I’m a Chicago White Sox fan, despite the fact that I’ve spent most of my years living on the Left Coast.
To me, the Sox are a real team, in the same way Chicago is a real town.
Anyway, in this day and age, the Central Division of the American League is where the action is, with Detroit and my Sox leading all of major league ball in winning percentages.
Both teams are in the high.600’s, which is nothing to sneeze at.
Contrast these winners with the also-rans in the Western Division of the National League, where a day or two ago, three teams shared first place, with a winning percentage that just topped .500.
Last year, if I recall correctly, San Diego, the ultimate division winner, was about to achieve that perch with an overall record of LESS THAN .500, until Providence stepped in and gave that team of near losers, a rock bottom, barely respectable win-loss record by season’s end.
The Padres were made short work of in the post-season, which was only fair, given their ineptitude.
But it hit me that if you have a bundle of dough, and you want to pursue the lazy man’s way to a championship, you must make sure to buy a team in this low grade division.
Coincidentally, the Western Division of the American League is also populated with low-percentage winners, as well. Right this second, Oakland is in first, with a .524 winning percentage.
So, if you want to break into baseball ownership, forget about vying for the Yankees, Boston, or Atlanta, almost perennial post-season participants. You can save a few hundred million by investing in a Western Division team, and even in a bad year, your team will come in first or second.
Dr. Gary S. Goodman is the best-selling author of 12 books, over 700 articles, and the creator of numerous audio and video training programs, including "The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable," published by Nightingale-Conant-a favorite among salespeople and entrepreneurs. For information about booking Gary to speak at your next sales, customer service or management meeting, conference or convention, please address your inquiry to: gary@customersatisfaction.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Gary_S._Goodman
Monday, July 31, 2006
baseball glove : The Value of Custom Baseball Gloves
Baseball gloves have advanced tremendously over the years. From the original game played with the bare hands to the advanced models of today, baseball gloves have as rich a history as the game itself.
The first gloves developed were not accepted easily since many players thought negatively of those using them. Today's players, however, accept baseball gloves as a necessary and standard part of the game. Modern baseball gloves come in a variety of sizes, comforts, accessories and price ranges.
For the more serious baseball enthusiast, custom baseball gloves are all the rage. Today's baseball gloves can be customized for a particular fit, color, type of leather, and more. Since pricing can range from $100, on the low end, to more than $400 for high-end custom made baseball gloves, most beginning players do not find them necessary. For semi-professional or professional baseball players, however, most will say that they would not go back to generic gloves.
Different companies will obviously offer different custom baseball gloves to choose from. Some companies specialize in material types and others will specialize in matching the player with a glove with the perfect fit. Some baseball glove manufacturers also offer custom baseball gloves that are designed for catchers, infielders and outfielders. Those earning a living playing baseball or those who are very serious players will likely benefit from purchasing a custom baseball glove.
Most every major supplier of American baseball gloves will offer customizable options. When shopping for the right glove, you can begin by reviewing the company or companies' Web sites to see what they have to offer. Keep in mind that the custom baseball gloves offered will be quite a bit pricier than “generic” models available at sport and discount stores. From reading reviews and comments on custom baseball gloves, those who use them are not likely to revert back to standard gloves. You can expect to spend several hundred dollars on a custom glove, but the glove is designed with you in mind and can meet and exceed your highest expectations.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
The first gloves developed were not accepted easily since many players thought negatively of those using them. Today's players, however, accept baseball gloves as a necessary and standard part of the game. Modern baseball gloves come in a variety of sizes, comforts, accessories and price ranges.
For the more serious baseball enthusiast, custom baseball gloves are all the rage. Today's baseball gloves can be customized for a particular fit, color, type of leather, and more. Since pricing can range from $100, on the low end, to more than $400 for high-end custom made baseball gloves, most beginning players do not find them necessary. For semi-professional or professional baseball players, however, most will say that they would not go back to generic gloves.
Different companies will obviously offer different custom baseball gloves to choose from. Some companies specialize in material types and others will specialize in matching the player with a glove with the perfect fit. Some baseball glove manufacturers also offer custom baseball gloves that are designed for catchers, infielders and outfielders. Those earning a living playing baseball or those who are very serious players will likely benefit from purchasing a custom baseball glove.
Most every major supplier of American baseball gloves will offer customizable options. When shopping for the right glove, you can begin by reviewing the company or companies' Web sites to see what they have to offer. Keep in mind that the custom baseball gloves offered will be quite a bit pricier than “generic” models available at sport and discount stores. From reading reviews and comments on custom baseball gloves, those who use them are not likely to revert back to standard gloves. You can expect to spend several hundred dollars on a custom glove, but the glove is designed with you in mind and can meet and exceed your highest expectations.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
Saturday, July 29, 2006
baseball glove : baseball gloves for repair
In the mid 1970s, while I was still a sandalmaker, people began bringing their baseball gloves into my shop for repair. Since then I have repaired and reconditioned thousands of gloves, at my shop and at baseball and softball tournaments throughout northern California and Nevada. My customers range from children to old-timers, and they all enjoy the game of baseball/softball and have a favorite glove that they love enough to want to repair.I've had the opportunity to talk to glove manufacturers, players, leather suppliers, and other glove repairers. I've learned a lot, about gloves and about people.
Here are some of the things I've learned.
Fran Fleet
The Sandalady / Glove Repair
Cotati, California
www.sandalady.com
Thursday, July 27, 2006
baseball glove : A Brief History of the Baseball Glove
Baseball has long been praised as America's favorite pastime. Baseball gloves have been used for nearly as long as the baseball game has existed are a very integral part of the sport.
