How to Break in a Baseball Mitt in the Oven

While the preferred method of breaking in a baseball mitt is simply to use it, you might find yourself with a new mitt and very little time before your next game. In this case, you might need to turn to an everyday kitchen appliance to get the job done. You can use the heat from your oven to help break in your mitt along with oil or foam to keep the leather pliable, and your mitt can be ready for your next game.

1. Moisten entire mitt with water

Moisten the entire mitt with water, including the leather ties. The water should be warm but not boiling hot. Do not soak the mitt, just moisten it so it will not dry too much in the oven. Apply baseball glove foam or shaving cream to the mitt and work it into the leather.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Next, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Once it is heated, turn the oven off. Place your mitt on a cookie sheet and put it in the heated oven. Leave your mitt in the oven for about 15 minutes. Check on your mitt every few minutes to make sure it is getting warmed evenly and is not catching fire.

3. Remove mitt from oven

After fifteen minutes, take your baseball mitt out of the oven. Work it around as much as you can while it is still warm, for about 10 minutes. Stretch it, hammer it, and do whatever you can to flex the glove. Feel free to put the mitt in the oven again and repeat the process. When you put your mitt in the oven for the last time, tie a ball into the pocket of the mitt with elastic or twine. The pocket is the space between the thumb and forefinger.

4. Oiling the glove

Continue breaking your baseball mitt in by lightly oiling it with mink oil. Oil lightly and work the oil into the leather. Do not use too much oil, as it can leave your mitt wet and cause the leather to deteriorate.

Tips

• Keep working your mitt by playing catch and tying a baseball in the pocket at night.
• Do not use this method with plastic or vinyl baseball gloves. This is for leather gloves only.