How to Break in a Baseball Glove According to Position

Learn how to break in a baseball glove so that the pocket depth and shape fits the position you play - infield, outfield or pitcher - and how finger placement in the finger stalls is so important.
📣 My Books, Social Media, Shop, Courses & More 👉linktr.ee/danb...
🌵My Comic Strip, Low Desert: 👉 / lowdesertleague
✅ Support the channel on Patreon: / coachdanblewett
❤️ LOVE THROWING, My Free Program: danblewett.com...
🚨New to Baseball? Free Cheat Sheet: danblewett.com...
📬 Email me a question 👉 danblewett.com...
💪 My baseball strength program 👉 earlyworktrain...

[@motopaulo]

Thank you for this explainer. You do a good job describing deep vs. shallow pocket benefits!

[@deepzone31]

Good video. There's a tricky period where young players in that 9-11 age range are non-specialized and not committed enough to have multiple gloves. Travel ball and early high school play is kind of the point now where these things matter. For players in the zone before that I prefer to counsel the traditional finger positioning as most of these kids play some level of infield. There are also some infielders who like the 2 in the pinky finger shift. In many cases that is 3B though for more forgiveness on missiles pulled by RHB. Ball Glove King is a good channel for discussing break in methodologies for different positions and different theories behind the alternatives.

[@paulhunsicker4271]

Interestingly, I used to run 2 fingers in the ring finger slot. I played mostly SS and 3rd base back in the day but it's also what felt comfortable to me. Now, as an amateur coach for my 11 year old and a different glove that I bought as an adult, I use all the finger slots and my index finger on top. Still broke it in like an infielder though. That may be subconscious, or it could have just been the way the glove naturally wanted to squeeze.

[@Krebstar100]

I ran 2 in the pinky most of my playing career, especially on first base. I always preferred a deeper pocket regardless of position for some reason.

[@timking2600]

Thank you for another informative, helpful, easy-to-understand video. Your content is consistently top notch and IMO you are the best online resource for youth baseball.

[@DanBlewett]

Thank you Tim!

[@drakewrobleski7303]

As an outfielder I put my fingers how you explained but thought nothing of it or why I did it just felt right 😂

[@MicahvanDuijvendijk]

They used to make center hinge gloves to achieve the thumb to pinky closure style (without 2 in the pinky) but I don’t know of any that make them today…maybe Glovesmith. Everything nowadays is pinky side hinge like the glove in the video. I’m not sure why they don’t make them anymore as it seems that it would be a benefit for outfielders.

[@rgr4475]

Very interesting. I'm 47 now and breaking in a new Nokona outfielder glove. I haven't played in about 10 years and started missing it. I played in college and men's leagues into my late 30's. I never heard about the 2 in the pinky method of wearing your glove. It's definitely easier on my 47 y/o hand that has arthritis from being a catcher my whole life but it feels so weird as I wore my gloves the same way for 40+ years. Haven't had a catch with the glove yet but I'm going to try that method and see how it feels. Good video, thanks!

[@DanBlewett]

That’s great! Glad it helped

[@rns2222]

Great, clear, visual description. Thank you.

[@manyogurt4645]

This was a lot of unexpected super useful information. Haven't played in a long time, about to hit the field again. The infield/outfield info was great.

[@DanBlewett]

Glad it helped!

[@BarberJune]

Great video I learned a lot 💪🏽

[@Marylandterpenes831]

Goes in depth with it , there’s a lot of videos about this all the same but without elaborating Olin why and how go get that right form I play infield 2 in the pinky , it’s about preference really I get better grip and I use 11.25so it plays pretty much like a 11.5 I have small hands

[@mickyatwater7550]

Great vid Mr. Blewett!

[@DanBlewett]

Thanks!

[@Jerry-rd9my]

Excellent video!

