Breaking in an Outfield Baseball Glove

[@wilsonballgloves]

Both of the gloves use such a high quality of leather that they’ll last for a long time. The A2Ks are built with an even more flawless leather so they should last longer. The key is to take care of your glove - use Wilson Pro Stock Glove Conditioner at the beginning and end of the season, always let your glove air dry, and store it in a breathable place with a ball in the pocket.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Great question! We believe our gloves and mitts are superior because of the materials, patterns and techniques we use when making them. A2000s are made with Pro Stock Leather that comes from American Steerhide - known for its rugged durability and unmatched feel - and chosen because it will perform and outlast other gloves. We also invented Dual-Welting, the thin pieces of leather along the back of the fingers, which provides the most durable pocket and long lasting break in.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We’d be happy to! The biggest differences between the Wilson 1799 and KP92 models are the size and web. The 1799 (12.75") is 1/4" inch longer than the KP92 and features a reinforced Dual Web Post Pattern, which will keep your glove in great condition long after you’ve broken it in. The KP92 is 12.5” and has a Pro Laced T-Web Pattern, which is going to provide solid pocket stability. If you’re looking to get a little extra range, go with the 1799, but you can’t go wrong with either.

[@wilsonballgloves]

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. In general the A2K will arrive a little softer than the A2000, but it is designed to last even longer. More pros choose the A2000, but you’ll see both on MLB diamonds. If you can we suggest you try on both an A2K and A2000 at a local store and choose the one that feels best on your hand.

[@wilsonballgloves]

All A2000 and A2K patterns have been developed by Aso and our Wilson Advisory Staff members, and we continue to refine them year after year so that our gloves are optimized for play on pro fields. Those same gloves are made available to you. What’s most important when choosing your glove is that it feels right, so we encourage you to visit a Wilson dealer near you and try our gloves on. We’re confident that your hands-on experience will seal the deal!

[@matto7810]

Hey @wilsonballgloves I just got my new A2000. O got the outfield model BBELO! It is so nice and i just want to compliment you on your gloves. Thank you for making the greatest gloves in the world

[@wilsonballgloves]

Our most popular OF glove is the KP92 which is 12.5”. Many outfielders choose mits that are between 12” and 12.75” (Ryan Braun uses the RB8 which is 12.75”). Depending on the size of the wiggle ball, this could be a suitable substitute. Any similarly large, round object could stand in place for the softball.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Great question! The answer partially depends on personal preference. We feature a pro-laced T-web on our KP92 and JH32, a dual post web on the RB8/1799, a six finger web on the OT6 and a reinforced single post web on the ELO. The RB8 and the KP92 have been very popular with MLB outfielders, but the OT6 is increasing in popularity. The best glove for you depends on how it feels on your hand, and if the pocket is conducive to your style of play.

[@wilsonballgloves]

The six finger pocket is one of the most ideal webs for outfielders. You can find this web on the 12.75” OT6 and the 11.5” OTIF. This web allows for total control when catching fly balls as well as a deep pocket. Because of the way the six finger web is laced, it allows the glove to form around the ball and give you maximum control and ability to catch every bit of the baseball.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Hi Marshall, both are premium gloves used by pros. The A2K uses our most premium leather and it will break in a little quicker than the A2000 while the A2000 offers a little more feel because it does not have Double Palm Construction. We recommend trying both on to see which feels the best on your hand.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Great news! Thanks for being a member of Team Wilson.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend what feels best for you, Brad. Most of our outfielders do prefer to have two fingers in the pinky stall but some prefer to use a glove more traditionally as well. Chris Young does use two fingers in the pinky stall.

[@wilsonballgloves]

The A2K KP92 has a T-web while the OT6 has a 6-finger web. Both are great options for outfield and used by the pros. We recommend trying them on in the store to see which you prefer.

[@wilsonballgloves]

What are you hoping to achieve with two fingers in the pinky slot? The main benefit of using two fingers in the pinky slot is a deeper pocket, which some players feel more comfortable with - but it’s a personal preference. It also gives you more strength when closing the glove and minimizes sting.

