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What is a baseball glove? ...by Bob Daun

A baseball glove is both a beginning and an ending; a boy's first sure step towards manhood; a man's final lingering hold on youth. It is promise and memory.

You may wonder as you examine the huge selection of mitts in the store which one to choose for your child that wants to play baseball. If I buy the expensive one how can I be sure my child will not lose interest. Shall I buy the cheapest one just to get him or her started?

The choice is not easy and with all of the different materials they are made from today make this a difficult decision at best. Manufactures have also taken to ways to sometimes confuse the buyer with their "labels" (i.e. genuine leather laces, genuine leather palm, etc.)

The choice is easy if you know what to look for:

* Choose a mitt made entirely of leather. These mitts will last longer, are easier for a child to use, and will help develop confidence. Above all, do not choose a vinyl mitt for your child. These are considered toy's and can be a danger to your child.

* Perform the scratch test. With your fingernail, lightly scratch various parts of the mitt. There should be fiber scratches that you can see. Rub your finger the opposite direction and the scratch should disappear.

* The natural colored mitts are preferable. Black, or dyed leather mitts are OK but keep in mind that the break-in period is longer.

* Consider the size of the child's hand. Do not choose a large one with the idea that they will grow into it. Conversely don't buy one that is too small. To find the correct size, pick up a regulation size ball and place it in the glove. The mitt should be able to completely enclose the ball. The thumb and pinkie fingers of the mitt should be able to touch each other.

Now that you are armed with all the information to make the right choice, you will be faced with turning this stiff piece of leather soft and supple. There are several methods of breaking in a mitt from shaving cream to Neetsfoot oil, but I have the best method. The manufacturer's instructions are OK, but a lot of time is still needed to do the job.

My method is quick, simple, and efficient:

1. Turn on the hot water at the sink and let the water get hot (for black or dyed mitts use boiling water) Wet the entire exterior only of the mitt including the pocket. Let the leather soak up the hot water.

2. Towel off the excess water and work the mitt with your hands to stretch the pores. Twist it, bend it, fold it, or repeatedly jump up and down on it.

3. Determine where the natural fold is and press flat. Or line up the thumb and pinkie fingers and press flat. Place under a heavy object such as a chair or table leg with the pressure concentrated on the heel of the mitt.

4. Let dry at least 24 hours.

5. For black or dyed mitts repeat steps 1, 2 and 3.

6. After the mitt is dry work it again. If you want to go overboard, drive your car over it a few times. At this time the mitt should remain closed if you lay it down.

7. Using Neetsfoot oil (available at hardware or leather suppliers) rub liberally into the mitt. Rub plenty of oil over the entire exterior paying extra attention to the pocket, web and heel. The mitt's color should appear mottled but this will fade in time.

8. Work the mitt again and then place two baseballs into the pocket and tie the mitt closed with a rubber band. Let dry at least 24 hours and it is ready for use.