Proper care of Wilson Baseball Gloves

Question:

What is the best way to take care of my Wilson® ball glove?

Answer:

Wilson does not recommend using any other product than our Pro-Stock™ Glove Conditioner on our gloves, and we definitely DO NOT recommend putting our gloves in the oven or hot water. Each glove manufacturer has different specifications for its gloves and the materials used in those gloves. We may use a different leather than another manufacturer, and if you use the same leather conditioner on both gloves, you may get 2 different results.

The recommended method to break in your new Wilson glove is to apply the Pro-Stock™ Glove Conditioner on the glove, including the laces. Do not put any conditioner on any leather “inside” the glove. Work the conditioner in well, then wipe off the excess. Play catch for 20-30 minutes, and you should be good to go. You may need to repeat this process several times to get the desired level of playability in your glove.

I just bought a new high-end glove. My old glove is more than 40 years old and I thought I’d treat myself to a new one. The following are some of my observations on breaking in a new glove.

First, there is one current option that has not been mentioned in this thread, for which I’ve seen several advertisements: Steaming. It is offered by many reputable sporting goods stores and appears to be a quick and effective way of doing it. However, I decided not to do it, partly because I felt that I had already spent enough money on the glove, and partly because it would take away most of the enjoyment and rewards of breaking it in myself.

Second, I tend to side with the folks who have stated that you should not abuse the glove (like running over it with a car). I’m also leery about baking it, freezing it or soaking it in a bucket of water. I believe that bringing it along slowly and carefully will help ensure a satisfying result that can last decades. It also gives you a more personalized result and more confidence in using it.

Here’s what I did 40+ years ago and am doing now:

1. Find a glove that “fits like a glove.” I did a lot of on-line and in-store research before honing in on my new glove. I wanted a model suitable for playing the outfield in senior softball, but did not want a gargantuan glove. I ultimately targeted the Wilson A2000 KP92-BL based on its size, style and description on the Wilson website. When I tried it on at the store, it fit perfectly and seemed to cradle the ball just as I would want it to. That made spending the $200+ for it a little easier.

2. Start softening it up by bending it along the natural crease lines, especially from the heel at the base of the pinky to the web. Wrap the glove around a ball at night so that it bends along this crease line. I use an old white undershirt to tie the glove, which doesn’t leave any marks or discolor the leather.

3. Put on the glove and pound the pocket, heel and web by repeatedly throwing a ball into it. This not only conditions the glove, but it also conditions your hand and exercises your throwing arm as well.

4. Lightly and evenly oil the glove on all the outer surfaces and the laces, including the inside of the glove where the palm of your hand touches the glove. In the past I used Neatsfoot Oil. When I bought the glove, the store recommended Glovolium (a Rawlings product), which I had seen discussed on the internet. Based on the store’s recommendation I purchased a 4 oz. bottle from them for $1.99, but I haven’t actually used it yet. Note: I called the Glovolium “800” number to confirm that the glove should be oiled on the inside at the palm, as I had not seen this detail discussed elsewhere.

5. Of course, when the weather is right and you have a partner, play catch with your new glove as much as you can.

Hope this helps.