The first baseball gloves were used in the 1870s and are very different from the baseball gloves we use today. Prior to the late 1800's, the sport of baseball was much more rugged than what we are accustomed to today; players were expected to catch or knock the ball with no protection. One can only imagine the injuries sustained from this practice.
Early baseball gloves were fairly simple as compared to today's standards. The basic idea was to create a glove that would pad and protect the players' hands and provide a cushion for catching the ball. Surprisingly, the first gloves were designed so the player could knock the ball to the ground and not necessarily catch it. History's first baseball gloves were made from pieces of leather sewn together to fit over a player's hand. Not nearly as padded, thick or advanced style-wise, early baseball gloves are on display at many sport and baseball museums across the country.
The first players to use baseball gloves were often taunted and teased as being "too soft" or "sissies" because they did not want to catch the ball with their bare hands. It is difficult to understand the resistance and fun-poking of the late 19th century since baseball gloves are a standard item used in modern games. Eventually, however, the use of baseball gloves became more accepted and a safety standard in the sport.
The history of baseball gloves is a colorful one with many advances in comfort and safety. The evolution of baseball gloves has helped to shape the game and many cannot imagine the sport without them.
Baseball Gloves Info provides detailed information about custom and discount baseball gloves, as well as baseball batting gloves, baseball glove reviews, and advice on how to break in baseball gloves. Baseball Gloves Info is the sister site of Baseball Bats Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
The first baseball gloves were used in the 1870s and are very different from the baseball gloves we use today. Prior to the late 1800's, the sport of baseball was much more rugged than what we are accustomed to today; players were expected to catch or knock the ball with no protection. One can only imagine the injuries sustained from this practice.
Early baseball gloves were fairly simple as compared to today's standards. The basic idea was to create a glove that would pad and protect the players' hands and provide a cushion for catching the ball. Surprisingly, the first gloves were designed so the player could knock the ball to the ground and not necessarily catch it. History's first baseball gloves were made from pieces of leather sewn together to fit over a player's hand. Not nearly as padded, thick or advanced style-wise, early baseball gloves are on display at many sport and baseball museums across the country.
The first players to use baseball gloves were often taunted and teased as being "too soft" or "sissies" because they did not want to catch the ball with their bare hands. It is difficult to understand the resistance and fun-poking of the late 19th century since baseball gloves are a standard item used in modern games. Eventually, however, the use of baseball gloves became more accepted and a safety standard in the sport.
The history of baseball gloves is a colorful one with many advances in comfort and safety. The evolution of baseball gloves has helped to shape the game and many cannot imagine the sport without them.
Baseball Gloves Info provides detailed information about custom and discount baseball gloves, as well as baseball batting gloves, baseball glove reviews, and advice on how to break in baseball gloves. Baseball Gloves Info is the sister site of Baseball Bats Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
baseball glove : Better Youth Baseball Gloves
A good ball glove can have a big effect on youth’s enjoyment of playing baseball and even about whether baseball is a worthwhile sport for them to participate in. Kids could be playing many other sports, and in fact, participation in basketball and soccer is growing fast in the US. There’s no better summer sport or pastime than baseball though. It has a rich American tradition that other sports don’t possess and that’s an important part of your own child’s sports experience.
Baseball is a game that is dependent on equipment though, and if the equipment is poor quality or in doesn’t suit the kids using them, it can dampen their enthusiasm for little league baseball. It’s important to buy youth baseball gloves for your child, not small adult baseball gloves which will discourage your youngster.
They had poor equipment back in the old days, including rotted out or horribly stiff leather gloves. Some would actually throw the glove down and try to catch with their bare hands. It may not be that bad today, but in visiting your local sporting goods store, you’ve probably wondered about the quality of the gloves on the store shelves. Some are weird shapes and feel uncomfortable and the selection is many times limited.
The Good Old Days
Have you ever wondered whether baseball glove manufacturers are producing better ball gloves now than in decades past? Well, if you happen to have an old baseball glove still around and compare it to modern youth baseball gloves, you’ll notice a big difference. Those old gloves didn’t make catching and fielding easy for infielders, outfielders and especially catchers. You actually had to have some outstanding athletic skills and knowledge of catching to make a catch. In those days, you used both hands to catch a ball because you had to.
That’s not to say these new gloves are suited to the ball player that’s using them. These kids range in physical size greatly, and play different positions. The child that has a new, well-fitted glove is going to catch the ball better and play with a lot more confidence.
Young ball players with their metal bats are hitting the ball hard, so infielders and outfielders need good gloves just to catch them, let alone throw the runner out at first. We shouldn’t just assume that any glove would do for our child. Each youngster has their own level of coordination and confidence, along with their own style and preferences, and fortunately, there are so many types and styles of gloves available now, that you should be able to find one they like. You don’t see kids get hurt often but it does happen and it will happen more often with the child that feels uncomfortable with the baseball equipment they’re using.
Bad Bounces
Last week, while watching a youth baseball game (11 year olds) a batter hit a ball hard up the middle, fortunately missing the pitcher. The ball hit the side of the mound and bounced up to hit the base umpire in the shoulder. She was hurt and lay on the ground several minutes before getting up. That highlighted well, the speed the balls are reaching and that the young infielder playing with awkward baseball glove is going to playing with fear. Yes, some fear is good, as it keeps them sharp and makes the game exciting, but too much fear and they’re going to get discouraged.
