Glove Guru Aso: How To Break In A Baseball Glove

Wilson's Glove Guru, Shigeaki Aso, breaks in baseball gloves for the MLB's biggest stars. Watch as he takes us through the steps of breaking in a brand new Wilson glove or you can shop here: www.justballgloves.com/produc...
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[@RaymondHamby]

This guy breaks in pretty much all major league players gloves, I think he knows what he is doing!

[@gusbusphd8051]

Raymond Hamby absolutely!!!

[@broadwaynerd341]

Raymond Hamby But if he's in the market for some professional advice, he needs to listen to Dear Evan Hansen

[@kleffner123456]

I can’t believe any player little league to the big leagues would allow someone to break there glove in for them. A glove is a personal thing & should be crafted with absolute love. I do understand that some players do have the luxury of time to do that.

[@nationalsworldserieschampi5179]

You don’t put water on gloves tho

[@brananaman3458]

Mark Kleffner Because in the big leagues they get gloves every month or two so sometimes they don’t have time to break in there own glove

[@weyandt14]

This is the lead glove designer and maker at Wilson. He had made and designed most of Wilson's best gloves. He had been there basically forever. You may not like the water method, but for those of you who says he doen't know what he is doing are crazy. He has broken in more gloves for Allstars in MLB than you will ever break in a lifetime.

[@sigbrotum2191]

Ghjklpoiuy bet

[@hunglomein8047]

Probably has broken in more gloves than all the people on this comment thread combined have broken in over there lives.

[@ColdHawk]

If one doubts that this man is proficient at what he is explaining, simply watch the muscles in his left forearm while he talks.

[@thatwsfanboy7148]

I have enjoyed watching this man savagely beat a piece of leather with a mallet.

[@deadtreewithinternet4652]

Lmao

[@erichaynes4448]

Satisfying

[@risingsunofjapan]

He does it the hard way because it's the right way 😉. Keep the grit and follow through

[@TheApoke]

But no rubber bands, mattress, or shaving cream?

[@BlaBlaBlaSanta1]

TheApoke lol this is amazing

[@user-tl2ep9nd2o]

@@TheApoke those are all the worst ways to break in gloves

[@chickennugget0589]

@@user-tl2ep9nd2o not really

[@onixytpubg1671]

@@chickennugget0589 yes really it will loose its form so fucking fast it wont be funny

[@CristiNeagu]

What i usually do is soften it up with some hot water, then hit it for a bit, to tenderize it. Then you just keep it simple, with some salt and pepper. You then take a normal oven tray, lay down a bed of vegetables, put the glove on top, then fill it up with stock until it just touches the glove. Pop it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees, leave it until golden brown and crispy. Serves 4. Sorry... i could resist making the joke.

[@JustGloves]

Salt and Pepper is key!

[@jefsil8565]

Yummm!

[@MR-hx9nv]

This is awesome, made my day

[@Marcidius]

AAAAAHHAHAHAHAHA! You have me laughing out loud.... awesome!

[@breezyjr]

I wonder how many people didn't see the joke part and thought... yeah, that sounds legit... lol

[@briantippets]

Do people realize this isn't just a random guy? He's a renowned glove craftsman. I'd be way more apt to listen to him than any of you on this particular topic. No offense. If this method doesn't work, you're probably doing it wrong.

[@jordongreen3896]

Yeah he breaks in gloves for the pros, he knows what he's doing

[@briantippets]

+Jordon Green Yep. It's just funny how people comment like they know more. I shouldn't care. I know these comment sections are always full of morons, but sometimes I have to say something. Not that it does anything either. When you witness enough stupidity though you have to vent a little sometimes, for your own sake. Haha.

[@sterlinghousewashpressurew9594]

Exactly

[@dfighternelams6387]

Brian Tippets couldn’t agree more!! Don’t you just hate when people make fun of something they know nothing about? Their method is probably something that would destroy a glove

[@poopyscoopy503]

He makes gloves for WILSON BASEBALL

[@echochambers8418]

Jeez,where was KZbin 20years ago when I was tying my glove with a ball in side and throwing it under my mattress for a week???

