How To Break In A Baseball Glove 2024 (DON'T DO WHAT I DID)

Ball Glove King
26 Feb 202413:08
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this video, the host shares a new method for breaking in baseball gloves, moving away from the traditional hot water treatment to using room temperature water. The process involves critiquing past glove breaking techniques, demonstrating the new method with a focus on loosening the leather, deciding how the glove closes, and molding the glove to the desired shape. The host emphasizes the importance of playing catch to further break in the glove and shares tips for both infielders and outfielders to achieve the perfect break-in for their specific needs.

Takeaways
  • 🔨 Traditional two-hinge break-in method is outdated; a new, improved method is introduced.
  • 🎥 The video critiques past glove break-in methods and demonstrates a more effective approach.
  • 👨‍👦 The process involves breaking in a new glove and playing catch with the father as a surprise.
  • 🧵 The importance of loosening the leather, especially the heel and laces, is emphasized.
  • 🤏 The decision on how the glove closes should align with the glove's natural shape and the player's preference.
  • 🥎 Infielders should aim for a glove that closes with one hinge for quick ball transfer, while outfielders prefer a glove that swallows the ball with two hinges.
  • 🔨 Using a mallet or similar blunt object to smash the glove helps in creating a deep pocket and proper hinge formation.
  • 💧 A new break-in method using room temperature water is suggested over hot water to prevent potential damage to the glove.
  • 👌 The break-in process should involve molding the glove while wet to achieve the desired shape and closure.
  • 🏐 Playing catch is crucial for the final stages of breaking in a glove, focusing on catching the ball in the pocket without strain.
  • 🎁 The video ends with a surprise glove presentation to the father, highlighting the personal touch in the break-in process.
Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the transcript?

    -The main topic of the transcript is about breaking in a new baseball glove using a new method, and the speaker shares their past experiences and tips on how to properly break in a glove.

  • What was the speaker's previous method for breaking in gloves?

    -The speaker used to use the hot water treatment method for breaking in gloves, but they found a new method that they believe to be better.

  • What is the new method for breaking in gloves mentioned in the transcript?

    -The new method involves using room temperature water and dunking the glove in and out quickly, rather than soaking it under water for an extended period.

  • Why did the speaker switch to the new method?

    -The speaker switched to the new method because they learned from trusted sources, like AZ Glove Lab, that room temperature water is better for the gloves than hot water.

  • What are the three main goals for glove break-ins according to the speaker?

    -The three main goals for glove break-ins are to loosen up the leather, especially the heel and laces, to decide how the glove should close based on its natural shape and intended use, and to mold the glove by hitting it in a way that creates a pocket and the desired shape.

  • What is the speaker's advice for infielders when breaking in their gloves?

    -For infielders, the speaker advises breaking in the glove to close with two hinges, which allows for better ball control and catching, especially for backhand catches and turning double plays.

  • How does the speaker suggest outfielders break in their gloves?

    -Outfielders should aim for a glove that opens wide and slaps shut easily, with the goal of having a deep glove that can swallow the ball when put in front of it.

  • What is the speaker's tip for using a mallet when breaking in gloves?

    -The speaker suggests using rollovers with a mallet, where you hit and then roll it over, to help get a deeper close and get the glove used to snapping shut.

  • What mistake does the speaker warn against when smashing the glove?

    -The speaker warns against gently smacking the glove without pushing it down into the ground, as this will not effectively break in the glove and is a waste of time.

  • How does the speaker plan to surprise their dad?

    -The speaker plans to surprise their dad by breaking in a new baseball glove for him and then playing catch with him to demonstrate the glove's improved performance.

  • What is the speaker's final verdict on the new method?

    -The speaker is excited about the new method and believes it to be effective, as evidenced by the glove's improved closure and shape after the dunking process with room temperature water.

Outlines
00:00
🧢 Baseball Glove Breaking In - New Method Introduction

The speaker introduces a new method for breaking in baseball gloves, acknowledging that their old methods weren't bad but that they've found something better. The plan involves finding a glove that needs breaking in, critiquing the speaker's past glove breaking methods, implementing the new and improved method, and finally playing catch with the speaker's dad as a surprise. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding how the glove will be used in a game and critiques their own past methods, highlighting the difference between traditional two-hinge closing and the more effective one-hinge closing for various playing scenarios.

05:00
🥎 Detailed Breakdown of Glove Breaking Techniques

The speaker delves into the specifics of breaking in gloves, discussing the three main goals: loosening up the leather, deciding how the glove closes, and molding the glove to the desired shape. Tips are provided on using a mallet for rolling over and snapping the glove, hitting the palm to get it used to catching a ball, and shaping the glove while hitting it. The speaker also addresses common misconceptions about the smashing technique and introduces a new method involving room temperature water instead of hot water, emphasizing the importance of quick dunking and proper drying to achieve the desired fit and shape.