Many of the kids on these teams have gloves that are too small, and overwhelmingly, you see their reluctance to catch well-hit grounders. They generally wave at it going by them and sigh in relief that it wasn’t hit right at them. One youngster in the outfield ran to make a diving catch only to have the ball pop out of his glove. They used to see that if your glove touched a ball, you should have caught it and it is an error for you. When a ball is in your glove, it should stay in there. In this kid’s case, the ball was clearly in his glove and yet it popped out. The reason for that is that the glove didn’t fit his hand and the web wouldn’t close tightly.
He walked dejectedly back to centerfield, his position, and cursed at himself for dropping it. It was like a scene out of a Charlie Brown episode. If he’d hung onto that ball, he would have been walking on clouds and be the pride of the team. I don’t have to tell you how important peer pressure is with kids these days and when kids never catch the ball, it can deflate the team and even the crowd of parents watching the game. Sometimes, it’s downright torture to watch a ball game if the kids can’t catch or throw properly.
Young pitchers too, can have trouble throwing strikes, and after walking batter after batter, you can sense disappointment. The glove on the pitcher’s hand acts as a counterbalance when throwing and if it doesn’t feel comfortable for him, you may be in for a long inning.
A fair number of kids come from homes that can’t afford a new glove every year and they may not be able to afford baseball shoes. If there’s one piece of equipment you need to focus on for youth baseball players, it has to be the glove. Your child is out there standing for half of the game, with this glove on their hand. If it’s uncomfortable, and doesn’t fit, that has to take some of the enjoyment out of it.
There’s a mind-boggling array of youth baseball brands out there to choose from Rawling, Mizuno, Wilson, Spalding, Rawlings, Nokona, Akadema, Kelly, Nike, Louisville, SSK and more. The problem with many of these big brand names is not only the inflated prices associated with these brands, it’s the weight and stiffness of the gloves. The materials and the stitching are sewn well enough. They aren’t designed with kids in mind who after all, don’t have time to break the glove in. Within one year, they will have likely outgrown the glove, so what’s the point of buying a glove like that? The glove ends up unused in a closet or on the garage floor becoming a nuisance object.
Kidsportsinc.com offers a good selection of baseball, soccer, basketball, golf, boxing and football equipment for kids. The Web site is all about low to mid-priced sporting goods and it’s the kind of equipment kids love. There are lots of fun sports games too. You’ll find kidsportsinc.com’s selection of youth baseball gloves and youth baseball equipment is outstanding. Speedy delivery and an outstanding reputation make kidsportsinc.com the place to buy children and youth’s baseball gloves.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_D._White
Baseball is a game that is dependent on equipment though, and if the equipment is poor quality or in doesn’t suit the kids using them, it can dampen their enthusiasm for little league baseball. It’s important to buy youth baseball gloves for your child, not small adult baseball gloves which will discourage your youngster.
They had poor equipment back in the old days, including rotted out or horribly stiff leather gloves. Some would actually throw the glove down and try to catch with their bare hands. It may not be that bad today, but in visiting your local sporting goods store, you’ve probably wondered about the quality of the gloves on the store shelves. Some are weird shapes and feel uncomfortable and the selection is many times limited.
The Good Old Days
Have you ever wondered whether baseball glove manufacturers are producing better ball gloves now than in decades past? Well, if you happen to have an old baseball glove still around and compare it to modern youth baseball gloves, you’ll notice a big difference. Those old gloves didn’t make catching and fielding easy for infielders, outfielders and especially catchers. You actually had to have some outstanding athletic skills and knowledge of catching to make a catch. In those days, you used both hands to catch a ball because you had to.
That’s not to say these new gloves are suited to the ball player that’s using them. These kids range in physical size greatly, and play different positions. The child that has a new, well-fitted glove is going to catch the ball better and play with a lot more confidence.
Young ball players with their metal bats are hitting the ball hard, so infielders and outfielders need good gloves just to catch them, let alone throw the runner out at first. We shouldn’t just assume that any glove would do for our child. Each youngster has their own level of coordination and confidence, along with their own style and preferences, and fortunately, there are so many types and styles of gloves available now, that you should be able to find one they like. You don’t see kids get hurt often but it does happen and it will happen more often with the child that feels uncomfortable with the baseball equipment they’re using.
Bad Bounces
Last week, while watching a youth baseball game (11 year olds) a batter hit a ball hard up the middle, fortunately missing the pitcher. The ball hit the side of the mound and bounced up to hit the base umpire in the shoulder. She was hurt and lay on the ground several minutes before getting up. That highlighted well, the speed the balls are reaching and that the young infielder playing with awkward baseball glove is going to playing with fear. Yes, some fear is good, as it keeps them sharp and makes the game exciting, but too much fear and they’re going to get discouraged.
Many of the kids on these teams have gloves that are too small, and overwhelmingly, you see their reluctance to catch well-hit grounders. They generally wave at it going by them and sigh in relief that it wasn’t hit right at them. One youngster in the outfield ran to make a diving catch only to have the ball pop out of his glove. They used to see that if your glove touched a ball, you should have caught it and it is an error for you. When a ball is in your glove, it should stay in there. In this kid’s case, the ball was clearly in his glove and yet it popped out. The reason for that is that the glove didn’t fit his hand and the web wouldn’t close tightly.
He walked dejectedly back to centerfield, his position, and cursed at himself for dropping it. It was like a scene out of a Charlie Brown episode. If he’d hung onto that ball, he would have been walking on clouds and be the pride of the team. I don’t have to tell you how important peer pressure is with kids these days and when kids never catch the ball, it can deflate the team and even the crowd of parents watching the game. Sometimes, it’s downright torture to watch a ball game if the kids can’t catch or throw properly.
