Breaking in a Middle Infield Baseball Glove

Wilson Glove Guru Shigeaki Aso and MLB players Brandon Phillips, Rickie Weeks, Freddy Sanchez, and Chris Getz explain the best way to break in a Middle Infielder's glove. From having a shallow pocket, tightening the wrist strap, or widening the pocket, Wilson's Advisory Staff has you covered.
These techniques can also be used to break in a softball or fastpitch infield glove.
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[@wilsonballgloves]

Great question, Gunnar! The Wilson A2K 1799 was marked as 12.5” though 2011, but we measured it and realized that we were communicating a shorter length than it really was. As a result, we began marking the glove as 12.75” in 2012. The pattern itself has not changed, though.

[@thomasreid7987]

I have been using my glove for a season but i still love the glove. Thanks wilson :D

[@alecbruce4593]

I love your gloves! I will never switch to another brand!

[@wilsonballgloves]

@Kendra Dove It is personal preference but quite a few middle infielders do flare their glove so they can transfer the ball from their glove to their hand faster.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Great question! Aso only breaks gloves in when he knows someone is going to use it, like in the winter so that David Wright’s glove will be ready to go at Spring Training. Pretty much every glove that Aso has broken in is being used on a field!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Great question! The deeper pocket belongs to the Wilson A2000 OTIF, which features a Six Finger Web that’s perfect for pitchers and infielders. It will also continue to break in deeper because of the web and glove construction.

[@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.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend taking it to a glove shop to have a professional tighten the H-web for you because the double X lacing is difficult to explain. We will consider making a video of it next year. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend the A2000 OTIF, as it's a versatile infielder's glove that also has a 6-fingered web that won't reveal your pitch grip.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Thanks for the suggestion! We’ve forwarded this request to our R&D department.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Yes - the A2000 DP15 features a smaller pocket to help with transfers in the infield. It was made from a 1786 pattern, our most popular infielder model. Proper break in can help form your shallow pocket you desire, as well.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend visiting your local glove shop for help because we don’t have a video showing how to do that yet. Great idea for a future video, JC!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Yes, our gloves are made in both Japan and Vietnam. Thank you for your suggestion. We'll pass it along to our R&D Group.

[@wilsonballgloves]

The DP15 is made from a 1786 pattern but has a few modifications requested by Dustin Pedroia. It has a smaller wrist opening to accommodate a smaller hand / create a snugger fit, extra-long laces for “clacking”, and reduced palm construction to allow for more feel while making plays and turning double plays.

[@iJulSeHD]

finally what weve all been waiting for!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Aso recommends pouring hot water (temperature of 150 degrees) on your glove while your hand is in it to help form the glove to your hand. It’s also a controlled temperature that we know does not hurt the leather. Not only does a microwave not help form the glove to your hand, but it uses much higher temperatures than 150 degrees, and extreme heat like that can damage the leather.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Thanks for the suggestion - we do not currently plan on offering his demo gloves for sale as they are used by R&D for testing and future product development.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend the A2000 EL3 for third base. You might also like the A2K DW5. Both are premium third base gloves.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Thanks! We currently do not have plans to add A2K’s to our custom site - but that doesn’t mean we won’t in the future!

[@wilsonballgloves]

The A2000 G5 is a great choice for third. The reinforced H-web keeps the pocket shallow, and the 11.75” length gives you the reach you need.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Yes, the DP15 uses our same Pro Stock leather and single palm construction as our other A2000s.

[@wilsonballgloves]

It’s all a matter of preference! The 1788 (11.25”) is a little shorter than the 1786 (11.5”). The A2000 DW5 Showcase (11.5”) would also be a great option for you if you’re looking for a tighter fit - all of our Showcase models are designed with a smaller hand opening and finger stalls. We recommend trying them on in-store to see what feels best for you.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Yes, absolutely. The OTIF and 1787 are great for 2B, SS and 3B.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Follow the same steps in Aso’s video in which he breaks in Brandon Phillips’ glove and the tips in this middle infield video. The design of the 1787 will help you create a deeper pocket than the design of the middle infield gloves, so it will naturally develop the pocket you’re looking for.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Yes! We'll release the new Wilson Glove Day videos in the spring.

