Rawlings Glove Break-In Time

Rawlings gloves are rated with percentages based on how much time or effort it will take you to break-in or form your glove. The percentages below are very realistic.

• 30% Factory/70% Player
• 40% Factory/60% Player
• 50% Factory/50% Player
• 60% Factory/40% Player
• 75% Factory/25% Player
• 80% Factory/20% Player

Glove Break-In Tips

There really isn't an overnight solution to breaking your glove. Here are some of the do's and don'ts to breaking in your new glove.
First we will give you a step by step process to the best way we believe, to breaking in your new glove.

• Rub in Rawlings Glovolium. Start with the palm of the glove and work outward. Be sure to cover the entire glove (DO NOT SATURATE, JUST COAT IT). Some people like to use shaving cream (with lanolin) in this step which is fine.
• When glove has dried, play catch with someone. The more catching you do the better the glove will form to your hand and fingers.
• When you are finished playing catch, apply a light coat of Rawlings Glovolium. Then put a baseball or softball in the pocket of the glove (We prefer using a softball to increase the size of the pocket). Then close the glove around the ball. Using a string or rubber band, tie the glove tightly with the ball in place. Repeat this step whenever you are not using the glove until the glove is broken in the way you want it. This will help hold the shape of your pocket.
• Repeat steps 2 and 3, until the glove is broken in. The more you use your new glove the faster the glove will break in.

Notes: Try to keep a ball in your glove when it is not being used to prevent the glove from getting flat and losing its shape. Use the Rawlings Glovolium on your glove a couple times a year, maybe more depending on how dry and dirty your glove is.

Glove Repair Don'ts

• Do not submerge your glove under water. Some believe this is a quick solution to breaking in your glove. All you are doing is ruining the leather and run a risk of cracking and drying out your glove.
• Do not put your glove in the oven or microwave.
• Do not dry your glove using a heat source such as a hair dryer.
• Do not buy a pre-broken in glove. They are not as durable and will not last as long.

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Glove Repair Do's

• Keep a ball in your glove when it is not being used.
• Condition your glove occasionally to prevent drying and cracking.
• To protect the inside of your glove you can wear a batting glove to keep sweat from drying and cracking the leather.
• Tighten your laces routinely. Occasionally leather will loosen.

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Expert Glove Repair and Restoration Services

For expert repair or complete restoration services for Rawlings gloves, contact:

Kenny Jenkins Glove Repair
(417) 683-2207 or e-mail him at kennyjenkins@hotmail.com
Hours: Monday thru Friday, 9am - 4pm (Central Time)

You can also visit his site at www.kennysgloverepair.com for photos and additional information.

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