How to care for and break in your new ball glove

With a little care, your new Shoeless Joe Ballglove should be your go-to glove for many seasons. Here are some simple things to think about and do to extend the life of your glove.

  1. A new Shoeless Joe Ballgloves comes pre-oiled, as the break-in process started during manufacturing, but it is recommended to treat or recondition your glove with a recognized brand lanolin-based glove or leather treatment to clean and soften the leather AFTER the first season or year of glove use. 
  2. To finish the break-in process of your new glove, throw a ball into the webbing repeatedly. This will help form the pocket and the leather in the inner lining will start to form around the ballplayer’s hand. This and a couple of good games of catch and the glove will be game ready in no time.
  3. Keeping your laces tight will help lengthen the glove’s “life”. It’s recommended to go through and tighten the laces 2-3 times a year, especially during the break-in process or throughout the first month or so of use. The laces will stretch most during the break-in process.
  4. To help keep a formed pocket, it’s recommended to store your glove with a ball inside the pocket. If you like a more rounded pocket, a good trick is to secure the ball in the pocket with a rubber band.
  5. To help keep the pocket formed correctly, fulling insert your hand/fingers into the glove when using the glove.

Some of the obvious things you should NOT do with your ball glove:

  • Do not put it in the microwave or oven. This will damage the leather, drying it out too quickly.
  • Do not use shortcuts to break in your glove quicker. Cooking oil, personal care items (shaving cream), and all household cleaners should not be used on your glove.
  • Do not leave the glove lying in the back window of a car. Leaving your glove in the hot car will dry it out and damage the leather.
  • Do not leave your glove laying out in the rain. If your glove gets wet during practice/game use, leave the glove out in front of a fan overnight. This will help keep mildew or mold from forming in your glove.
  • Do not use it as a dog chew toy. Seriously keep your glove away from pets. The leather smells good, and some animals will want to chew on it.

Shoeless Joe Ballgloves Reconditioning Service

Shoeless Joe does offer a glove reconditioning service. You can find more information about their service on their website here –> SJ’s Reconditioning Service