[@JJ-we2cs]

Do you use a glove conditioner or oil before doing this? Also will this work not just on Wilson gloves but on any other leather gloves?

[@wilsonballgloves]

The EL3 and 1787 are both 11.75” and will have comparable pockets that you can form as deep as you would like. The EL3’s cross-web is built to sustain a deeper pocket better and is Evan Longoria’s Game Model for third base. If you’re open to a smaller glove, our 1786 (11.5”) is our most popular infield glove and will be better for up-the-middle turns on double plays.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Most third basemen prefer gloves with an open pocket, a deeper pocket, and a little more length than middle infield gloves - typically 11.75”-12”. Our most popular 3B gloves are the DW5 (12”), EL3 (11.75”), and 1787 (11.75”). The DW5 is David Wright’s Game Model and has a dual post web, the EL3 is Evan Longoria’s Game Model and has a cross web, and the 1787 features an H-Web.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend the A2K DW5 (12”) and A2000 G5 SS (11.75”). The A2K DW5 features a dual-post web that will help give more pocket support and length while playing 3B. The A2K is made with Pro Stock Select leather (top 5%) and will be more durable because of the premium leather used. The all-new A2000 G5 has a reinforced H-Web that will add pocket durability and was developed with Mark Grudzielanek for infielders.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Freddy Sanchez uses a custom A2000 1786 with all blonde leather and dark brown lacing. You can create a similar glove at the Wilson Custom Glove Shop!

[@fameboy1243]

Hey wilson I am a big fan of your gloves, I have two, I am 15 and im a lefty. I was looking on your website and I noticed that the 1787 is both left and right hand throw. I was wondering why this is?

[@wilsonballgloves]

@Michael Panzarella Hey Michael. You can make your pocket shallower by pulling the thumb and pinky stalls away from each other and stretching out the finger stalls.

[@1outdorsman]

Wilson Baseball / Softball can you put the starlin castro glove on your 2016 glove line

[@NavySeal461]

Hey Danny on the other video for outfield gloves it explains having the thumb between the pinky and ring finger, I expect it to be the same for infield.

[@lanewilson4227]

Hey Wilson!!! I just wanted to ask if u guys have ever heard of Web Gem Glove Forms??? And if u have or look them up would u recommend that I use one?? Thanks

[@howtothrowpitches]

Hey Wilson I just got a a2000 1788 and I've been pounding it and breaking it in. I am 14 and I am playing about 55 games this year should I oil my glove yet?

[@jpmcnew5496]

Wilson im an outfielder converting to 3rd 2nd and shortstop and recomendations? +Wilson Baseball / Softball

[@ishxfty2076]

Do you have any suggestions on how I should break in my Wilson a2000 1788 with superskin

[@MrCorinth]

Hi wilson I have a question, I play third base and i was wondering if a 1786 was good.. I didn't want to get the dw5 because it might be to big

[@wilsonballgloves]

We are working on them now and we'll post them as soon as they're ready!

[@monicalashure9859]

Hey Wilson, I have the DP15, and I love it! You guys do an awesome job! I play middle infield and some third base, do you think the DP15 was a good choice for the positions I play?

[@pakerzzz7668]

Hey wilson I was wondering with the wilson a2000 glove kit how much lace does it come with?

[@wilsonballgloves]

The A2000BBG4ST is great for shortstop and second base. It has a reinforced H-web and is 11.5".

[@realpoopoo]

what if, for whatever impractical reason, i want my glove to be formed to be used for both infield and outfield, assuming the positions in mind were left field, shortstop, and possibly third, assuming im using an 11.75 glove, either an H web or a modified t web? would i have to make the glove's hinges break in two different ways to accommodate for both shallow and deep pockets, depending if im wearing it traditionally or two in the pinky? will just evenly softening the glove be enough?

[@Blackcat4576]

Gotta love Aso!

