Aso Breaks In Brandon Phillips' Baseball Glove

Wilson Baseball glove master Aso shows his time-tested method for breaking in a baseball glove. Watch as he takes us through the steps of breaking in a brand new baseball glove for the Reds' second baseman Brandon Phillips. Visit us on Facebook at on. MjyC8D

[@rss_fate.7668]

Who else is watching almost 8 years later

[@mq360-6]

Me 😂🤣

[@kelailie]

Me

[@SwissGoalHorns]

Here

[@aubynphillips1859]

🤫

[@bengraves7924]

9😂

[@Fkutb1234]

Reminds me of Karate Kid when he says, "I do pounding pocket." lol!! This guy is awesome!! I'm buying an A2000 because of him.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Congrats on your new glove! It could take a few weeks to break in your A2000 DP15 using Aso’s water method. It depends on how much work you put into it, and how often you play catch.

[@WHODEYHENZ]

" So I will pound" story of my life

[@TacoStacks]

Miss Brandon Phillips

[@Sunburn190]

Maddux is one of my favourite pitchers of all time. Good luck for Aso and Wilson for the future generation of Baseball players!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Both are great options and made with the same Pro Stock leather, it’s all a matter of preference of which one feels best on your hand. We recommend trying them on in-store before you purchase. The A2000 KP92 (12.5”) is our most popular outfielder model and favored for its length and reinforced bar across the top of the “Trap” pattern that helps add support to a deepened pocket. The OT6 is a little longer (12.75”) and features a one-piece, six finger palm/web to provide more feel and less rebound

[@wilsonballgloves]

Thanks for the suggestion, Trevor. We’re working on a few contests right now for our fans, stay tuned for one next month!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Great question, JC! When you initially pour the water on your glove, it will feel heavier as the leather absorbs the water until the glove dries. Aso has a few tips for the water method that should help! First, only use three to four cups of hot water that are approximately 150-degrees Fahrenheit.

[@wilsonballgloves]

It’s all a matter of preference! The A2000 is made with Pro Stock leather, a single palm pad, and allows for maximum customization during break-in. Our A2K is made with Pro Stock Select leather and an extra palm pad to help reduce sting but make break in a little easier. Get to the store and check them out.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We do not have plans to customize A2K’s as of right now but thanks for your feedback. We'll pass this idea along to our R&D group.

[@ladman11]

This was awesome thanks for all the tips!

[@wilsonballgloves]

As you can imagine, Aso gets that question a lot. He’d love to be able to help everyone, but he’s really busy developing gloves for next year. Great choice on the A2000 RB8 Game Model, though - after you follow Aso’s lead, you’re going to have one happy (and well-broken-in) glove!

[@wilsonballgloves]

The KP92 (12.5”) is our most popular outfield model and features a Pro Laced T-Web. The 1799 (12.75”) is also recommended if you’re looking for a bigger glove - it comes with a reinforced dual-post web and is used by players like Ryan Braun in the OF. This year, we’re also offering a SuperSkin (double the strength, half the weight of leather) version of the 1799 that will be lighter than a traditional, all-leather glove.

[@poetias]

@wilsonballgloves thanks!! i got my A1000 1786 ss today and this method works! it was broked in by the next day! thank you!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Glove steaming has many of the same attributes as our break-in methods (heat, water) but we prefer a more hands-on approach for fully customized mitts. When you break your glove in by hand, you form it according to your specifications while maintaining leather strength - this allows for the glove to be formed to your hand and the way you catch and use the glove on the field.

[@walter10291]

Aso is freaking amazing... Aso knows baseball gloves

[@ThattOneGuy24]

I love wilson gloves. I used to be a Rawlings guy but then I used my friends a2k and fell in love with It instantly. I'm getting my first Wilson glove tomorrow. It's the black a 2000 with the grey I web. I love Wilson. They make the best gloves

[@michaelobrien596]

Hey wilson how do you guys make the glove colored, while still keeping it the pro stock select leather

[@johnnyrichard8223]

Ok thx I'm excited to check it out

[@braydenbeasley6979]

I have 100s of gloves and I always loved using this break them in

[@wilsonballgloves]

Dustin originally had an A2K DP15, and we’ve since begun producing A2000 DP15s. He’s used both this season - the glove he uses depends on how he feels that day!

[@wilsonballgloves]

You should also use glove conditioner at the beginning and end of the season. Aso has a video with suggestions on how to apply glove conditioner as well. Some people have sweat that can impact their glove - if you’ve had issues with this in the past, wearing a batting glove under your mitt can help. Have fun with your new Pudge Catcher’s Mitt!

[@wilsonballgloves]

The DP15 can be used by all players. There are modifications that make it fit smaller hand well, but it’s also a great option for someone looking for a more snug fit. Another option is the A2000 1786 because the DP15 is a modified version of that glove and, thus, has a lot of the same features and feel.

