The Importance of a Good Fit
Every baseball player knows the feeling – it’s that moment when you slip on your glove and everything just feels right. You move with confidence, catching every pitch effortlessly, making plays with precision, all thanks to a glove that fits perfectly. Rawlings designs gloves with durability in mind, but breaking them in is an essential step for long-term comfort and performance.
A properly fitted glove reduces strain on your hands and fingers during practice sessions and games. It allows for faster reactions, smoother throws, and improved accuracy. It’s not just about looking cool; a well-fitted glove is the foundation for success on the field.
Tools of the Trade: What You Need
Before we dive into the actual breaking-in process, let’s gather the tools you’ll need. It’s good to start with a clean slate:
- A soft, dedicated leather conditioner
- Washing mitts or dish towels (for cleaning)
- Your Rawlings glove (of course!) and some comfortable clothes for working on it.
- Plenty of time – remember, this is a process.
Step One: The Conditioning
Now that your materials are gathered, let’s get started! The first step is to condition your glove like you would any fine piece of leather. Leather conditioners help bring out the natural shine and flexibility in the material. Just be gentle with the gloves – too much pressure can lead to stretching the glove beyond its limit.
You’ll want to apply a thin layer of conditioner, working it into the glove’s surface using your fingers. Use circular motions to evenly distribute the conditioner, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before giving it a final wipe down with a clean towel. This will help remove excess moisture after conditioning.
Step Two: The Breaking In Process: A Patience Test
This is where the real magic happens – you’re about to take your Rawlings glove from stiff and rigid to supple and smooth. And yes, it will require a little patience!
The process typically takes around 4-6 weeks for a Rawlings glove. You’ll want to make daily use of the glove for these weeks. Don’t worry about being overly rigorous – just let your glove do its thing.
Step Three: Stretching and Shaping: Getting Your Glove Ready
This is the fun part! The breaking-in process is all about getting your Rawlings glove ready to perform at its best. You need to start by stretching the material, working with it so that it conforms to your hand’s natural shape.
The key here is to use a variety of techniques – think about how you would naturally hold your glove in your game-day stance. This will help to develop muscle memory and improve your overall performance on the field.
Step Four: The Big Test
After 4-6 weeks, it’s time for a real test! Pick up a ball or even just some light practice throws with your newly broken-in glove. See how you feel when you’re throwing and catching.
Do this often: It’s important to get a feel of the glove in a game scenario so that you can make adjustments if needed. This may involve adding padding, or even just playing with the glove more to see what feels best for your hands.
Step Five: Your Glove is Ready!
As you continue using your Rawlings glove in different ways – during practice sessions and games – notice how it feels, where you feel the most comfortable, and if the fit needs any adjustments.
The breaking-in process is never truly over – you’re always making small tweaks to get that perfect fit. If your glove starts feeling a little too stiff after a few weeks, use some leather conditioner again.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
Breaking in a Rawlings glove is like getting an old friend ready for a grand adventure. It’s a process of learning and adjusting, of understanding your hand’s unique needs, and of appreciating the craftsmanship and care that went into making the glove in the first place!
As you break in your rawlings glove this year – remember to be patient, listen to your body, and have fun!