Young pitchers too, can have trouble throwing strikes, and after walking batter after batter, you can sense disappointment. The glove on the pitcher’s hand acts as a counterbalance when throwing and if it doesn’t feel comfortable for him, you may be in for a long inning.
A fair number of kids come from homes that can’t afford a new glove every year and they may not be able to afford baseball shoes. If there’s one piece of equipment you need to focus on for youth baseball players, it has to be the glove. Your child is out there standing for half of the game, with this glove on their hand. If it’s uncomfortable, and doesn’t fit, that has to take some of the enjoyment out of it.
There’s a mind-boggling array of youth baseball brands out there to choose from Rawling, Mizuno, Wilson, Spalding, Rawlings, Nokona, Akadema, Kelly, Nike, Louisville, SSK and more. The problem with many of these big brand names is not only the inflated prices associated with these brands, it’s the weight and stiffness of the gloves. The materials and the stitching are sewn well enough. They aren’t designed with kids in mind who after all, don’t have time to break the glove in. Within one year, they will have likely outgrown the glove, so what’s the point of buying a glove like that? The glove ends up unused in a closet or on the garage floor becoming a nuisance object.
Kidsportsinc.com offers a good selection of baseball, soccer, basketball, golf, boxing and football equipment for kids. The Web site is all about low to mid-priced sporting goods and it’s the kind of equipment kids love. There are lots of fun sports games too. You’ll find kidsportsinc.com’s selection of youth baseball gloves and youth baseball equipment is outstanding. Speedy delivery and an outstanding reputation make kidsportsinc.com the place to buy children and youth’s baseball gloves.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_D._White
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
baseball glove : How to Break in a Baseball Glove
Baseball gloves are available in almost every size, color and material known to man. Traditional gloves are made from leather or faux-leather and more recently from buffalo and kangaroo hides. No matter what the material, baseball gloves need to be broken in. Players find that by using various methods to break the glove in, they will get a better fit and therefore play a better game.
Different players will certainly have different methods and ways to show you how to break in a baseball glove. You can expect that for each method, another will be said to work better. Methods for breaking in a baseball glove can be viewed as a personal preference and will need to be tweaked for the individual. To summarize, there are two basic goals in breaking in a glove: to soften the glove and to create a pocket. The best method for breaking in a glove, however, is simply to use it as much as possible.
You can use a multitude of methods to soften the leather. If you want to learn how to break in a baseball glove, this is the best way to start. You can use shaving cream, petroleum jelly, saddle soap or a leather softener made for baseball gloves. Most baseball glove manufacturers offer a leather softener for their products. These usually work very well but some players have their own tried-and-true methods. Experts suggest that you be very conservative in your use of creams or jellies; more is certainly not better in the case of softening leather.
The best method by far for creating a pocket is simply using the glove. The more wear and play time your glove has seen, a better pocket will form. There are, however, other methods to speed up this process and make your glove more comfortable quicker. The most popular method in creating a pocket is to put a baseball inside the glove and then tie it up with string. You can even find products that will help the baseball glove stay closed to form the pocket. By using this method, along with a lot of playing, you will find that a pocket has formed inside the glove before you know it.
Baseball Gloves Info provides detailed information about custom and discount baseball gloves, as well as baseball batting gloves, baseball glove reviews, and advice on how to break in baseball gloves. Baseball Gloves Info is the sister site of Baseball Bats Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
Different players will certainly have different methods and ways to show you how to break in a baseball glove. You can expect that for each method, another will be said to work better. Methods for breaking in a baseball glove can be viewed as a personal preference and will need to be tweaked for the individual. To summarize, there are two basic goals in breaking in a glove: to soften the glove and to create a pocket. The best method for breaking in a glove, however, is simply to use it as much as possible.
You can use a multitude of methods to soften the leather. If you want to learn how to break in a baseball glove, this is the best way to start. You can use shaving cream, petroleum jelly, saddle soap or a leather softener made for baseball gloves. Most baseball glove manufacturers offer a leather softener for their products. These usually work very well but some players have their own tried-and-true methods. Experts suggest that you be very conservative in your use of creams or jellies; more is certainly not better in the case of softening leather.
The best method by far for creating a pocket is simply using the glove. The more wear and play time your glove has seen, a better pocket will form. There are, however, other methods to speed up this process and make your glove more comfortable quicker. The most popular method in creating a pocket is to put a baseball inside the glove and then tie it up with string. You can even find products that will help the baseball glove stay closed to form the pocket. By using this method, along with a lot of playing, you will find that a pocket has formed inside the glove before you know it.
Baseball Gloves Info provides detailed information about custom and discount baseball gloves, as well as baseball batting gloves, baseball glove reviews, and advice on how to break in baseball gloves. Baseball Gloves Info is the sister site of Baseball Bats Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
baseball glove : A Review of Popular Baseball Gloves
When shopping for a new baseball glove, one has many brands, styles and fits to choose from. Companies make many gloves from various materials that can cost as little as $10 or as much as $250 for a custom made glove. The following is a brief review of companies that offer some of the best gloves on the market.
Rawlings Baseball Gloves
Perhaps the best-known and respected baseball glove is manufactured by Rawlings. Rawlings baseball gloves have been a favorite of amateurs and professionals for over eight years. They are most admired for their comfort and safety features as well as the range of prices. You can purchase the most expensive line of gloves for $300 or so, but Rawlings baseball gloves also come in cheaper versions, sometimes for $10 or less.