[@sjang816]

Wilson/Aso, can you please do a 1st baseman mitt break in? I know theres the brief video about the break points and brandon belt but just like you do infield outfield pitcher and catcher hot water videos from start to finish can you please consider doing a 1st base video? a 2800, 1613, 1883, doesnt matter, just to even hear your thought processes and theories would be worth it. thank you!

[@piratebaseball10]

Aso's technique is amazing!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Like most players, he has a few from past seasons but he primarily uses “Bandit”, his new custom 1786. He received two Bandits broken in by Aso at Spring Training this year.

[@wilsonballgloves]

@Gloverelacing Of course, we understand your concern with making sure the glove holds up over time. We would not recommend a break-in process if it put your glove in jeopardy. Aso is molding and forming the glove but not damaging it. The leather is very strong and the laces will hold up for years. The fact is that overuse of oil or conditioner will do more damage to your glove than a few minutes of pounding.

[@wilsonballgloves]

This varies a great deal amongst players. A good rule of thumb is the further the thumb is closed to the pointer or middle finger, the shallower the glove and the closer to the pinky the deeper the pocket. It depends on your style of play (do you ever close your glove or just use it to stop the ball and shovel it out to turn-two, etc?). Form the glove based on the above and how you play on the field!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Aso has been in the baseball glove business for more than 35 years. He's worked with Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux (anticipated), and Kirby Puckett (the KP92 is named for him).

[@bigmitts989]

I wish aso could break in my glove

[@Blake22022]

Just do what he did and you'll get similar results

[@wilsonballgloves]

A2Ks also have double palm construction, which is a thin strategically placed piece of leather between the palm liner and outer shell. This provides a nice soft palm and slightly more durability. The last big difference is the amount of time the glove is hand pounded at the factory to begin softening the leather - A2Ks get three times the pounding that A2000s receive. Both are great gloves - and our major leaguers are pretty split as far as preference is concerned.

[@wilsonballgloves]

The “Casper” edition of Brandon Phillips’s glove is a custom A2K 1786.

[@wilsonballgloves]

@xFaLLeN28 Water that is hot to the touch out of the tap is appropriate - approximately 150 F. It’s also important after you dunk your glove that you shake out the excess water. This will allow the hot water to begin the break-in process without deteriorating the leather. Additionally, make sure to avoid using heat to dry the glove - allow it to air dry.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Hey Andrew, you only need to go through the process of breaking in your glove one time as long as you’re happy with how it ends up. Continuously breaking it in can result in the leather becoming too soft. We do recommend that you oil your glove before you store it during the off-season.

[@wilsonballgloves]

A2Ks aren’t customizable at this time, but you can add a little customization of your own by getting it relaced with colored laces. Most glove shops have it available and can help you out.

[@wilsonballgloves]

You should use all of Aso’s methods above to break in your new 1787. Instead of shaving cream (which may damage the leather because of additional chemicals in the shaving cream), we recommend Pro-Stock glove conditioner with Lanolin and Vitamin E. Don’t forget to create your break points! Aso always says that the best way of breaking in a new glove is playing catch. Congrats on your new glove, good luck!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Our most popular infield web is the H-Web that is found on gloves like the 1786, DP15, and 1787. Other popular webs include the Dual Post web found on the DW5 and the Cross Web on the EL3.

[@wilsonballgloves]

For a middle infielder, we would recommend the 1786 or 1786-SS models. Try on both the A2K and the A2000 to see which one feels best for you.

[@wilsonballgloves]

This is one of Brandon's old gloves, Casper, which is no longer available for sale. It was sold as a Limited Edition glove last year, but it quickly sold out. His new glove will be available in August as part of our 2014 Glove Lineup.

[@TheOfficialHPut]

This works amazingly. Tried alot to break it in, did what he did and boom things almost broken in already had it for 3 days.

[@justinrisdall6886]

I used Aso's water method and it is broken in and I have already used it in all my league games! now im going into highschool ball with it

[@JiggleyJ]

I agree I think it would be a great idea

[@wilsonballgloves]

@basicbaseball The pounding and stretching that Aso uses will work great on your glove. We don’t recommend water on the SS, though.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend breaking your glove in how you feel most comfortable using it. Brandon Phillips is one of our players that uses two fingers in the pinky and slides the rest of his fingers over so that the original index finger slot is left unfilled. This allows for less sting while he catches the ball and many players find that this gives them more control when closing their mitt. It’s all a matter of preference!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Yes. We recommend this method for the A750 and any leather glove.

[@wilsonballgloves]

If you have a Pro Preferred, we recommend looking at the A2K model. The A2K has an extra palm-pad and is made with Pro Stock Select leather (the top 5% of Pro Stock leather used on A2000s). This will feel most similar to your Pro Preferred.