[@wilsonballgloves]

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

[@wilsonballgloves]

The fingers will be the last thing that will break in fully and will help keep your glove’s form strong. To help break this in more, you can stretch the leather in and out (much like a flare) to help loosen it quicker. We do not recommend doing this often though, as it can make your glove “floppy” if you over stretch the fingers.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Unfortunately we do not have a video slated to show how to flare your baseball mitt (yet). We recommend bending the thumb and pinky of your (halfway up on both) out away from the pocket. When you do this, bend in the middle of the thumb and pinky, and not too far up on the glove. You also should avoid over-flaring. You really only need a little flare to open up the glove. Josh Hamilton does a very good job showing how the glove should look when you close it using two fingers in the pinky.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Hey Josh, we recommend using Wilson’s Pro Stock Glove conditioner because it’s easy to control the amount of oil you use. But there’s no need to apply glove conditioner to the SuperSkin -- just use it on the leather portion. For more info, check out our video titled "How To Apply Baseball Glove Conditioner and Oil." Hope this helps!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Many outfielders prefer to use two pinkys in the pinky of the glove to help give them more leverage when closing their mitt. To do this, each finger slides over one slot so that the index finger stall is left empty and the pinky has both your ring and pinky finger inside of it. Wearing your glove this way will allow you to have more control when you close your mitt.

[@wilsonballgloves]

The A2000 and A2K gloves are both made in Japan and Vietnam - production depends on the demand at the time and factory capacity.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Try to pound that out using a mallet or weight with a neoprene cover. Bumps like that can form depending on the techniques used to break in the glove or the way you form the glove.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We don't have any shortcuts to recommend, but if you use the tips Aso recommends, your new a700 will be game ready soon enough!

[@brettline07]

if this helps at all i have had my a2000 1799 outfield glove for about 8 months and i have used 2 fingers in the pinky stall the whole time. the glove feels great and has not had one issue with durability or stretching out too much. the leather on the inside of the glove is beautiful in my hands and the glove spreads out nicely when i am catching the ball. i wont go back to the traditional way again. 2 in the pink is the way to go.

[@wilsonballgloves]

The ideal close point is to have the thumb tip touch between the tip of the ring and pinky. This will help the ball roll into the pocket if it hits the fingers first while making a catch.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Flaring the outsides of your mitt instead of “bowling” them (inwards toward the pocket) will help give your glove a shape that will maximize your time in both the infield and the outfield.

[@VMART4]

Just got my new Wilson a2000 Josh Hamilton model I love it!

[@wilsonballgloves]

If you can we suggest you try on both an A2K and A2000 at a local store and choose the one that feels best on your hand.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Flare should be used on a case-by-case basis - some players prefer the expanded opening that flare yields while others prefer to have the fingers rounded so that a ball hitting the fingers is more likely to roll into the pocket (Josh Hamilton).

[@wilsonballgloves]

Both are made using the same glove patterns, but there are some differences. A2Ks use ProStock Select Leather while A2000s use ProStock Leather. The ProStock Select makes for a softer leather that is easier to break-in but is also more durable. A2Ks have double palm construction, but A2000s do not. This makes it so that A2000s have a little more “feel”, but the double palm construction makes A2Ks more durable.

[@wilsonballgloves]

The A730 comes fairly broken in and shouldn't require any treatment. Using oil on the glove can add weight and break the leather down faster. We recommend our Pro Stock Glove Conditioner when the glove starts to feel dry because it can help preserve the leather.

[@wilsonballgloves]

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. In general the A2K will arrive a little softer than the A2000, but it is designed to last even longer. The A2000 would allow you to choose your colors and personalization while the A2K DW5 is only available in orange tan and jet black. More pros choose the A2000, but you’ll see both on MLB diamonds.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We do not have plans to make custom A2Ks at this time. A2Ks use Pro Stock Select Leather which is the top 5% of our ProStock Leather, and because the amount of leather is limited there would not be enough leather available to offer custom colors in it.

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend, above all else, that you break your glove in how you feel most comfortable using it. Many of our players like to have two fingers in the pinky, while others prefer to use each finger slot. Watch our video “Breaking in a Middle Infield Glove” for more details on how to break in your mitt with a shallow pocket!