Nike Baseball Gloves
Nike is probably best known for its athletic shoes and other lines of athletic clothing. The company, however, has recently begun to manufacture its own line of baseball gloves. The Nike baseball glove has been gaining tremendous popularity in recent years. The most popular baseball gloves by Nike are the "Pro Gold" and "SDR" lines. The Pro Gold gloves are top of the line and usually retail for $100 or more, while the SDR baseball gloves start at around $60. Perhaps the best feature of Nike baseball gloves is the ""dry finger"" liner inside each glove which helps to keep fingers cool and reduce perspiration during play.
Mizuno Baseball Gloves
Mizuno baseball gloves are another popular brand in America. They are even more popular for Asian baseball players. This company offers at least 11 different styles of gloves, with a wide price range. The ""Pro Limited"" series can cost up to $250, but Mizuno baseball gloves are also available in cheaper models for around $20.
Nokona Baseball Gloves
Most baseball glove experts will agree that Nokona offers the best and highest quality gloves available to consumers. These are American-made gloves from Texas and the company has been manufacturing them since the early 20th century. The least expensive line of Nokona baseball gloves usually starts at around $125 and higher-end gloves can cost much more. In addition to leather baseball gloves, Nokona also offers gloves made from buffalo and kangaroo hides.
Baseball Gloves Info provides detailed information about custom and discount baseball gloves, as well as baseball batting gloves, baseball glove reviews, and advice on how to break in baseball gloves. Baseball Gloves Info is the sister site of Baseball Bats Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
Rawlings Baseball Gloves
Perhaps the best-known and respected baseball glove is manufactured by Rawlings. Rawlings baseball gloves have been a favorite of amateurs and professionals for over eight years. They are most admired for their comfort and safety features as well as the range of prices. You can purchase the most expensive line of gloves for $300 or so, but Rawlings baseball gloves also come in cheaper versions, sometimes for $10 or less.
Nike Baseball Gloves
Nike is probably best known for its athletic shoes and other lines of athletic clothing. The company, however, has recently begun to manufacture its own line of baseball gloves. The Nike baseball glove has been gaining tremendous popularity in recent years. The most popular baseball gloves by Nike are the "Pro Gold" and "SDR" lines. The Pro Gold gloves are top of the line and usually retail for $100 or more, while the SDR baseball gloves start at around $60. Perhaps the best feature of Nike baseball gloves is the ""dry finger"" liner inside each glove which helps to keep fingers cool and reduce perspiration during play.
Mizuno Baseball Gloves
Mizuno baseball gloves are another popular brand in America. They are even more popular for Asian baseball players. This company offers at least 11 different styles of gloves, with a wide price range. The ""Pro Limited"" series can cost up to $250, but Mizuno baseball gloves are also available in cheaper models for around $20.
Nokona Baseball Gloves
Most baseball glove experts will agree that Nokona offers the best and highest quality gloves available to consumers. These are American-made gloves from Texas and the company has been manufacturing them since the early 20th century. The least expensive line of Nokona baseball gloves usually starts at around $125 and higher-end gloves can cost much more. In addition to leather baseball gloves, Nokona also offers gloves made from buffalo and kangaroo hides.
Baseball Gloves Info provides detailed information about custom and discount baseball gloves, as well as baseball batting gloves, baseball glove reviews, and advice on how to break in baseball gloves. Baseball Gloves Info is the sister site of Baseball Bats Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
baseball glove : In 1911, Spalding describes his first introduction to the baseball glove:
The first glove I ever saw on the hand of a ball player in a game was worn by Charles C. Waite, in Boston, in 1875. He had come from New Haven and was playing at first base. The glove worn by him was of flesh color, with a large, round opening in the back. Now, I had for a good while felt the need of some sort of hand protection for myself. In those days clubs did not carry an extra carload of pitchers, as now. For several years I had pitched in every game played by the Boston team, and had developed severe bruises on the inside of my left hand. When it is recalled that every ball pitched had to be returned,and that every swift one coming my way, from infielders, outfielders or hot from the bat, must be caught or stopped, some idea may be gained of the punishment received.
Therefore, I asked Waite about his glove. He confessed that he was a bit ashamed to wear it, but had it on to save his hand. He also admitted that he had chosen a color as inconspicuous as possible, because he didn't care to attract attention. He added that the opening on the back was for purpose of ventilation.
Meanwhile my own hand continued to take its medicine with utmost regularity, occasionally being bored with a warm twister that hurt excruciatingly. Still, it was not until 1877 that I overcame my scruples against joining the 'kid-glove aristocracy' by donning a glove. When I did at last decide to do so, I did not select a flesh-colored glove, but got a black one, and cut out as much of the back as possible to let the air in.
Happily, in my case, the presence of a glove did not call out the ridicule that had greeted Waite. I had been playing so long and had become so well known that the innovation seemed rather to evoke sympathy than hilarity. I found that the glove, thin as it was, helped considerably, and inserted one pad after another until a good deal of relief was afforded. If anyone wore a padded glove before this date I do not know it. The 'pillow mitt' was a later innovation."
Copyright © Ibis Communications, Inc.
Therefore, I asked Waite about his glove. He confessed that he was a bit ashamed to wear it, but had it on to save his hand. He also admitted that he had chosen a color as inconspicuous as possible, because he didn't care to attract attention. He added that the opening on the back was for purpose of ventilation.