[@reaperrider1]

@wilsonballgloves Thank you!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Brandon Phillips uses the A2K 1786, which has a shallow pocket and is made of our most premium glove leather. It is 11.5” and has an H-Web.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We are introducing a red and black A2K DP15 GM and a red and gunmetal grey A2K DATDUDE GM this year. Both gloves will be available in August, along with the rest of our 2014 gloves including a black and vintage tan A2K 1786.

[@jior6]

Wilson makes truly the best gloves in the world hands down.

[@AlexDiaz-hl8qx]

jior6 44 is better

[@rogerhornsby8180]

Aso is AWESOME

[@hunterconklin5073]

yo wilson’s gloves are 🔥🔥🔥

[@wilsonballgloves]

Because Brandon’s glove is an A2K, it will retail at the same price as our other 2014 A2Ks. Pricing is still being finalized, but you can use the 2013 A2Ks that are currently for sale as a guide.

[@wilsonballgloves]

The perfect spot for your “close” is to have the tip of the thumb in between the top of the pinky and ring finger. Check out our video next week!

[@baileysmith4744]

all depends on your hand and how you like to close it. i prefer the thumb to close inline with the pinky so the web remains flat (more of an outfield thing), and know most people prefer their infield gloves to close thumb to the middle of the 2nd and 3rd finger (middle and ring finger)

[@german1369]

Aso is the man!!!

[@wilsonballgloves]

There are a few things you can do to keep your mitt in good shape. It begins with how you break in your mitt - don’t use extreme heat (steaming, ovens, etc.). Instead, check out Aso’s videos on how to break in a catcher’s mitt. Once your glove is broken in and you’re playing with it, make sure to store it in a breathable area with an 11” softball in the pocket.

[@wilsonballgloves]

The main benefit of using two fingers in the pinky slot is a deeper pocket, which some players feel more comfortable with. By not having an index finger under the back of the pocket, the leather can flex more each time the ball is caught and the pocket can stretch more than glove used with normal hand placement. It also gives more strength when closing the glove and minimizes sting. Brandon Phillips is one of our players who prefers to use two fingers in the pinky slot.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend the A2K DW5 or the A2000 1787 for third basemen. Head to your local sporting goods store and try them on to see which one you like.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Rolled Dual Welting is made of thin strips of Pro Stock skived thin and rolled to support the curved shape of the fingers and provide a stable and durable pocket. Rolled dual welting is used on the A2K, A2000 Showcase, custom A2000s, and the A2000 DP15. Dual welting is the “exposed edges” of leather placed along the back of the fingers and is used on the A2000 and the other gloves without rolled dual welting.

[@wilsonballgloves]

@garr102 Sure is! We included it so you can design a “Casper” glove just like his!

[@wilsonballgloves]

You can use the hot water method to break in SuperSkin - since SuperSkin is more resistant to water because of the materials it’s constructed with, it will not adversely affect your glove. The SuperSkin is much easier to break in than leather and arrives softer than the leather. We recommend following the same steps in our other video “How to Break In A Middle Infield Glove” for your new 1788-SS - you’ve made a great choice!

[@leonardwatts2]

9 years later...I'm watching

[@wilsonballgloves]

Correct. The glove will dry out a little from the water evaporating but a little conditioner (that contains lanolin) will bring the leather back feeling good as new while maintaining the break-in you performed while it was wet.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Hey Devin, we only made 500 of Brandon Phillips' Limited Edition A2K 1786 and have since sold out, but you can customize an A2000 1786 on the Wilson Custom Glove Shop with silver, red and black!

[@yoshthebulldog]

Hello wilson. I was wondering if you could use this method for a dp15 A200 or if you would do stuff slightly different.

[@wilsonballgloves]

When it comes to working for us, check out the Careers page on our website. Brandon’s sleeveless fleece was issued by the Reds.

[@taylormillion7244]

0:40 "this is a glove for Brandon fibs" lmao that guy is awesome

[@jackbaker2243]

@Wilson Baseball / Softball if I do the 150 degree hot water method do I need to put conditioner ok after or anything else to prevent from cracking?

[@HoOGenghisB]

I have that exact purple 8 lb weight.. I would just recommend you wrap a small hand towel around it while pounding.. I just don't like the scratchy surface of the weight, I think it can damage the leather.

[@sillyswagg1000]

@imDooZeH ooo cuz im in high school and i love my glove and i wanna use it in collage next year

[@wilsonballgloves]

Aso uses about two cups of water during the whole process - one on the front and another on the back. Once the glove dries, he applies Pro Stock Glove Conditioner to put moisture back into the glove. This allows for the mitt to form the way he wants while also not drying out, which is a common problem with water and glove leather.