[@TheTerminator1919]

Haha same

[@mandarian87]

Did it work?

[@TheTerminator1919]

@@mandarian87 yes but a slower process

[@OptimusPhillip]

Was there shaving cream involved?

[@wakawaka1976]

That never did ...nothing for me. Never felt like I ever broke a glove in all the way.

[@gwdbaseball17]

Did this break in method step by step yesterday on my A2000, worked great! No damage to leather

[@JanoyCresva]

People act like water ruins gloves. Does water ruin your skin? Ok yeah if you are an idiot about it. But just use your brain. Dry it off and you're good.

[@leilaniahmu7208]

Did the water damage anything?

[@bradschneider82]

@@leilaniahmu7208 Water will only damage the glove if you don't dry it.

[@ColdHawk]

Aso-sama is the ultimate, perfected manifestation of the “baseball dad,” working on a child’s glove to get it ready for the first practice. Thank you for this video.

[@funkdified1]

I love how ignoramuses in the comments think they know better than the Japanese baseball glove master craftsman who's been making, designing, and breaking in baseball gloves longer than a lot of us have been alive. But really, keep telling us how you think you know better. Its entertaining.

[@iandonahue9661]

I agree!

[@ThrowLeather]

Right on Brother! More than one way to skin a cat.

[@jamielawrenceiii9333]

Aso San is Riley amazing, I respect what he does.

[@jamielawrenceiii9333]

Truly

[@DoesMahBlockLookBig]

Ignoramuses. I just learned I new word. Thanks

[@michaelkirby7139]

Connor was really lucky to have a dad who cared so much about taking care of stuff

[@wepeea7181]

Shaving cream, rubber bands, repeat.

[@natyx24]

@@wepeea7181 don't forget the mattress!

[@bronx15_82]

Aso didn't break in my glove, but I have a new Rawlings first basemen glove and I used his techniques to break it in and within like 15 min or so I noticed a huge difference.

[@alvocado4861]

I like how people r saying how water is not good or don't want to do it when the guy who makes the glove does it

[@anarchyseeds4406]

guy who make car don’t fix car

[@michaelj5463]

I did a new Rawlings HOH first baseman's mitt today using Aso's techniques, and it vastly improved the hinge and general ability to close on the ball. It was made game ready. BUT to get that last 10% like you want, I relaced the wrist strap looser and went easy on the square knot tugging there, and man what a difference in ease of closure---like a lobster's claw lol! YMMV

[@87KNOTSaka100MPH]

Best glove break in video ever. I have broken in 4 gloves with this method and they all are great for baseball. Thank you for this video!!!

[@JustGloves]

Love to hear that! Let us know if you have any questions in the future!

[@gldnedge]

This is expert advice that transcends old school myths. Thank you Shigeaki Aso!

[@williamthegreat87]

This beat off method was helpful in other parts of my life....

[@ethanarrington7836]

This is literally 4 mins of great info that really helps.

[@hunterfrancis4379]

I've always liked using glove oil it does take way longer to brake in but with light brown leather on gloves it makes it a nice dark tone

[@Blondebombshell87]

It’s the hard way but it’s the right way

[@unnaturaldisaster9093]

I was looking for this

[@TylerGrossDrums]

First let's clear some stuff up... This guy breaks in gloves for professional players.. These professional players go through 2-3 gloves a season... So they need gloves that break in fast. For us common people we do not get gloves for free so we prefer them to last as long as possible. This method breaks in gloves as fast as possible but will in fact shorten the life of the glove. For the longevity of the glove play some catch and use a little oil when necessary. (Don't over oil as this will damage the glove as well.) If you need a quick break in then this is the best way to do it.

[@chrisames9851]

+Tyler Gross True. You can use his method on spots where you need your glove to break in quickly (like the heel) and skip it everywhere else for more longevity.

[@migs6455]

They don’t go thru 2-3 gloves a season. Most have a fully broken in gamer and a practice glove they’re in the process of breaking in.

[@dmendro]

@@migs6455 This is correct. Usually last years gamer is this years backup.