Meanwhile my own hand continued to take its medicine with utmost regularity, occasionally being bored with a warm twister that hurt excruciatingly. Still, it was not until 1877 that I overcame my scruples against joining the 'kid-glove aristocracy' by donning a glove. When I did at last decide to do so, I did not select a flesh-colored glove, but got a black one, and cut out as much of the back as possible to let the air in.
Happily, in my case, the presence of a glove did not call out the ridicule that had greeted Waite. I had been playing so long and had become so well known that the innovation seemed rather to evoke sympathy than hilarity. I found that the glove, thin as it was, helped considerably, and inserted one pad after another until a good deal of relief was afforded. If anyone wore a padded glove before this date I do not know it. The 'pillow mitt' was a later innovation."
Copyright © Ibis Communications, Inc.
baseball glove : The Baseball Glove Comes to Baseball, 1875
Baseball developed before the Civil War but did not achieve professional status until the 1870s. The Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first professional team in 1869. However, their life was brief and the team went bankrupt within a year of its founding. In 1871 the National Association of Professional Baseball Players was formed and at its peak, consisted of thirteen teams. Unfortunately it too was plagued by financial difficulties and was abandoned in 1875. The following year saw the formation of the National League of Professional Baseball Players (soon shortened to the National League). In 1884 the rival American League was founded and the era of modern professional baseball was begun.
In these early days of baseball, players were expected to take the field without benefit of protective equipment such as a baseball glove or catcher's mask. The pain of the sport was to be endured without complaint. Any effort to mollify the rigors of the game was looked upon as a sissified attempt to demean the sport.
"He confessed that he was a bit ashamed to wear it..."
A.G. Spalding began playing baseball in the 1860s. He joined the Boston Red Stockings in 1871 and moved to the Chicago White Stockings (today's Cubs) in 1876. Spalding was the premier pitcher of his day until the physical strain of continuous pitching took its toll and ruined his throwing arm. He founded a sporting goods company initially specializing in baseball equipment and soon branching out to supplying equipment for all types of sports. He never lost touch with baseball and served as president of the Chicago team and one of baseball's most successful promoters. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in its first year.
Copyright © Ibis Communications, Inc.
In these early days of baseball, players were expected to take the field without benefit of protective equipment such as a baseball glove or catcher's mask. The pain of the sport was to be endured without complaint. Any effort to mollify the rigors of the game was looked upon as a sissified attempt to demean the sport.
"He confessed that he was a bit ashamed to wear it..."
A.G. Spalding began playing baseball in the 1860s. He joined the Boston Red Stockings in 1871 and moved to the Chicago White Stockings (today's Cubs) in 1876. Spalding was the premier pitcher of his day until the physical strain of continuous pitching took its toll and ruined his throwing arm. He founded a sporting goods company initially specializing in baseball equipment and soon branching out to supplying equipment for all types of sports. He never lost touch with baseball and served as president of the Chicago team and one of baseball's most successful promoters. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in its first year.
Copyright © Ibis Communications, Inc.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
baseball glove : Glove Buying Tips
A good glove does not have to be expensive. There are gloves that will give many seasons of satisfactory service for under $75. You can pay more, but more money does not necessarily mean a better, more serviceable glove. There are expensive gloves ($100-$200+) which may last one or two seasons, and there are inexpensive baseball gloves that can last for ten years or more with routine maintenance.
The more expensive gloves do tend to use better (often heavier) leather than less expensive gloves. All things being equal, with careful maintenance, the higher quality glove should last longer. The question is "is the more expensive glove worth the price"?
Size
Select a glove for the position you will be playing most often. Use the chart at the top of this page as a general guideline for determining glove size. A glove should feel fairly snug when adjusted. Check to make sure the glove adjusts to your hand. Allow room for batting glove if you wear one. Except for pitchers, most players should wear a batting glove inside their fielders glove. The batting glove will absorb most of the sweat from your hands, thus protecting the lining of your glove. Change the batting glove when it gets wet or rotted.
Quality
The leather should be fairly sturdy. A stiffer glove will have to be broken in, but once done, the glove will be serviceable for many seasons. The softer "pre-broken" gloves feel great, but many of them wear out very quickly and may be difficult or impossible to repair. The leather in the pre-broken gloves is usually thinner and therefore weaker than that in a sturdier glove. The thinner, softer leathers tend to show signs of stress at the lacing holes in the web and fingers after a few months of continuous play.
Baseball Corner 2006© Copyright
The more expensive gloves do tend to use better (often heavier) leather than less expensive gloves. All things being equal, with careful maintenance, the higher quality glove should last longer. The question is "is the more expensive glove worth the price"?
Size
Select a glove for the position you will be playing most often. Use the chart at the top of this page as a general guideline for determining glove size. A glove should feel fairly snug when adjusted. Check to make sure the glove adjusts to your hand. Allow room for batting glove if you wear one. Except for pitchers, most players should wear a batting glove inside their fielders glove. The batting glove will absorb most of the sweat from your hands, thus protecting the lining of your glove. Change the batting glove when it gets wet or rotted.
Quality
The leather should be fairly sturdy. A stiffer glove will have to be broken in, but once done, the glove will be serviceable for many seasons. The softer "pre-broken" gloves feel great, but many of them wear out very quickly and may be difficult or impossible to repair. The leather in the pre-broken gloves is usually thinner and therefore weaker than that in a sturdier glove. The thinner, softer leathers tend to show signs of stress at the lacing holes in the web and fingers after a few months of continuous play.
