A step-by-step guide to breaking in your new glove safely and shaping the perfect pocket.

A new baseball or softball glove can feel stiff when you first take it out of the box – especially if it's made from high-quality leather.

That's completely normal.

Premium gloves are designed to gradually form around the player's hand and develop a pocket that matches their position and playing style. Breaking in a glove isn't simply about making the leather softer. The goal is to make the glove easier to close while maintaining its structure and creating the right pocket.

The best break-in method takes a little time, but it also helps protect your glove and allows it to develop naturally.