[@wilsonnieves5291]

Hello Wilson. I just picked up an A2k 1786. Do you recommend turning an a2k inside out as Aso does in this video?

[@justinrisdall6886]

will you guys be making Wilson glove day 2014 videos? I love those videos they are so cool!

[@mrRdawg101]

hey wilson i was wondering are you guys ever going to allow custom a2k's? thank you wilson rocks!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Which glove are you referring to? Is it one being used by a specific player on the Red Sox or the MLB Series glove that we have available on the Custom Glove Shop?

[@wilsonballgloves]

Some pros are able to break in their Pro Stiff A2000s within a few weeks, and others take a little longer. It depends on how much work you put into it and how often you play catch.

[@multigaming9109]

Hi Wilson I know you want us to buy your gloves but be honest please should I take a900 or Mizuno MVP? Thanks for answering

[@kendradove8527]

should you flare a middle infield glove or just leave it as a straight edge Wilson Baseball / Softball

[@jacobtubergen3061]

Wilson, I have always used a 12" glove for shortstop and I just got a a2000 with superskin. Is this still okay for highschool baseball? Im worried the ball will get stuck but I havent noticed it yet

[@ramzihaddad5993]

does aso suggest putting two fingers in the pinky for middle infield i have seen some pros do that

[@wilsonballgloves]

A2000s have a moderate amount of heel padding. If you’re looking for minimum heel padding check out the A2000 DP15. It has a reduced palm pad at Dustin Pedroia’s request.

[@SuperUKNUMBER1]

Thanks wilson i will do that u make the best gloves and im hoping i can get a A2K

[@jonwilliams134]

I have a 1786 that was partially destroyed. I need to replace the web and get new padding for the thumb area. Is there a way to order replacement parts like this?

[@brandondiaz8292]

Wilson , would the A2000 G5 11.75 be good for a middle infielder or the A2000 OTIF 11.5 .

[@wilsonballgloves]

We’ll upload our Outfielder glove videos tomorrow!

[@ivanhostetler8344]

Hey wilson, where do you recommend the ideal break point to be?

[@wilsonballgloves]

The traditional thumb has been replaced with more of a "harness" int he A2K - try adjusting the thumb harness by untying the knott on the outside of the thumb. This will probably help!

[@prado3058]

Hey wilson for dw5 should I break it in like an infield glove?

[@Pichy]

Hi Wilson, i play 3rd base highschool and just bought a 11 1/4 H web glove is that good for 3rd base?

[@25lopp]

In the outfield glove video Aso said to have 2 fingers in the pinkie slot and the thumb to touch the pinkie when u closed. Should u do that with a middle infielders glove? Can also do a video on how to stretch the glove inside out

[@Toiska36]

You guys should do a DIY adjusting the wrist strap with basic every household tools. I tried to adjust my wrist strap, but couldn't close it properly. Also no glove shops or baseball tools available here in Finland so a video on that would be perfect.

[@Loveemmy7711]

Will you do some of the softball gloves

[@muhammadbaig5075]

wow what a sick glove

[@wilsonballgloves]

Brandon is still breaking in his new glove, and he had a lot of success with Casper during the WBC.

[@mikebartonutube]

Could you please post something about the design of the A2000 OTIF. My son loves the look but as a six-finger trap INFIELD glove it stands out as a potential problem and some shops I have spoken to say to avoid it. I'd like to know more a bout the pros and why Wilson released this glove.

[@shelleyweiskind812]

I have a dp15 and it is amazing

[@hectorjmarmolejos1231]

I want to put my 1786 wrist strap like the dp15 can you make a video on that?

[@CarsonWilliams28]

Will the hot water weigh the glove down? Because im worried if the water will make my new glove heavy. Thanks

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend that you try Aso's hot water technique. Check out his video, "Aso Breaks In Brandon Phillips' Glove," to watch how he does it! Also, try folding your glove inside out and pounding along the base of the fingers. In doing so, the leather and laces will stretch and soften.

[@Blackcat4576]

Got my custom A2000 middle infield glove for my birthday today!

