7 Damaging Softball Glove Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid!

Hello, my softball friends! Ever wondered why your trusty glove isn’t performing as well as it used to? You’re not alone! And don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Let’s chat about softball glove care and uncover those sneaky mistakes that might be sabotaging your game. Avoid these softball glove maintenance mistakes for longer term glove longevity.

Neglecting Regular Cleaning and Conditioning

One of the biggest softball glove maintenance mistakes I’ve seen over the years – neglecting to clean and condition your glove regularly. I have been playing for over 25+ years so I’ve learned these great tips first hand over the years.

You know how it goes. You’re out there, playing your heart out, and your glove’s getting all sweaty and dirty. It’s easy to just toss it in your bag and forget about it until the next game. But here’s the thing – that dirt and sweat? They’re horrible for your glove’s leather or synthetic material.

I had this beautiful new glove early in my playing days. I was so excited to use it for many years to come, but I completely forgot about maintenance. Fast forward just a couple years later, and the leather was cracking, the laces were fraying, and it just didn’t feel right anymore. That’s when I learned my lesson the hard way.

So, how often should you be cleaning your glove? Well, it depends on how much you’re using it. If you’re playing regularly, aim for a quick clean after every game or practice. For a deeper clean and conditioning, once a month or two will do the trick during the softball season. A great way to keep your glove clean is to get some SSK Glove Wipes. The small resealable packaging fits nicely in your softball bag.

Now, when it comes to cleaning techniques, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Different materials need different TLC. For leather gloves, a damp cloth and some mild soap will do wonders. Just remember to dry it thoroughly afterward. For synthetic gloves, you might be able to get away with just wiping it down.

Don’t forget about conditioning! It’s like moisturizer for your glove. It keeps the leather supple and prevents it from drying out and cracking. Just don’t go overboard – we’ll talk about that next.

Overconditioning: Too Much of a Good Thing

Speaking of conditioning, let’s chat about another common softball glove maintenance mistake: over conditioning. Yeah, you heard me right. Sometimes, you can love your glove too much.

If you think, “If a little conditioning is good, a lot must be better!” No, please erase that thought from your head! Over conditioning can be just as bad as not conditioning at all. It’s like when eating too much of your favorite food (college mac & cheese) – at some point, it stops being enjoyable and starts causing problems.

When you over condition a glove, you’re essentially saturating the leather with oils. This can make the glove heavy, slippery, and less responsive.

So, how do you know if you’re over conditioning? Look out for these signs:

Your glove feels unusually heavy
The leather looks darker than usual
The glove feels slippery or greasy
It’s not holding its shape well

Finding the right balance is key. Pro-tip: Read the instructions carefully on your glove conditioner. Make sure to follow those guidelines as best as possible. If for some reason it doesn’t tell you how often, a good rule of thumb is to condition your glove 2 to 3 times every year. Once at the start of the season, once at the end of the season and once during the off-season. And remember, a little goes a long way. You don’t need to slather the whole bottle on there.

Improper Storage: A Haven for Damage

Alright, let’s move onto another biggie of softball glove maintenance mistakes: improper storage. This one’s a real doozy, and I’ve seen it mess up some perfectly good gloves.

Picture this: you’ve just finished a great game. You’re tired, maybe a little sweaty, and all you want to do is go home and crash. So you stuff your glove in your bag, maybe toss a few other things on top of it, and forget about it until next practice. Sound familiar? Yeah, and it’s very easy to do.

Here’s the thing – your glove needs a little TLC when it comes to storage. Leaving it crumpled up in your bag is only asking for trouble. It can lead to shape distortion, which is a fancy way of saying your glove won’t fit right anymore.

So, what’s the ideal way to store your glove? First off, make sure it’s clean and dry. Then, place a ball in the pocket and wrap the glove around it. This helps maintain its shape. Store it in a cool, dry place – not in your trunk where it can get super hot or in a damp basement.

During the off-season, you might want to take extra precautions to make sure the glove is safe from extreme heat or dampness by putting it in an air sealed container. I like to put a softball in the pocket to keep it’s shape while stored away. And please, don’t stack heavy stuff on top of your glove.

Your glove is an investment! Treat it right, and it’ll be good to go for many seasons to come.

Ignoring Break-In Techniques

Now, let’s chat about more softball glove maintenance mistakes that can really mess up a new glove: ignoring proper break-in techniques. I’ve seen players get a brand new glove and try to use it right away in a game. There are some gloves which are already broken in but most high end gloves aren’t ready to be used right away. That’s a recipe for disaster and an increased chance of getting injured when you can’t catch the ball because you can’t squeeze the pocket closed.

