do not put your glove in the oven or microwave.
 Do not dry your glove using a heat source such as a hair dryer.
 Do not buy a pre-broken in glove, they are not as durable and will not last as long.
Glove Repair Do's:
 Keep a ball in your glove when it is not being used.
 Condition your glove occasionally to prevent drying and cracking.
 To protect the inside of your glove you can wear a batting glove to keep sweat from drying and cracking the leather.
 Tighten your laces routinely, occasionally leather will loosen.




http://www.baseballgloves.com/breakingin/index.html



There are many different methods for breaking in a baseball glove, and each method has its supporters and detractors. If you asked a dozen different baseball players how they break in their baseball glove, you will likely get a dozen different answers! We suggest checking with the manufacturer of your baseball glove to see what they suggest, as gloves made from different types or grades of leather may have different requirements.
The two basic goals of breaking in a baseball glove are to first soften the leather and then to create a pocket in the glove. No matter what you do, most will agree that the most effective way to break in a baseball glove is by using it!
Softening the Leather: There are a number of different oils and lotions that can be used to soften the leather on your baseball glove.
 Foam Shaving Cream
 Vaseline
 Saddle Soap
 Manufacturer's Solutions - Most of the major glove makers offer their own oils.
 Mink Oil or Neatsfoot Oil
 Tanners Glove Oil
 "Hot Glove" Treatment. This treatment consists of putting a special foam on your glove and then baking it in your oven for 4 minutes. This method is very controversial among baseball glove owners - some swear by it, others call it harmful to the glove.
One of the few things people will generally agree upon when it comes to breaking in a baseball glove, is that in order to soften the leather - more oil, soap, cream is not better! Use cream and oil in small amounts and wipe it around your glove, don't slop it on and allow it to soak it - this will make the leather deteriorate faster.

Forming the Pocket: Besides actually playing catch or spending your afternoons throwing a ball into your glove, there are a number of ways to form a pocket in your baseball glove. Another great method (especially if you don't have a partner to play catch with) is to visit a batting cage and instead of batting, use the machine to simply catch balls and help break in the glove.
 The most popular method for forming the pocket of your baseball glove (other than playing catch) is to place a baseball (or softball) in the pocket and tie the glove shut with shoelaces, string or even a belt. There are also several products that are designed to hold the baseball glove shut and in the proper position while it is not in use.

The Best Glove Oil?
For nearly 100 years, baseball players have been oiling their gloves. The oil of choice was neatsfoot for many decades. Neatsfoot used to be the oil that came from boiling the leg bones of cows. Now it’s any old cow oil with additional ingredients to make it clear and light.
Neatsfoot was so popular, even librarians used it on leather-bound books. But they were in for a horrible surprise. After a few years alone on the shelf, that leather started to petrify and crumble. Now librarians use lanolin – a lighter oil derived from sheepskin. You should too.
You can get lanolin in Lexol products, right at your hardware store. Lanolin lubricates the leather like neatsfoot, but it doesn’t make it darker and it doesn’t make it heavy or harm it over the long term.
If you still prefer neatsfoot oil, which gives gloves a nice tacky feel, go easy with it. Or try Lexol nf, their neatsfoot/lanolin mixture.
Are you partial to petroleum jelly? Some glovers swear by it, others say it clogs the pores and collects dirt. Just remember: you oil a glove to help lubricate the leather fibers after a long season has robbed some of the oil that was put in at the tannery. You don’t use oil because a glove is “dry” – since leather absorbs all the moisture it needs from the air. Go easy on the oil, and don’t depend on it to break in a glove either. That takes good old-fashioned elbow grease.


Baseball Glove Care
Properly caring for your baseball glove can make a huge difference in the lifespan of your glove. We recommend checking with the manufacturer of your glove to see what they recommend.
 Keep your baseball glove in a cool, dry place when it is not in use. Do not leave your glove where the heat could affect the leather (the trunk of your car).
 If your glove gets wet, dry it with a towel and let it air-dry. Do not put it in the oven or near a heater as it may dry out the leather.
 Do not over oil your baseball glove! A few time each season is plenty.
 Keep the laces tight.