[@wilsonballgloves]

Yes, the A2000 CJW works great for outfield as well. However, we do not recommend getting your glove steamed as it could damage the leather and voids your warranty.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Check out the A2K DW5 GM, David Wright's Game Model glove.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Yes it helps a lot! Just don’t leave it like that for too long. Maybe 5 minutes or so then put it back the right way and pound the shape back into it. Pay attention to the palm area because you do not want to stretch the leather too much which can result in wrinkles.

[@TheOverload13]

Hey wilson, i've had my glove for a few months now (a custom ot6) and I love it. The only problem is the fingers are still pretty stiff, and i was wondering if you had any ideas for softening that up a little quicker

[@wilsonballgloves]

Try using Aso’s hot water technique on the pocket then pound the wrinkles out. Let dry then pound again. This should help.

[@belindablock1102]

*man gives aso very stiff glove* Man: hey aso break this in for me Aso:ok I will *aso beats the crap out of the glove* Aso:game ready Man: wow 😳😳😳

[@andrewgriffin1911]

Please do a how to break in a pitchers glove

[@wilsonballgloves]

Andrew Griffin Hi Andrew. We recommend the pounding and hot water technique described by Aso in this video: @watch?v=eYQ5hmuDVUY Although BP is an infielder, we recommend breaking in all of our gloves with this method.

[@nosteponsnek642]

Andrew Griffin I just got my first Clayton Kershaw A2000

[@evanchu479]

yea, I got to customize my A2000......

[@Marylandterpenes831]

That A2K Aso has is the one ! That Orange tan , & Black power stripe! Id customize one just like that! Just my opinion but they shoulda left the logos the way they were.. if it aint broke !

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend the A2K DW5 or A2000 OTIF.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Our glove guru Aso is holding the A2K 1799.

[@H2oFrAnK1]

Hey Wilson. I have a question al Aso. Why is it better to close the thumb between the ring finger and pinky and not just on the little finger? Because I close thumb to pinky on my A2000 RB8 and it's perfect. Easy to close but all the glove stay very stiff

[@arod8015Beast]

Hey wilson, I got a g5 over the summer and I love it. I play mostly infield but if I need to could I get away with using it in left field?

[@wilsonballgloves]

Yes! The G5 is 11.75" while outfield models are typically longer (12.25"-12.75"), but as long as you feel comfortable catching flies with the G5 then you'll be good.

[@wilsonballgloves]

You can tighten up the finger laces regularly. If that doesn’t help take it to your local glove shop and see if they can punch holes and run and extra set of lace through the middle of the fingers to help with this. If you do not have someone local, we recommend the Glove Doctor (glovedoc [dot] com).

[@bradrauman9493]

Al's Wilson, I didnt really understand the part about putting two fingers into the pinkie pocket, can you please go into further explanation for me?

[@bradrauman9493]

Great video Wilson! But I was wondering why on my a2k kp92 that I received yesterday, the thumb hole is so narrow and small and hard to fit my finger into? Please explain

[@wilsonballgloves]

If you’re looking for break-in tips, you can follow this video right here.

[@carepluspmr9264]

OMG!! Aso's glove is so cool combination color. I think that glove color is discontinued. if i do custom made, what color is that exactly? black and.....Vintage tan, Orange tan or blonde? I really really want to buy exactly same one. Would you let me know what is exact color Mr. Wilson ?

[@wilsonballgloves]

CarePlus Pmr Hi. This glove is Orange Tan and Black.

[@carepluspmr9264]

Thank you so much!!!

[@drewmcelvany2]

Is A2K leather ever going to be available for customization in the Custom Glove Shop?

[@Elsanta666]

I have a problem with my glove..the pocket is just how i want but on hard balls or balls with a weird spin the balls tend to spin out of my glove..any tips

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend the A2000 GG47 GM.

[@bbnoreaster15]

you guys should make an outfield moldel thats like the ichiro. i have the ichiro but i dont like mizunos leather and i like your leather

[@Pineapple9621]

Will you guys do an Angels glove Day?