[@paulhunsicker4271]

I'm NGL I've never heard any of this before and makes perfect sense. Great explanation and something I will consider as I'm planning to buy a infielders A2000 for my 11U player. He also pitches, but I feel like at this level a specific pitchers glove is not relevant or necessary.

[@DanBlewett]

he doesnt need a pitchers' glove, and doesnt need an A2000 at that age, either - I'd save your money and buy something in the $120-$200 range; A2000 will be harder to break in and 10 year olds don't need gloves of that caliber. It's just a luxury.

[@MAGICHYPOTHESIS]

Wow I never knew that I was playing 3 base with two in the pinky 😂 Now I know how to put my finger properly thank you

[@PeterD-ol2tz]

Nah keep it how you like

[@milobusinger6940]

Could you make a video about what muscles I should be working out for pitching and what muscles for hitting?

[@PeterD-ol2tz]

Legs

[@McNugget23-r2q]

Ya believe it or not the stronger your legs get, the easier everything gets

[@KellyGordonUSA]

Thank you! I had no idea about this!

[@McNugget23-r2q]

Great video but do you know how players that play every position should break theirs in?

[@phdyoutubedegree1939]

so i got a rawlings with the fingershift pattern. the pointer finger slot is actually closed off. You are forced to put 2 in the pinky. I put the finger pad on the middle finger since your are shifting the fingers.

[@aschmidty11]

Typically I play outfield for softball and go two in the pinky. So having 1 finger in each stall feels so foreign to me now. So with my infield glove, I just went with an 11.75 glove so that two in the pinky stall still gives a good shallow pocket on my glove and I can still get a hold on a 12" softball.

[@tw7554]

Another awesome video. Apparently, I'm the last to learn this. Both sons use your exact finger placement, and they play multiple positions (high school and college). Keep up the great job, enjoy your work.

[@DanBlewett]

thanks for the comment - there's lots of little nuanced things like this in the game that I just wanted to share!

[@isaacshults5421]

@@DanBlewetti have a pitchers glove does it matter how i break in my glove?

[@JoeShootsHeScores]

What about first basemen’s mitts?

[@ZekeDad.A.legend]

Can you do a video for catchers mitts?

[@DanBlewett]

I don’t have the expertise there

[@nickdemko256]

Good info. Thanks.

[@DanBlewett]

You bet

[@Nobody2day553]

I've been throwing baseball for 30 years... I could never put two fingers in the pinky slot.... it's just way too hard to close the glove that way for me

[@uriahc_hawks3211]

As a third baseman who is breaking in new glove, should I make it go thumb to pinky? And if so how do I make it do that?

[@DanBlewett]

probably. aside from this video i dont have any instructions to give you

[@13ranzz]

Third baseman you wouldn't want to go thumb to pinky. That's for outfielders. Go thumb to ring or middle.

[@uriahc_hawks3211]

@@13ranzz okay thank you!

[@claskie36]

@@13ranzz I have tried to break it in that way but it just will not close anything but thumb to pinky

[@kingjakers4917]

How to you get it glove to pinky for outfield i can’t do it

[@JoseSalazar-yx3vz]

Could you PLEASE go over a catchers mitt break down !!! Thank you

[@DanBlewett]

I dont really have much to say about catchers mitts...sorry! Wish I did but it's not my area of expertise

[@wahoohroads]

Great video. Concise and with good examples. The way you describe glove closure for IF gloves as thumb-to-middle finger makes sense and is what I have always done and seen from pros. I'm a bit confused though that when I go on the Rawlings custom glove builder and start building an infield glove (PRO204, 11.5"...one of the most common styles for MLB middle IF), the glove description says that it closes thumb to ring/pinky. I've never seen an infielder close their glove that way. Does this surprise you and would there be any concern of breaking in this glove thumb-to middle vs. thumb-to-ring/pinky as Rawlings says, like grounders popping out, etc?

[@7P9G]

awesome video on the gloves

[@DanBlewett]

thanks! I love my glove so much, good to spend quality time with him on camera

[@stevel6220]

Can utility players get by with a single glove and go standard when playing infield and two-in-the-pinky when playing outfield? Would having two hinge points make the glove too floppy?