[@zayneunknown493]

Dan Mendro i think kershaw uses a gamer that about 10 years old

[@Nd0Gloves]

This technique works really well I appreciate ASO for sharing this great technique I do it to all of my new gloves or even old gloves that need new life!

[@connect_aquad1683]

When are you gonna post again

[@baseballdaddy1335]

Thank you for sharing this info! Great video.

[@brucekatsumata5808]

I've used this basically method on my A2000 and HOH's way back in the 1970's. I did add a little mink oil to the still damp glove so when the water drys the oil take care of any "drying" issues. Remember, you only do this process once then it's play catch with it until it finally gets to be exactly how you like it. Wonder if anyone knows if Wilson for their A2000's and Rawlings HOH's use the same kind of leather and "stuffing" as they did in the 70's ?

[@911247666]

satisfying to watch

[@moefritz6225]

Thank you glove master, Great video!

[@izzylinc4800]

It takes a little patience It takes a little time A little perseverance And a little uphill climb

[@DannieRaye1386]

Yassssss

[@DannieRaye1386]

ITS THE HARD WAY BUT ITS THE RIGHT WAYYY

[@kaotics9391]

YOU MIGHT NOT THINK IT'S WORTH IT YOU MIGHT BEGIN TO DOUBT BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE ANY SHORTCUTS

[@DannieRaye1386]

@@kaotics9391 YOU GOTTA STICK IT OUT!

[@liorana3366]

​@@DannieRaye1386 AND IT'S THE HARD WAY BUT IT'S THE RIIIGHT WAAYY THE RIIIGHT WAAAYY

[@konaice2803]

This guy is amazing.

[@franky5angels65]

As a kid we used to put a ball in the glove, then put it under your bed mattress for a week to get the shape. I remember instead of water we would use oil so it didn’t dry out the leather. I guess this way works too. Lol!

[@DimJongUn]

I've noticed there aren't too many comments from a year ago, but I'm sure a ton of people will be looking at this again this year. Thank God baseball is back and covid is (hopefully) on the way out.

[@JustGloves]

Thank you for the comment! Yes, we hope that COVID is on the way out as well!

[@diegofoster9536]

@@JustGloves hey so I idk if I want to do this with water but can I do it without the water

[@JustGloves]

@@diegofoster9536 Thank you for the question! Yes, you can certainly use the methods he suggests, but skip the water part. The best way to break in a glove without running the risk of compromising the leather is to just use the glove as much as possible (playing catch, playing in games, etc...). As well, you can supplement that use by using Aso's mallet methods that he demonstrates in this video.

[@jamesprisby4005]

He is showing the best way to break in a glove more quickly than traditional methods. Keep in mind that he is breaking gloves for professionals that are getting gloves for free and don't need to worry about longevity. These are great gloves, that if they get broken in with oil and taken care of, they will last decades. It all depends on your priority. Regardless of method, play lots of catch, preferable hard throwing or pitching, and the glove with work itself out over time. The best results come with patience.

[@andrewgjennings]

This is the recommended method by Wilson. They recommend this for anyone who is amateur or pro. No steam or heat treatments allowed.

[@jmveee]

as if this method will make them fall apart. they're not made of tissue paper

[@zeeboy-qe1dl]

this guy rocks!

[@JoshRothsteinFilm]

Thank you very helpful

[@johnm1901]

Great Video. Aso is a craftsman!

[@lawnmower5155]

People are complaining about this method but this guy is the founder of Wilson!! He knows what he’s doing. You guys that it didn’t work for obviously did it wrong

[@anarchyseeds4406]

pretty sure wilson founded wilson

[@MichaelBenninger]

Very good video thank you.

[@MacguffinsTV]

I love this guy and even though I just spent on a custom glove, I want one signed by him!

[@JustGloves]

A Wilson glove with an Aso signature would be an awesome thing to own! Aso is the man!

[@Max-zs7di]

And its the harrrd way but its the right way

[@sosig2344]

im glad

[@jadiandangie381]

The right waaaaaaayyyyy *to break in a glove*

[@rudyrod10]

Just found this video today to help with softball girls who got new gloves for their season which started Monday so definitely going to be using this method so I can get my glove back lol

[@JustGloves]

Hah! Sounds good. Just make sure you are very careful when using the hot water method!