Breaking in a new glove is like breaking in new shoes. You wouldn’t run a marathon in brand new running shoes, would you? Same goes for your glove. It needs time to mold to your hand and develop that perfect pocket.

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen or heard about is players trying to rush the break-in process. They’ll do crazy things like soaking their glove in water or putting it in the oven.

Spoiler alert: these methods can seriously damage your glove:

Soaking in water to reduce the leather stiffness
Baking it in the oven
Shaving cream (who comes up with these ideas?)

Instead, try these safer methods:

Play catch regularly with your new glove
Use a glove mallet to shape the pocket
Apply a small amount of glove conditioner (but don’t overdo it!)
Use glove wraps or bands to help shape the glove when you’re not using it

How long should the break-in process take? Well, it varies, but generally, you’re looking at a few weeks of regular use. Be patient. A well-broken-in glove is worth the wait.

Softball Glove Maintenance Mistakes in Repair Attempts

Ok, what are some more common softball glove maintenance mistakes? Botched DIY repair attempts. I get it, your glove is an extension of your hand, and when something goes wrong, you want to fix it ASAP. But sometimes, trying to be a hero can do more harm than good.

I remember I had a loose lace on my glove. Instead of taking it to a pro, I thought, “How hard can it be?” Let’s just say, it ended up looking like a five-year-old’s art project. Not exactly what you want when you’re trying to make crucial plays.

Here’s the deal: some repairs are okay to do at home. Minor lace tightening? Sure. Applying a bit of conditioner to a dry spot? Go for it. But when it comes to major repairs like replacing a whole lace or fixing a torn web, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

If you do decide to tackle some minor repairs at home, here are a few tips:

Use the right tools – a needle nose pliers can be your best friend
Take it slow – rushing can lead to mistakes
If you’re not sure, stop and seek help – better safe than sorry

A good glove repair specialist can work wonders. It might cost a bit, but it’s usually cheaper than buying a new glove.

Mishandling Water Exposure

We only have a few more common softball glove maintenance mistakes after this one: mishandling water exposure. We’ve all been there – you’re in the middle of a game when suddenly, the skies open up. Or maybe you accidentally leave your glove out overnight and wake up to find it covered in dew. How you handle these situations can make or break your glove.

First things first, different glove materials react differently to water. Leather gloves are particularly susceptible to water damage. When leather gets wet, it can become stiff, lose its shape, and even start to rot if not dried properly. Synthetic gloves are a bit more forgiving, but they’re not immune to water damage either.

So, what should you do if your glove gets soaked? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Wipe off excess water with a clean towel
Stuff the glove with micro-fiber high absorption rages to get moisture from the inside
Let it air dry at room temperature – avoid direct heat!
Once it’s dry, apply a small amount of conditioner to prevent the leather from cracking

Whatever you do, don’t use a hairdryer or put it in the oven. I know it’s tempting to speed up the process, but direct heat can seriously damage the leather.

To protect your glove from unexpected water exposure, consider keeping a glove bag in your gear bag. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of headache in the long run.

Overlooking Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Last but not least, let’s talk about softball glove maintenance mistakes that are very easy to make: overlooking regular inspection and maintenance. It’s like ignoring that weird noise your car’s been making – it might seem fine now, but you’re setting yourself up for trouble down the road.

A little prevention goes a long way. Let’s say you find a small tear in your glove’s web. “It’s no big deal,” you think so you ignore it. Well, that small tear could turned into a big problem in the middle of a crucial game. Don’t let that happen.

So, what should you be looking for during these glove check-ups? Keep an eye out for:

Loose or fraying laces
Cracks or dry spots in the leather
Any signs of mold or mildew (especially if your glove’s been stored in a damp place)
The overall shape of the glove – is it still holding its form?

I like to do a quick check after every few games or practices, and a more thorough inspection a few times a year. It only takes a few minutes, but it can add years to your glove’s life.

Creating a maintenance schedule can help you stay on top of things. Maybe mark your calendar for a great reminder like “Glove Check Day.” It might sound a bit overkill, but if you are like me I have a horrible memory and will likely forget if I don’t write it down.

Taking care of your glove isn’t just about avoiding softball glove maintenance mistakes. It’s about respecting your equipment and, by extension, respecting the game. A well-maintained glove isn’t just a tool – it’s your partner out there on the field. Treat it right, and you’ll have it game after game, season after season.

Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground, haven’t we? By avoiding these common softball glove maintenance mistakes, you’re well on your way to becoming a glove care pro. A well-maintained glove isn’t just about looks – it’s about performance, durability, and ultimately, your success on the field. So, why not give your trusty mitt some TLC today? Now, go out there and show that softball who’s boss!