[@DanBlewett]

It probably wouldn’t work well and make the overall glove’s breakin floppy and weird. And I don’t recommend any player plays the outfield without a real outfield glove. It makes a huge difference. It’s really a worthwhile purchase if you can fit it into your budget (even look for a used one).

[@phdyoutubedegree1939]

Now for someone who will be playing outfield and 3rd base. Would you say i should have it close on the ring finger? a bit of both worlds.

[@DanBlewett]

thats probably a good middle ground

[@patty.dishinikaashoon]

Hey Dan just came across your video and I follow completely, but one question I have and gotten many answers, should I use hot water or any water at all when breaking in my glove? Is it safe, does it take life away from the glove? Or should I just use mallet work, some conditioner and play catch? Thank you!

[@DanBlewett]

hot water does not hurt the glove, no. it does help a lot in the break-in. playing catch is still the #1 thing.

[@patty.dishinikaashoon]

Thank you! Much appreciated!

[@Aunertheegreat]

This is just a preference thing honestly. All my college infield teammates use two in the pinky and close pinky to thumb.

[@DanBlewett]

of course it's personal preference, but most infielders i've played with at the pro level do not close pinky to thumb - thats rare.

[@13ranzz]

Any high level competitive players and especially in Japan (where the best gloves and fielders are imo) all use the style in which he described in this video. They will never use 2 in the pinky or close thumb to pinky for infield.

[@ThunderMcc2]

So I play Outfield and got an Outfield Glove around 3 Years ago. I broke it in wrong because I didn’t know there were certain ways you were supposed to Break it in. Basically in a 2 in the Pink situation the Thumbs goes to the Ring/Middle placement so the Pockets Really Small. Any tips to Rebreak it in or do I need to buy a new glove.

[@walkerwaldo672]

If it is already broken you you should be perfectly fine putting your ring and pinky in the pinky stall and your middle finger in the ring finger stall then your index/pointer finger in the middle finger stall. Thumb stays in the stay spot always. When you go to close your glove rlly think about squeezing just your thumb to your ring and pinky finger, you should see a difference

[@mickyatwater7550]

Hy Mr. Blewett! What do you think about structuring strength training sessions around baseball training/games? Let's say having an upper body workout on Monday before training on Monday from 6-8 ... And then having a day or two off from weightlifting? Thank you! Keep up the great work!!

[@DanBlewett]

I have videos on in season training. Search for them

[@mickyatwater7550]

@@DanBlewett Will do! Thank you very much!!

[@Reddgonald]

As a outfielder I can only get a thumb to ring close how can I get the proper glove, I use two in the pinky and it helps but not enough

[@jofar]

Can you make a video about exercises that target how to be more explosive in pitching please?

[@DanBlewett]

I’ll consider it

[@jofar]

@@DanBlewett thank you

[@IamTonyCashCOD]

What about 3rb does it matter that the pocket is deep? Isn't a deep pocket needed for hot shots and specifically back hands

[@DanBlewett]

i think its just your preference but yes a deeper pocket is without being too deep seems to be the move

[@nuclearuppercuts909]

Love your videos

[@DanBlewett]

thank you!

[@nuclearuppercuts909]

@@DanBlewett I think you did a good job on this video, because their are a lot of comments

[@arnoldhenning6791]

@DanBlewett Thanks for the video. Whqt would your advice regarding breaking your glove in for players playing left field and 3rd base? Thanks

[@DanBlewett]

probably thumb to pinky - the outfield way

[@arnoldhenning6791]

@@DanBlewett Thanks. Appreciate

[@JC_0162]

Hey! i play 1st base but i have an infield baseball glove should i break it in like a outfielder or infielder? Appreciate your videos. Thanks!