Baseball Corner 2006© Copyright
baseball glove : Glove Buying Information
How to Measure Baseball Gloves
Fielders gloves and first base mitts are measured by starting at the top of the index finger of the glove down the finger along the inside of the pocket and then out to the heal of the glove.
A flexible tape measure has to be used, not a stiff ruler. Measure from the highest point on the glove (normally the index finger). Lay the tape measure across the palm of the glove, so that it folds across and into the indenture, down to the heel of the glove.
Professional baseball has a 12 inch maximum height for a glove, although this rule has not been strictly enforced.
Glove Quality
Higher quality baseball gloves and mitts are usually distinguished by higher grade leather, better construction and better design. These work together to produce a glove or mitt that is durable and helps the ball into and out of the pocket. The highest quality gloves are usually made of heavy leather that will need some time to break-in and typically do not have palm pads or Velcro adjustments.
Break-In
Most manufacturers agree that a glove oil or leather conditioner cream should be used as long as it does not contain silicon. Most manufacturers recommend not using anything that requires a microwave or an oven.
Gloves vs Mitts
The main difference between baseball gloves and mitts is that gloves have fingers and mitts don't. Mitts tend to do a better job of controlling balls that don't hit in the pocket and can aid scooping ground balls and short hops. First base and Catcher are the only positions allowed to use mitts.
Female Gloves
Baseball gloves and mitts that are specified as women's or female are usually designed with narrower finger stalls and smaller wrist openings to provide a better fit.
Youth Gloves
Youth baseball gloves and mitts typically are designed to be easy to break-in and will sometimes have a notch in the heel to help the glove break-in correctly. These gloves are usually designed with smaller finger and wrist openings to better fit smaller hands, and often have oversized pockets to aid youngsters learning how to catch.
First Base Mitts
Most first base mitts are designed for baseball use and are 12 to 12 1/2 inches. First base mitts have a thin but stiff pad that runs around the circumference of the mitt and little or no padding in the palm or finger area. Larger baseball first base mitts can be effectively used by softball players. Some manufactures will make softball specific first base mitts. These are usually 13 inches or larger and are not very common. Many softball first basemen use a 13 to 14 inch softball outfield glove at first base.
Catchers Mitts
Baseball catcher's mitts usually have a very thick pad around the circumference of the mitt and thick padding in the palm and finger area and a small pocket. Softball catcher's mitts are similar to baseball catcher's mitts except the with less padding and a much larger pocket.
Open vs Closed Web
For most positions, an open web vs a closed web is a matter of personal preference. Open web gloves tend to trap the ball a little better than closed web gloves. Closed web gloves tend to get the ball out of the pocket a little quicker. First and Third base players tend to prefer open web gloves. Middle infielders tend to want closed web gloves to help get the ball out of the glove quickly. Pitchers usually want closed web gloves so they can hide the ball easier.
Conventional Back vs Closed Back
Conventional (open) vs closed back is mainly a matter of style and personal preference. Conventional back gloves tend to be a little lighter and can fit a bit tighter in the wrist. Some closed back gloves have straps with Velcro that allow you to adjust how tight or loose the glove fits.
Baseball Corner 2006© Copyright
Fielders gloves and first base mitts are measured by starting at the top of the index finger of the glove down the finger along the inside of the pocket and then out to the heal of the glove.
A flexible tape measure has to be used, not a stiff ruler. Measure from the highest point on the glove (normally the index finger). Lay the tape measure across the palm of the glove, so that it folds across and into the indenture, down to the heel of the glove.
Professional baseball has a 12 inch maximum height for a glove, although this rule has not been strictly enforced.
Glove Quality
Higher quality baseball gloves and mitts are usually distinguished by higher grade leather, better construction and better design. These work together to produce a glove or mitt that is durable and helps the ball into and out of the pocket. The highest quality gloves are usually made of heavy leather that will need some time to break-in and typically do not have palm pads or Velcro adjustments.
Break-In
Most manufacturers agree that a glove oil or leather conditioner cream should be used as long as it does not contain silicon. Most manufacturers recommend not using anything that requires a microwave or an oven.
Gloves vs Mitts
The main difference between baseball gloves and mitts is that gloves have fingers and mitts don't. Mitts tend to do a better job of controlling balls that don't hit in the pocket and can aid scooping ground balls and short hops. First base and Catcher are the only positions allowed to use mitts.
Female Gloves
Baseball gloves and mitts that are specified as women's or female are usually designed with narrower finger stalls and smaller wrist openings to provide a better fit.
Youth Gloves
Youth baseball gloves and mitts typically are designed to be easy to break-in and will sometimes have a notch in the heel to help the glove break-in correctly. These gloves are usually designed with smaller finger and wrist openings to better fit smaller hands, and often have oversized pockets to aid youngsters learning how to catch.
First Base Mitts
Most first base mitts are designed for baseball use and are 12 to 12 1/2 inches. First base mitts have a thin but stiff pad that runs around the circumference of the mitt and little or no padding in the palm or finger area. Larger baseball first base mitts can be effectively used by softball players. Some manufactures will make softball specific first base mitts. These are usually 13 inches or larger and are not very common. Many softball first basemen use a 13 to 14 inch softball outfield glove at first base.
Catchers Mitts
Baseball catcher's mitts usually have a very thick pad around the circumference of the mitt and thick padding in the palm and finger area and a small pocket. Softball catcher's mitts are similar to baseball catcher's mitts except the with less padding and a much larger pocket.