[@autoinsider604]

Aso is THE MAN!

[@paintballtechpb]

I just broke in a $150 15" Miken Softball Glove this way... worked amazing and definitely got the glove started the right way towards a property break in. Love this guy, wish he had a KZbin channel of him just breaking in gloves :-)

[@bigluth17]

Great video

[@GlubisRomero]

Love aso!

[@TheFrenchPug]

There are many methods but to get a glove as close to game ready as possible, hot steam or hot water really helps on premium leather gloves. Mizuno use to break them in for us on the spot like that in Spring Training if requested. I've seen some crazy methods but this is pretty good.

[@GreenBaySoftball]

Steaming is temporary. Especially on the spot steaming. By the time you get down the road, the glove is itching back to the stiff status from when you bought it 30 min prior.

[@andrewgjennings]

Steaming or ovens will void the warranty - it's explicitly stated on Wilson's gloves. Further, Wilson explicitly recommends exactly this method.

[@kathleenf1801]

THANK U. ASO

[@jdog4005]

Wow that was great

[@YouGoPro]

1.1 million views 😱 I’ve got to make a new how to break in a glove video!

[@TheMikestastny]

I know he is the master, but I am so anxious that he is going to crush a thumb or finger during the video. Haha. Love the video and will try this on a new glove this weekend.

[@JustGloves]

Thanks for the comment. Let us know if you have any questions in the future.

[@dafabulus1694]

Some people say just use a microwave Or try that run it through hot water technique Well, they can gloat about the time they saved 'Til they gotta buy another glove next week

[@unnaturaldisaster9093]

It's the hard way but it's the right way

[@ethanluttrell]

I’ll have to try this out, usually i put a ball in the pocket, wrap it up tight like a burrito and leave it in the car for a few days in the summer time, gets hot as an oven in there and when i pull it out it perfect for me, add a little leather conditioner and there we go

[@mikethegodson4250]

Genius!!!

[@legionnameless1290]

Arigato Sensei , it's useful

[@javierescobar3570]

I used this method for 3 gloves now (Wilson, Rawlings, And Louisville Slugger) And they all broke in perfectly. Only one that looked weird though was the Rawlings Heart of the Hide glove. There were some small ripples on the finger side on the top of the glove. But nothing to freak out about. The pockets and flexibility was awesome

[@_Moto215]

@Nathaniel Jordan I got my son a Rawlings that is red white and navy. After wetting and hitting it with a mallet though the blue dyes stained the white leather strings. That kinda sucks but I guess it's all part of the experience.

[@owenmolloy42]

I am about to do my sons for the season, same brand. How long did you work the mitt? Did you need to repeat using the hot water during the process?

[@thatwsfanboy7148]

I know people are really skeptical about the water treatment, but I promise if you do it exactly like he says it WILL NOT damage the leather. It is important to note that you shouldn't do this more than once as it could weigh down the glove when done too often.

[@brianlee4016]

Kinda crazy to think that this is my childhood friends dad. Never really knew how famous he is. Kinda just got me some Wilson products anytime I would go over to my friends house.

[@andykorb655]

Cap

[@dedes9944]

I just watched a fucking beauty beat the living shit out of a baseball glove for 4 minutes and I've never been more entertained

[@JediFight]

Perfect. I have been breaking in gloves my entire life, and he is dead on with this method. I would only follow it up with a very heavy oiling with neatsfoot oil. Rub the oil on and into the glove, don't soak glove in the oil.

[@thewhitt9215]

***** he says in the video 150-160 degrees

[@iandonahue9661]

***** 150 fahrenheit

[@jordenlafortune1811]

JediFight why the oil

[@billyc7238]

Don't use oil, it'll make the glove heavy. Use saddle soap.

[@migs6455]

Lexoil

[@angeliawilganowski1110]

That was nice of Jose Altuve to let Mr Aso borrow his bat.