[@DanBlewett]

you should get a first baseman's mitt if you can. otherwise, break it in like an outfielder

[@JC_0162]

@@DanBlewett Yes i have tought about that but i’ve read that you can’t use it on other positions and since i play right field 1st base and pitcher i just think a mitt wouldn’t be a good idea but thanks for commenting on my comment

[@johnathanatkins7268]

Most first basemen keep both options. A mitt for 1B and a general utility glove for pitching and OF. That's my little 11 year old travel ball lefty has been doing for the past 3 years

[@Pr3d4tor89]

Hello Dan, what is the Name of this Glove?

[@DanBlewett]

It’s a 12” dual hinge web Rawlings

[@pearlssbu8749]

Im a college pitcher and i wear a 11.25 w 3 in the pinky lmfao. Been doing it since i was a child im 6’1 and have no reason for such a small glove besides weight comfort and mobility

[@uriahc_hawks3211]

Should I flare my glove as a third baseman?

[@DanBlewett]

its a personal preference

[@IXINineIXI]

So if I'm a casual, who will be playing with my sons and doing multiple things i.e. not a player committed to a certain position, would it be best to break in the glove somewhere between the infield and outfield positions, or does that just ruin it both ways?

[@DanBlewett]

just break it in however feels comfortable for you.

[@kierankieslich2955]

When breaking in my glove should I get it steamed?

[@DanBlewett]

I say no

[@braviafeed]

Absolutely not. I've heard of some terrible results doing that.

[@jofar]

Does the way you break the glove matter for a pitcher? (Deep or shallow pocket)

[@DanBlewett]

personal preference. I broke that one in like an outfielder and prefer two in the pinky stall. But I DO think on hard comebackers, the deeper pocket is helpful.

[@jofar]

@@DanBlewett I'm lefty and sometimes I play outfield, so it would make sense if I'd break it like an outfielder right?

[@Zyzzkxx]

Even though Ive only play 3rd and Catcher and in the beginning played center, I’d say it doesn’t matter but try to keep a medium pocket, if the glove is naturally deep, than normal glove grip and if it’s shallow, than two in the pinky. Because you may not make crazy plays like a 3rd or SS does, it allows the ball to comfortably be trapped but not allow for your hand to search for long time to retrieve the ball on a relayed play or throwing out a runner on a ground ball

[@jofar]

@@Zyzzkxx thanks bro

[@Marylandterpenes831]

We didn’t know, I’m pretty sure I probably used a softball glove at short at least once , we didn’t have the bat bros & BGK , we had the guy at Sports authority , can’t tell u how many pairs of them thin , bright fluorescent Mizuno batting gloves Rickey used to wear… and pretty much everone had the same couple gloves the RBG fastback!, I had a black Mizuno , hard as nails ,I don’t remember the size but pretty sure it was OF glove , I played short with it and it wind up gettin stolen n sold to play it again sports by one of my childhood friends crackhead mom!

[@jorgegarciajr2806]

I thought Travis Kelce was making this video 😂

[@SchroederN8]

Everyone knows to soak it in shaving cream, run over it with the car, then put a baseball in it and rubber band it together until it dries. That's how we did it in the 80s! 😂

[@sadlionsfan2063]

Go green

[@phdyoutubedegree1939]

so i should put the finger pad on the middle finger rather than the index finger.

[@bryanpetrie2685]

Most infielders use both fingers in the same whole today

[@abelbertaud7580]

You're IF example is error city for the youth player because their gloves become pancakes gloves with only one hinge..The player first needs to field the glove before turning a double play...The best way is a double hinge break-in on ALL gloves...The problem is, no one knows how to break them in this way...

[@DanBlewett]

disagree.

[@2738magic]

So I was thinking the whole time I was breaking my sons mi glove in the wrong way because it never closed thumb to pinky. It closes thumb to middle. So that right?

[@NotExerLol]

sick glove, if you don’t mind me asking, any reason why the rawlings patch is gone?

[@DanBlewett]

i cut it off