10:01
🏐 Personalizing Glove Break-In and Outfield Tips

The speaker shares personal insights on glove breaking, including the preference for a specific glove pattern and the challenges faced with the current glove. The focus shifts to advice for outfielders, emphasizing the need for a glove that opens wide and closes quickly with a deep pocket for catching balls. Techniques for encouraging the glove to close deeply and the importance of avoiding glove lag are discussed. The speaker concludes with a personal anecdote of breaking in a glove for their dad and the value of playing catch as part of the break-in process.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Baseball Glove
A baseball glove is a piece of sports equipment used primarily in baseball to assist players in catching and fielding the ball. In the video, the focus is on the process of breaking in new gloves to improve their flexibility and performance. The speaker discusses different glove types, such as infield and outfield gloves, and their specific break-in methods.
💡Breaking In
Breaking in refers to the process of softening and shaping a new baseball glove to better fit the player's hand and catching style. This is achieved through various techniques such as hot water treatment, room temperature water dunking, and playing catch. The video emphasizes the importance of breaking in a glove for optimal performance and comfort.
💡Hinges
In the context of baseball gloves, hinges refer to the points where the glove's fingers bend. The number and placement of hinges can affect how the glove closes and forms a pocket to catch the ball. The video discusses the preference for two hinges for infielders and the importance of training the glove to close in a specific way.
💡Mallet
A mallet is a tool used in the process of breaking in baseball gloves. It is used to hit and shape the glove, particularly the heel and the areas where the fingers meet, to create a deep pocket and improve flexibility. The video provides tips on how to use a mallet effectively, including the technique of 'rollovers' to help the glove snap shut.
💡Room Temperature Water
Room temperature water is used as part of a new method for breaking in baseball gloves, as opposed to hot water. This method involves dunking the glove in and out of water to soften the leather without causing damage. The video suggests that this approach is more beneficial for the glove's longevity and performance.
💡Playing Catch
Playing catch is a common practice used to break in baseball gloves. It involves casually throwing and catching a ball within a comfortable distance, focusing on catching the ball perfectly in the pocket of the glove. This helps to shape the glove and create a better pocket for catching over time.
💡Outfield Glove
An outfield glove is designed specifically for outfielders in baseball. It is typically larger and more flexible than an infield glove, allowing for easier catching of fly balls and quicker closing to secure the ball. The video discusses the features and break-in techniques suitable for outfield gloves.
💡Infield Glove
An infield glove is used by players in the inner part of the baseball field, such as the first, second, and third basemen, as well as the shortstop. These gloves are typically more rigid and have a smaller pocket to facilitate quick transfers of the ball for plays like double plays. The video explains the break-in process tailored for infield gloves, focusing on creating a pocket that can close with two hinges for better ball control.
💡Pinch and Rub
Pinch and rub is a technique used in the break-in process of baseball gloves, where the player pinches together the leather at the heel of the glove and rubs it back and forth. This helps to soften and loosen the leather, making it more flexible and easier to shape.
💡Flare
Flare refers to the shaping of the glove's fingers to create a wider opening, which is particularly useful for outfielders who need a larger pocket to catch fly balls. The video discusses the importance of flaring the fingers during the break-in process to achieve the desired shape and functionality.
💡Slap Effect
The slap effect describes the sound and feel of a glove closing quickly and efficiently, which is especially important for outfielders who need to secure the ball and quickly transfer it to throw. The video emphasizes the desire for an outfield glove that has this characteristic, ensuring a responsive and effective catch.
Highlights

The speaker introduces a new method for breaking in baseball gloves, acknowledging that their old method wasn't bad but that they've found something better.

The process begins with finding a glove that needs to be broken in, and the speaker has already selected one from over 100 gloves.

The speaker critiques their past glove breaking methods, having been a YouTuber for 4 years and having come a long way in their techniques.

The importance of understanding how the glove should close is emphasized, with the speaker explaining the difference between closing with one hinge or two and the impact on gameplay.

The speaker shares their personal experience and learning from their past glove breaking videos, providing a self-critique to improve their technique.

The speaker discusses the differences in breaking in gloves for infielders versus outfielders, with specific attention to the desired pocket and closure.

Three main goals for glove break-ins are outlined: loosening up the leather, deciding how the glove closes, and molding the glove to the desired shape.

The use of a mallet for breaking in gloves is mentioned, with tips on how to effectively use it for snapping shut and molding the glove.

The speaker introduces a new break-in method using room temperature water instead of hot water, as recommended by trusted sources.

The process of dunking the glove in and out of water is described, emphasizing the quick dip method rather than submerging it for a long time.

The importance of shaping the glove while it's wet is highlighted, to ensure it dries in the desired form for optimal performance.

The speaker shares their personal preference for an outfield glove, recommending a specific model for its light weight and performance.

The speaker provides tips for outfielders on breaking in their gloves to achieve a deep close and a satisfying slap effect when catching the ball.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of playing catch to break in a glove, suggesting casual catch within comfortable distances to avoid straining the web and laces.

The speaker discusses the variability in the time it takes to break in a glove, noting that some people may take weeks while others may take a year.

The speaker shares a personal story of breaking in a glove for their dad, highlighting the emotional and relational aspect of the process.

The video concludes with the speaker playing catch with their dad, demonstrating the successful break-in of the glove and its readiness for use.

Transcripts

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