[@24Daveo24]

Any ball player would pay this guy to break in a new glove. He does in 4 minutes, takes me a week of non stop catch

[@Harmander69]

Where are all these comments saying that this guy doesn't know what he's doing? Chill dudes. Why do people love getting mad? Chill

[@jacobsakulsky114]

itstime toparty swear im looking for the hate comments but can’t find any

[@uboii]

That’s what I’m saying😂😂

[@raimeramirez1538]

Awsome !

[@Masterhunter7373]

Satisfied

[@davidmagruder3361]

I wonder what the pad is like he has underneath. Like, how soft is it? Anyone know? Like wrestling mat soft or more firm like a rubber mat like you’d use at a hitting station?

[@NextLevelNugz]

Yes sir!

[@SuperheroActionTV]

THANKS A LOT

[@JustGloves]

You're welcome! Please let us know if there is anything else that we may do to help. Have a great day!

[@broadwaynerd341]

Some people say just use a microwave, or try the "run it through hot water technique " Tbh this is the only reason I clicked on this video

[@DannieRaye1386]

They can brag about all the time they saved until they gotta buy another one next week.

[@regine587]

Mike & Danielle Lawson It takes a little patience it takes a little time

[@adrenaline4981]

It’s the hard way, but it’s the right way,

[@Loveleighies]

The right way... to break in a glove

[@thejonielmorelshowhdmorel358]

muy bien

[@davidbarnes4742]

I have an older glove that i use when i occasionally play outfield. I way over oiled it a long time ago and its heavy. Any way to reverse this and get some of that oil out?????

[@billyc7238]

no, use saddle soap next time

[@CarolinBomber]

Anyone know what that club thing with the round end is called and where I can find one?

[@youcanthandlethetruth6976]

It's a great method. But anyone who owns a firearm, should know about ballistol. It's a German natural mix of mineral oil and other natural ingredients, but it works for leathers and especially breaking in gloves. I slather up my glove with ballistol and let it soak in a few days and then start working it. Best method I have ever used.

[@JustGloves]

I have never heard of that before! Nothing I love more than hearing about a new method or tool for breaking in a glove. Hoping to put in some time to research Ballistol!

[@user-oy3xl7zb7f]

Also, you need to have the forearms of a Greek god. This guy is yoked

[@jasondunbar3667]

Is there any things that should be done differently when breaking in a softball glove? 10u softball

[@jayhickey5246]

I've used a few different methods over the years and I can say that if you have a glove that's being a little stubborn this method works, that being said it's all about glove quality and quality of material, if you buy a cheap glove your glove will be made from very low quality hide or synthetic material. generally the more expensive the glove the better the material.

[@realBaseball5]

He's awsome.

[@qwikrick9934]

I put a softball in my oiled globe and parked my rear tire on it overnight, perfect break in method

[@dfighternelams6387]

Do you also use any type of leather conditioner? The water seems to bead when you pour it onto the mitt. I’ve used this method for 2 of my sons gloves successfully. I just purchased an A800 for him,I’ll be using this method as soon as it comes in. What about Nokona glove conditioner? Yes/No? I appreciate any opinions You wanna leave

[@JustGloves]

We don't recommend using any condition while breaking in the glove. However, we do recommend using conditioner every now and then once the glove has been used. Please let us know if you have any questions!

[@jdubzz126]

Goat

[@jackoconnell5524]

Does this work for all gloves or just all-leather gloves?

[@sjang816]

after pounding a black glove my mizuno mallet is stained dark so if I pound a blonde or camel glove its gonna turn dark. is there anyway around that?

[@13ranzz]

In Japan, they use this method. But they fill the bucket in hot water and completely submerge the glove. With a similar process afterwards. But the real way to do it, is submerge the glove in hot water for 10 secs.

[@JustGloves]

Thanks for the comment! We have heard about submerging the glove as well. We have found that if a method gets a glove broken in, you make plays with it and your satisfied with the amount of time that spanned before it wears down...then you broke it in correctly!

