Hey there, baseball fans and glove lovers! So, you finally got your hands on a solid baseball glove. Nice! (Still thinking about it? Visit our online shop and get one customised for you!)
Whether you're playing in Lagos, Abuja, or somewhere in between, you probably already know - Nigeria’s weather doesn’t mess around. One minute it’s scorching hot, the next it’s pouring rain. Great for growing yams, not so great for leather.
No worries, though! With a little TLC, your glove can stay game-ready for years. Here’s how to keep it in top shape, no matter the weather.
- Keep It Dry (Sweat and Rain Are Sneaky!)
Leather and water? Not the best combo. After a rainy game or a sweaty practice, don’t toss your glove in a bag and forget it. That’s how you get mold. Now, don’t leave it out in direct sun either. That hot Naija sun can dry it out and make the leather crack. Think “cool and dry,” like that one cousin who never gets worked up about anything.
Always:
- Wipe down your glove after use (sweat = enemy #1).
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If it gets wet, air-dry it—never near direct heat (sun or fire = leather’s worst nightmare).
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Stuff it with newspaper to absorb moisture and keep its shape.
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Condition it like your beard (Or Hair!)
If you’ve ever used beard oil or oiled your hair, you know, moisture is everything. Same goes for your glove. Every now and then, rub in a little glove conditioner or leather oil. Not too much though. You want it soft and strong, not soggy. A little love goes a long way.
Leather gets thirsty in dry heat, but over-oiling can make it floppy. Stick to:
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A light coat of glove conditioner or leather oil every few months.
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Rub it in gently, focusing on stiff spots.
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Let it soak in overnight, then wipe off excess
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Store It Smart (Dust & Heat = No Bueno)
Please don’t just throw your glove under your bed or in the car unless you are ready to purchase another one (we would be happy to sell more gloves to you hehe). The car especially, it turns into an oven! Store your glove in a cool spot, maybe in a breathable bag or just on a shelf where it’s not squished.
And if you're not using it for a while, toss a ball in the pocket and wrap it with a band. That
way, it keeps its shape and doesn’t end up looking like a pancake.
Always:
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Keep it in a cool, dry place (a closet beats a car trunk!).
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Use a breathable bag - no plastic traps!
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If storing long-term, also loosen the laces to prevent stretching.
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Break It In Right (No Shortcuts!)
A stiff glove is frustrating, but don’t rush it. Use it often.Weird tip, but true. Gloves like to be used. The more you play, the more the glove molds to your hand. It becomes yours. Just make sure to care for it along the way. Skip the microwave hacks (yes, people try that).
Instead:
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Play catch often - natural use is the best break-in.
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Use a mallet or wrap a ball inside with a rubber band for shaping.
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Patience wins!
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Watch for Wear & Tear
Even the toughest gloves need check-ups. If your glove gets dirty - and it will - use a damp cloth to wipe off the grime. No harsh soap. No soaking it in water. Think of it like cleaning your sneakers: gentle hands, good results.
Always look out for:
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Cracked or dry leather = time for conditioner.
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Loose laces? Tighten or replace them before they snap mid-game.
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Stitching coming undone? Fix it early to avoid bigger tears. (We also offer glove repair service!)
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Bottom Line
Take care of your glove, and it’ll take care of you—season after season. Or... ignore everything we just said, treat it like a sacrificial offering to Nigeria’s humidity, dust, and sun. We won’t judge. In fact, we’ll even help you pick a fresh one. Everyone wins. (Just kidding… mostly).
After all, we do make fantastic replacement gloves.
Play hard, take care of your glove, and if all else fails, you know where to find us.
From: The Glove Care Police (but also enablers)