[@reaperrider1]

I would recommend the DW5 or the 1787 depending on what type of 3rd baseman you are. If you have a cannon, go with a bigger glove. If your arm is average or you like a quick transfer, go with the smaller glove. The DW5 is 12" and the 1787 is 11 3/4" so whatever you feel is your style. Try putting them on in the store and see which one you would like the best.

[@MrHecticbro]

Hi Wilson, how do I flare the a2k bw38?

[@isaacsulamo6919]

Just created a custom glove looks great

[@wilsonballgloves]

It comes down to personal preference, as some players are more comfortable with a stiff glove than a worn in glove. If you feel your glove is too worn in, you can bring it to a glove shop and have a professional re-lace it for you. The frequency depends on how often you play with it and how stiff you want the glove to be.

[@austincambas3373]

Yes i used to have a pro perferred and it worked

[@1miguelofilada]

Hey Wilson I subscribed and I was wondering if there would be a specific way to break in a 3rd base glove and if I can use the same technique aso does?

[@Samuelelias18]

ive seen just owner made videos that were great for it.

[@LAbigsnoopac]

Aso is the man!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Hey Johnny, please contact Wilson the same way you did before and ask for an update. Unfortunately, we don’t have access to the customer service information.

[@TheFlyguy1997]

Can you make a vid on how to tighten the el3 web?

[@ryancarne3846]

@wilsonballgloves can you post a video on the redsox a2000 edition

[@TechNFizz]

@wilsonballgloves should i get my wilson 1788 11.25 a2000 all black glove steamed? or should i break it in naturally like aso? and do you think i should apply the wilson prostock glove conditioner?

[@arod8015Beast]

Will you guys get anymore A2000 superskin DW5 soon? I really want one.

[@blackops2isreallybad]

@Wilsonballgloves Can you make a tutorial on tightening the wrist strap please?

[@tot810]

Hey Wilson, I would really use the help to decide what a2000 of yours that I should get. I play third, shortstop and pitch.

[@kylehopkins5631]

I like the a2000 dp15 but I play mostly 3rd base and a little 2nd base. I really like no padding in the heel like the dp15 but im worried if this will be too small for 3rd base, so if I should get the el3 instead.

[@Beantown675]

Does the dp15 have the same palm pad as all the other a2000's? Just the the heel pad is smaller?

[@mtmgaminggg]

would you recommend a A2000 DP15 for a third baseman that also plays shortstop

[@tommytrevino6846]

hey wilson do you think you can give me some tips on breaking in my wilson a2000 dp15 2013 model?? i have had it for about 2 months and it is still very hard and i cant use it in my games and i need to start using it!! please reply!:)

[@tommycroskrey9046]

Hey Wilson I just got an A2000 1786 and i was wondering is there any other tip on breaking in your glove?

[@kidconnor1ify]

hey wilson can you either make a video or explain to me how to tighten the h web on the wiilson a2000 1786 i cant figure it out , thanks

[@XxnickthequikxX]

Hey Wilson I have a pretty small hand but the glove that I'm getting will hopefully last through high school or longer should I still get a showcase or no thnks!

[@gunnarfinneseth9426]

Hey wilson. Is there any difference in leather between the 2010, 2011, or 2012 a2k 1799s?

[@gearkid97]

When will we see the new videos of glove day in training camp??

[@jadegray1205]

This breaking in process can apply for a new wilson a800 and if so can i flare it

[@wilsonballgloves]

Some middle infielders choose to put two fingers in the pinkie, but that should be a personal decision - if it feels right, do it; if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. The way you close the glove is also personal preference. Some players prefer thumb to pinkie while others go pinkie to thumb. Try out a few combinations and go with what feels more comfortable! Thanks for the suggestion on a video about stretching the leather - we’ll pass that along!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Two fingers in the pinky slot is a personal preference, and we see about half of the Wilson Advisory Staff infielders doing it. As far as breaking in your glove, fold your pinky towards your thumb so that the top of the pinky meets the center of the thumb. There are pictures and more information on breaking in a middle infield glove on our Facebook page. Check out the new tab - Break It In!