[@bdgaming5363]

I wish he would come to northCarolina

[@Coachlen24]

First thing i thought was.... damn he's putting water on the glove.... then i remembered all the hundreds of baseball games i played in the rain with my glove on... haha

[@clintroot9271]

Hey I broke in my glove wrong and what do I do to fix it if I can

[@MichaelBenninger]

I know I am a late comer . I just read some of the comments thank you for sharing.

[@JustGloves]

Glad that this video could help you out! Let us know if you have questions!

[@larrytarnowski3]

As Bob Ross would say, "beat the devil out of it " I'm used to putting oil in the glove, put a ball in the pocket, and bind it for a period

[@ShawnaGraham50]

Master

[@nicksychowski]

If u want to use the water treatment go to Dick's sporting goods its about $25 they put it in a steam box for 10-15 min and beat it with a mallet. I've done this every time with my gloves and works great.

[@joesarks]

cool

[@maxchristofferson]

@ Brad Cook that's what I'm saying

[@tylerkingseed6084]

I’m glad I found this for my son when he starts playing lol. My grandpa and me used some type of warm oil and stretched it out and smash it then had something heavy on it over night. It turned out awesome. But this way seems better

[@JustGloves]

Thank you for the comment! Glad to hear that you enjoyed the video. Breaking in a glove is a great experience to share with your son or daughter! Let us know if you need any assistance!

[@yujieyi]

I just smashed my thumb into pulps doing what he did.

[@wayne4386]

yujieyi he said watch your fingers Duh!!!

[@cansecoquinones9510]

Me gusta esto

[@Baseballbros1333]

Do all your gloves have asos signature

[@sjang816]

aso could be pounding a flank steak and I'd watch, be entertained, learn something new and subscribe

[@scruffyaviation6634]

Short answer, give it to the bullpen catcher.

[@dubiousjesse]

Do you need to use both mallets? Or can I just buy the ball mallet? Did he mention anything about putting oil on the mitt after? I have a new a2000 that definitely needs to be broken in.

[@JustGloves]

Thanks for the questions. If you plan on using a mallet to break in a glove, there is no 100% accurate and undisputed method to use. You can use 1 or 2 mallets. Whichever you prefer! From watching a few videos of Aso breaking in gloves and then also speaking with a member of the glove team at Wilson, I don't believe that Wilson recommends adding oil on a glove until the leather truly begins to show signs of drying out.

[@dubiousjesse]

@@JustGloves thanks

[@gohansawyer3907]

He's killin the thing

[@dankelly1426]

Heat up more water and just put the glove in the bucket for a few seconds. I also turn the glove inside out which makes it easier to pound the gloves inside as well as stretching the glove at the same time. Glove master?

[@ShinyHunter-mc3ji]

What if your glove has some soft fur or somethinf soft in it that feels like fur?

[@DragonSlayer-pq4rs]

Is it bad if I try and get my a2000 to be loose? I have the CC1 model and the ball pops out of the glove sometimes and I think it's because it's not broken in all the way but I'm not sure never owned an a2000 before

[@JustGloves]

That's not bad at all. Breaking in a glove ultimately comes down to what feels most comfortable for you. You can check out our tips and tricks for how to properly break in a glove here: www.justballgloves.com/glove-resource-guide/breaking-in-a-glove/

[@DragonSlayer-pq4rs]

JustBallGloves Thank you for the feedback!

[@julianenriquez9185]

How much or where can i get that glove the man is holding? @JustBallGloves

[@JustGloves]

Unfortunately, the all black glove that Aso has in this video is discontinued. But, you can shop all the Wilson A2000 SuperSkin gloves with free shipping every day at: www.justballgloves.com/products/series~a2000%20superskin/

[@presenttruth735]

QUESTION: this one is for all the Wilson glove collectors... what is the best way to store a glove while it is not in use? i have heard that anything from 12" and under is best to keep it standing on its thumb and pinky opened with no baseball's inside so that it may keep a nice open bowl shaped stance and anything from 12.25 and up, it is best to.. some say keep multiple baseball's inside, some say only one baseball inside, some say a softball inside, some say wrap a belt or rubber band around it. Are these things so ? if so.. what about for catchers and first base mitts ? please help...