[@austinchampagne7797]

What did that glove ever do to him?

[@mq360-6]

Ha ha

[@drjoe2323]

Aso u rock thanks

[@wilsonballgloves]

To flare your glove out, simply fold the thumb and pinky out (from about ¾ of the way up the finger) away from the pocket. Keep working in your glove this way and it will help form and keep your glove’s form. Check out our new Infielder Break In Video!

[@wilsonballgloves]

He used his "Casper" in games during the 2011 season and currently uses "Bandit" in 2012. Check out our Custom Glove videos to see his new A2K 1786!

[@rotcod2886]

Wow Just did it on my son's glove then my own. Great, IMMEDIATE results.

[@RJ-qk7to]

I watched the video, and then did the EXACT SAME THINGS to my sons new $650 custom made Rawlings. Aso Knows Gloves! The glove we broke in using Aso's technique became game ready in no time at all, compared to whatever we used to do to get it game ready. My son loves the way it feels! Thanks to Wilson Baseball, and Master Craftsman Aso for their expertise and the video!!!

[@derek6986]

Brandon Phillips is awsome

[@jordanking6939]

When Wilson flew a person to break in an MLB new glove for spring training, I thought I seen everything until I heard a story on VINWIKI on how someone paid $50,000 for a tire change on their McLaren F1 since every part is "timed" (expires instantly). The whole prep of having to fly a mechanic from England, rent a race track, paremedics, insurance policy using race track, certified race car driver, because McLaren F1 has a special way to balance the new tires, I hadn't seen everything. Flying an Wilson employee to break a new glove in for MLB is nothing.

[@dandougie363]

Who else watching almost 9 years later

[@wilsonballgloves]

@emn268 We’re going to work with Aso over Spring Training. Maybe he can show us this part of the break in then!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Before the glove is completely dry, work on it in 15-20 minute increments (pounding and hitting) to continue to form the pocket and then again the next day when the glove is completely dry. This will help give you the soft, broken-in feel you're looking for.

[@wilsonballgloves]

When you’re all done, make sure to watch our video on glove conditioner application and apply some Pro Stock Glove Conditioner after the process - water has a tendency of drying out your leather and the conditioner will help keep your mitt in top shape.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend putting a ball in your mitt, wrapping with a flexible cloth like a tube sock (if you want) and storing in a breathable place. The ball will help keep the pocket shape.

[@michaelobrien596]

I know aso does it in 3 stages. Do you put water on each time?

[@xghram]

I'd love to see Aso's personal gloves. I bet he's got every glove he's ever used... still in perfect condition.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend setting your glove with the fingers down and open palm facing the sky with a ball in it. It's best to store your glove in a breathable area as well - while you are breaking it in, we recommend carrying it outside of your bag or putting it on the top of your gear so that it does not get smashed by your other equipment.

[@CodeReDD1369]

really nice glove as always hopefully i can get a2k for christmas

[@WeGhettoSnipeYouNow]

How much water should I pour on it, and how should I dry it? Thanks for replying wilson! Love your gloves, they are the best!

[@wilsonballgloves]

@ballgirl4113 Sure! Some players like to use two fingers in the pinkie stall so it’s worth the try!

[@kevinramos2788]

Hey wilson,can i flare mi A1k by stretching the fingers?

[@wilsonballgloves]

We have a video coming out soon that will help you break in your OF glove but here are our main recommendations: use this technique without folding your glove inside out. A ball should always be used in the pocket and pro stock glove conditioner should also be used to help keep the leather soft. The ideal break-points for an outfield glove are at the base of the thumb and the pinky and you should try forming the pocket at the base of the web to maximize the deep pocket of our OF models.

[@wilsonballgloves]

@JUloERA7 Brandon's A2K 1786 is an 11.5" glove.

[@seujorge1989]

Can we see a video of Wilson covering its glove of the month series?

[@benjaminchin14]

Sun King no

[@wilsonballgloves]

Yes, this method can be used to break in all gloves on the diamond. We have a video coming out soon that will highlight how Aso breaks in a first-basemen’s glove, stay tuned!

[@brettline07]

obviously i'm not wilson but i will try to answer your question. in my opinion i think the dual post web is the best outfield glove. i like it because i can see through the web and guide the ball into the web with my eyes. some people prefer trapeze models but to me they block my line of sight. i just hold the glove up in front of me and look right through the web. i have the wilson A2000 1799 model and it's perfect for me. hope this helps

[@wilsonballgloves]

Our gloves are handcrafted and formed in our factories in Vietnam and Japan.

[@wilsonballgloves]

@MrTerrero03 We will launch a custom Wilson glove website this December. You can choose the model you want and customize it with 16 color choices for all the parts of the glove. More info coming soon!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Stay tuned! We’re working on it now.