From Nokona: "We do not recommend neatsfoot oil, linseed oil or silicon-type spray as these tend to close the pores of the leather, causing it to dry, harden, and become heavy over an extended period of time and through repeated use. Petroleum jelly keeps the pores open and in effect, keeps the leather “alive” while providing a softening condition. There are other cleaners and conditioners that are safe, especially those scientifically developed for glove leather."
Follow these tips, check with your manufacturer and your baseball glove should treat you well!



Glove Care from http://www.tanners.com/pages/glovecare.htm
Because a baseball glove is made of a natural material, proper care is especially important. Basic maintenance protects your investment by preserving your glove’s appearance, enhancing its performance and extending its life.
1. Condition your glove regularly with top-quality glove oil. Never use shaving cream or petroleum jelly on a glove. Cover the entire glove surface including where your hand is placed, to soften, restore, waterproof and protect the leather.
2. Do not over-oil a glove — a common mistake. Simply apply one or two light coats and rub the oil in with your fingers or a cloth or sponge. Allow the leather to dry for several minutes between coats. Continual over-oiling traps lubricants and can make a glove too heavy, which slows your reaction time on the field.
3. For best results, clean your glove first with leather cleaner. Rinse off soap thoroughly with a little water taking special care in and around stitching holes. Allow your glove to dry naturally; do not put in the sun to dry.
4. Sweat and infield dirt are among your glove’s worst enemies. Accumulated dirt and grime absorbs necessary oils and dries out the leather. Unless these oils are replenished, the loss of lubricants can cause the leather to stiffen and crack. Once leather is cracked, all the soap and oil in the world cannot recover your glove’s original look and feel.
5. Avoid placing your glove in extreme heat such as the trunk of a car or under a window where the sun’s heat is magnified.
6. Leather has “memory.” If you choose, use the fat end of a baseball bat to mold and work in the pocket and/or wrap a baseball or softball in the glove pocket with a strap or rubber bands around the glove and store it that way over night.
7. Protect your glove from excessive or prolonged wetting unless you want the leather to stretch and shrink some during the new glove break-in process. But remember that as leather dries the evaporated water takes oil with it — so recondition your glove with glove oil once immediately after it dries.
8. Always try to cover your glove with a clean cloth when storing it. This prevents dust from building up and entering the pores of the leather.
9. Make minor repairs to broken or loose stitches right away before they become larger, more expensive problems.

[r205maple]

I'm late to the party, but I got this method from a spring training photo of Kaz Matsui when he first signed with the Mets. I do this 100% of the time to break a new glove.

Ever notice how even a brand new glove is floppy once you take all the laces out of it?

Simply loosen all the laces in the pocket & fingers. Also loosen the small lace that keeps the top wrist part together. You will be able to play with a loosened glove almost immediately. Since its somewhat usable you will also get to use it more & not just for those side catches that new gloves are limited to.

Once you get it somewhat broken in, simply tighten the laces back up.

[RedSoxFan81]

Now to do what you mentioned maple would I just need to untie the knots and then loosen it as you mentioned and then redo the knots once I have achieved loosening up the areas discussed. Haha, I've never relacaced a glove so I don't want to get too far ahead because I know i'll mess it up

[r205maple]

Yes, untie the knots. There should always be one on the pinkie & one on the tip of the thumb. Depending on the type of web, there will be 1 -2 knots you will have to untie. I've discovered most gloves follow the same basic pattern & are not too difficult. The Mod trap is probably the most complicated, but even that is simple once you find out where the lace is.

The knot on the pinkie & thumb are the 2 ends of ONE lace. It is the one that curls over the top of the web. For a trap, this lace goes pinkie to index finger. You don't have to mess with the curls over the web, just untie the thumb knott & give it a lot of slack between thumb & web, then re-tie. Untie the pinking & slack up all the fingers & the space between the index & the web, then retie.

There is usually one lace for the web, sometimes 2 (I web)...just count the number of knots on the web, that's how many laces there are. The web lace usually runs across the top of the web along the same canal as the lace that curls over the top of the web, then runs down the sides of the web. Just loosen all this up & retie.

You don't have to pull any lace out of any of the holes, so you shouldn't have to do any "re lacing".

Also make sure to keep the lace flat through out as you fiddle with them.

Have fun!