shaping/forming a new infield glove...

[RedSoxFan81]

I recently purchased a few new gloves. I was wondering if anyone had any tips/info on how to properly shape them form them etc. I play Shortstop/2nd base, so I catch everything the 2 hand trapper style when possible.Also how far up your palm should you usually wear an infield glove? Or is that more of a personal preference thing rather than affecting function? Thanks guys

[Goldy the Gopher]

try wearing it just so that the tip of you thumb and pinky touch the ends of the loops. also flare the tip of the thumb and the pinky out.

[red_sox_fan86]

Ozzie Smith was the best fielding shortstop of all time, and he says all the fingers & the thumb should curve slightly inward. This makes the glove more of an extension of your hand. The Rawlings kit with the softball-size wiffle ball and elastic strap is good to help form this shape. Wilson gloves don't really need it because of the dual welting.

[spedrunr]

the wizard also didn't use anything on it either, just played with it during spring training etc

[WMD_172]

OOO what did you get?

I wouldn't use anything for the leather. In terms of shape, flare the fingers out and create a pocket only the size of the ball down by the palm.

two reasons:

1- the flare serves for transfers, flared vs curled is like comparing funnels to buckets... drop a ball in a funnel and it goes to the same spot everyime, drop one in a bucket and youve gotta find it.

2- creating a small, low pocket in you glove will force you to wear it with alot of you palm sticking out of the glove. dont worry, it will not get ripped off by a line drive. also, this will allow you to transfer the ball quicker and take the sting out of hard throws (if you palm isnt in the glove how can it get stung?)

you want the ball the be able to hit the glove anywhere and BAM end up in the same spot down by the heel everytime

[RedSoxFan81]

Well, I couldn't make up my mind so I ended up getting a few gloves and will probably keep whatever one I like best. I got a new 11 3/4" NP5 tan w/ black laces, I believe it's from about 2003, I also picked up a used all black modified trap 11 3/4" glove, and picked up a used Made in USA PRO 1000H from 1995 made of gutman leather.

The shape mentioned of making it funnel with the flared pinky/thumb is exactly how my PRO TROY glove is shaped. I spent the majority of the day Friday working my brand new glove trying to really work the hinge to make it close better.I also did some work on it while watching the dodger game the other night. I had a softball tournament today and used it during my warmups and will probably use it in all my warmup sessions to get it game ready sooner.