[@cougars109]

I have an a700 and I got it a few day ago and our season is about to start. Have any suggestions on how to break it in faster?

[@jakebetts8926]

Hey Wilson! I am starting highschool summer ball and my coach really wants me playing first during school. I need a new first base mitt, but I was wondering if i should wait. Are there any first base mitts coming in the 2013 glove line?

[@nsbchildrenofthecorn]

just got the a2000 rb8, shes beautiful

[@nelsonespinal5285]

Thanks, the inside out helped !

[@jbcatcher28]

hey wilson does the turning the glove inside out method work for catcher's mitts?

[@brandonko7839]

Should i put 2 fingers in the pinky for my infield 1786 glove? I want a shallow pocket and i don't like the 2 fingers but some of my friends do it.

[@tylervalentino7619]

I have the A2000 JH32 and I love it but I need the wrist strap tightened. How do you tighten it?

[@Mr12greenbay]

I play Third base and the outfield , is there a glove size or type that has a big enough pocket for the out field but still allows me to field a ground ball to third cleanly

[@wilsonballgloves]

We do not recommend steaming your glove, as it could cause damage to the leather. Check out traditional break in methods in Aso's other videos such as the hot water method.

[@hunterwood7086]

My glove is on step 7 of 9 and it say it's like the break in step. But I ordered mine to be pro stiff. So does it just have to go through each step no matter what cause I'm confused on that! But it's almost done!

[@XxnickthequikxX]

Hey Wilson what do u think the best size and web for an outfielder is and for the break in if u don't have a softball would a wiggle ball be good?

[@RJMANFIT]

Alright thanks guys that really helped me a lot! #teamwilson

[@wilsonballgloves]

If you leave your glove inside out for more than two hours the glove may not form properly. Turning it inside out is meant to help stretch the leather fibers, and leaving it that way for a short period of time is all that is necessary.

[@joshuapang4673]

Hey Wilson, My new superskin ot6 just got in. Should I use glove oil? And do you have any specific tips for breaking in a superskin glove?

[@jasoncastro9839]

Can you use Vaseline on your glove as a conditioner because it helps a lot with the cleaning of dirt. Also do u recommend using it on your a2000 leather .Please respond ASAP

[@wilsonballgloves]

We recommend taking it to a local glove shop, or, if there isn't a local option, sending it to the Glove Doc - glovedoc [dot] com

[@Jholt1525]

Another question. I have the A730 just got it a month ago . I have a crease where the A730 is where u close the glove. What does that mean?

[@Jholt1525]

Do you guys relace gloves or any suggestions

[@arod8015Beast]

I got a g5 and I plan on playing mostly infield next season but if need be, would the g5 be able to be used in the outfield?

[@coltonbp]

I have a KP92 and I think the spacing between the fingers tends to go further apart then I would like. Do you have any suggestions to keeping them closer together and not stretching too far apart?

[@ivanhostetler8344]

Hey wilson, I got an a2k kp92 for christmas, and I love it but it's still pretty stiff, I've done the hot water method and that seemed to add more weight. Any thoughts?

[@wilsonballgloves]

Hi Ivan, the best thing to do is to keep playing catch with it. The weight that you felt after doing the hot water method should go away when the glove has fully dried.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Try to check them out at a store so you can decide which feels best on your hand!

[@TheDifferenceLegacy]

Wilson I have a glove of the month April Gerardo Parra, Is this good for Center Field? Thanks

[@Jonesboss]

#parraforpresident

[@Jholt1525]

If you form a crease in the pocket. How long will it take for it to go away?

[@phillydude35]

question, i am considering an 2013 a2k kp92 but I'm siding against because i am unsure about the color. Is the orange more like BRIGHT orange or like light tan? because i dont wanna flashy glove and orange is a tad too much color for me.

[@bradrauman9493]

would you recommend me to use two fingers in the pinky stall on my a2k kp92? also does chris young put two fingers in the pinky stall?

[@wilsonballgloves]

Orange tan is more of an Orioles orange than a tan. It’s the same color that Miguel Cabrera and Evan Longoria used for their on-field gloves this year.

[@hamptonsimmonds7207]

Hey Wilson I have a infield a2000 otif and I use for infield and outfield I just use two in the pinky in the outfield, is that ok

[@benweiss9611]

I'd get a 11.75 if you do that

[@justinrisdall6886]

The glove that Aso is using in this video, is it the same as the September glove of the month???

[@funkycoldmedina26]

Yes he had the a2k 1799 the september glove of the month was an a2000 1799 superskin

[@jasoncastro9839]

How come its really hard to flare the pinky on the jh32 I have one and the pinky and all of the other fingers are really stiff but keep up the great gloves

[@lukespiwak7771]

hey Wilson I have an outfield 0t6 a2k 12.75 and I use it for third base do u think that is good or not

[@wilsonballgloves]

Hi Luke, typically third basemen will use an 11.75" or 12" model, like the A2000 EL3 GM or A2K DW5 GM, for a little more control and not as deep a pocket for quick transfers. The OT6 is a great glove, and as long as you feel comfortable with it at third, then go for it!

[@rpalanati123]

Is there a way I. Can break in a 12 inch gave for both infield and outfield

[@brettline07]

yes take a 15 pound weight and put your hand in your glove, lay it on the ground and pound the hand and glove with the weight over and over again. it will hurt, but your glove will be broken in nicely, then dial 911 with the other hand because your hand will be broken...geesh some people.

[@dbcproductions1296]

Hey Wilson, im looking at buying an A2k outfielders glove but I am stuck on what web to pick. would you prefer the 6-finger web or the T web?

[@wilsonballgloves]

A crease through the center of the pocket of the A730 can be caused by the way you broke it in. Try pounding the crease down using a bat or by throwing a ball in it. If you feel it is harming your glove's performance please send us photos or call us at 800-333-8326

[@belindablock1102]

“So thicc” Best aso quote

[@tec2224]

Are you allowed to use a 13 inch outfield glove in mlb

[@wilsonballgloves]

Timothy coll Hey Timothy. There are no MLB players that use a 13” glove.

[@tec2224]

+Wilson Baseball / Softball wow thanks for the response but are you allowed to or is it just a comfort thing with mlb players

[@benweiss9611]

+Timothy coll comfort

[@b45licey]

+Cant Cutch This 13 inches is the max

[@Jonesboss]

+Wilson Baseball / Softball Bryce Harper does

[@dylanball2377]

can you use these methods for a rawlings pro preferred custom????

[@sortman94]

Hey Wilson (or anyone out there who can help), I bought the A2000 OT6 (white black and red) in November of last year and used it a bit before I ditched it for the RB8, but I wanted to know if there is a speific trick or set of tricks to making a deep pocket on the OT6 model. I used it a ton and threw with it, pounded the pocket relentlessly, turned it inside out and even loosened the laces a tad to try to stretch the fingers out a bit and create a bigger pocket. I still have it and use it a bit, but when I catch the ball it doesn't feel like it's secure in my glove like it does with say my RB8 model and even an A700 I used the previous year. I'm no beginner when it comes to baseball and I have a specific way of breaking gloves in as well as throwing multiple times weekly, but for whatever reason, my OT6 just feels awkward. Hopefully someone will take the time to read this and give me feedback. Much appreciated.

[@wilsonballgloves]

Hi Rob, send your glove into our Wilson HQ so one of our glove experts can help you out: Wilson Sporting Goods Attn: Ryan Smith 8750 W. Bryn Mawr Ave Chicago, IL 60631

[@GRILLZnPILLZ]

And the thumb doesn't close in the middle of the pinky or ring finger any help with that too.

[@markamd1]

Picked up a few A2000 gloves to day, holly crap they are stiff, but a good sign of quality leather

[@ballinsicknasty]

what is your take on flare in outfield gloves?

[@Jholt1525]

I have a A730 should I use oil I just got it 1 month ago

[@tosivlogs175]

could u do this with rawlings

[@RJMANFIT]

Heyy Wilson i cant decide whether to get the 1799 model or the KP92 model can you guys help me?