Open vs Closed Web
For most positions, an open web vs a closed web is a matter of personal preference. Open web gloves tend to trap the ball a little better than closed web gloves. Closed web gloves tend to get the ball out of the pocket a little quicker. First and Third base players tend to prefer open web gloves. Middle infielders tend to want closed web gloves to help get the ball out of the glove quickly. Pitchers usually want closed web gloves so they can hide the ball easier.
Conventional Back vs Closed Back
Conventional (open) vs closed back is mainly a matter of style and personal preference. Conventional back gloves tend to be a little lighter and can fit a bit tighter in the wrist. Some closed back gloves have straps with Velcro that allow you to adjust how tight or loose the glove fits.
Baseball Corner 2006© Copyright
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
baseball glove : Manny Mota: Approaching the Plate
Concentration, rhythm, and purpose are some of the most important aspects to hitting, according to legendary Dodgers outfielder Manny Mota. "Hitters should take short strides and use quick hands," he said. "Taking a short stride actually helps your hands be quicker. It keeps your swing compact and under control."
The most valuable advice that I can give a young hitter is to think about hitting the ball up the middle. If you think about hitting up the middle, you can adjust to hit the ball wherever it is pitched. If you go to the plate hoping to pull the ball and hit a home run, you will have trouble hitting an outside pitch. Your front side will have already opened up and you will not be able to drive an outside pitch.
Concentration at the plate is critical, and positive thinking helps. You have to walk up to the plate saying to yourself, "I'm going to hit the ball".
You have to have balance in everything that you do in baseball, especially in hitting. Your body is going to move, but you must keep your head still. The only way to do that is to have good balance.
A hitter needs rhythm. Try to watch the pitcher's hand and keep your eye on the ball.
Be aggressive at the plate, but also remain loose and relaxed. If you let your arms get too tight, you will lose the advantage of having good wrist action, as well as your power.
If you find yourself in a slump, try to concentrate on defense and possibly save the game with a good play. Slumping hitters should remember that it does not always take a home run to help the team.
You should have a purpose to each swing in batting practice. In your first round of batting practice you might concentrate on hitting every pitch to the opposite field. In the next round, try to make sure that you are swinging down on the ball. Prepare yourself for game situations, or the practice will not be as helpful as it could be.
Baseball Corner 2006© Copyright/Legal Notice
The most valuable advice that I can give a young hitter is to think about hitting the ball up the middle. If you think about hitting up the middle, you can adjust to hit the ball wherever it is pitched. If you go to the plate hoping to pull the ball and hit a home run, you will have trouble hitting an outside pitch. Your front side will have already opened up and you will not be able to drive an outside pitch.
Concentration at the plate is critical, and positive thinking helps. You have to walk up to the plate saying to yourself, "I'm going to hit the ball".
You have to have balance in everything that you do in baseball, especially in hitting. Your body is going to move, but you must keep your head still. The only way to do that is to have good balance.
A hitter needs rhythm. Try to watch the pitcher's hand and keep your eye on the ball.
Be aggressive at the plate, but also remain loose and relaxed. If you let your arms get too tight, you will lose the advantage of having good wrist action, as well as your power.
If you find yourself in a slump, try to concentrate on defense and possibly save the game with a good play. Slumping hitters should remember that it does not always take a home run to help the team.
You should have a purpose to each swing in batting practice. In your first round of batting practice you might concentrate on hitting every pitch to the opposite field. In the next round, try to make sure that you are swinging down on the ball. Prepare yourself for game situations, or the practice will not be as helpful as it could be.
Baseball Corner 2006© Copyright/Legal Notice
baseball glove : Wall Ball Hitting Drill
This drill is actually a hitting game that allows players to build skills, learn to perform under pressure, identify strikes, and develop a line drive swing.
Teams of 2 or 3 players compete against other teams. The first team to score 11 runs wins. The drill can be used indoors or outdoors. The games requires a wall, curtain, or sections of fence. The rules are outlined before competition begins. The wall or fence should have a "top line" that represents the top of the scoring zone. Any ball that hits the wall, curtain, or fence above that line is an "out". To score, the batter must hit a line drive that hits the scoring zone without touching the ground. The batter that hits a ground ball keeps the inning alive. He does not score, but he also does not make an out. Each player gets only one swing per bat. He is either going to hit a score, hit a ground ball or make an out. Any ball that is caught by the defense before it touches the wall or ground is an out. All pop ups, foul balls, and missed swings are counted as outs. Bats are not allowed to touch the ground. Batters must stay alert and jump in to bat as soon as the other batter swings. Each team gets 3 outs per at bat. Defensive players are allowed to "knock down" balls to prevent scoring. Any ball that hits the "scoring zone" without touching the ground is a score. The defense must learn to react quickly and catch the ball or knock it down.
This drill is best done in a tournament format. Reward the winning team in some way. This is a great drill for indoor hitting. Players get to take a lot of swings. The competition becomes fierce. It will build a competitive fire in your timid players, and teach players to be aggressive. Make sure to use foam or wiffle baseballs.
Baseball Corner 2006© Copyright/Legal Notice.
Teams of 2 or 3 players compete against other teams. The first team to score 11 runs wins. The drill can be used indoors or outdoors. The games requires a wall, curtain, or sections of fence. The rules are outlined before competition begins. The wall or fence should have a "top line" that represents the top of the scoring zone. Any ball that hits the wall, curtain, or fence above that line is an "out". To score, the batter must hit a line drive that hits the scoring zone without touching the ground. The batter that hits a ground ball keeps the inning alive. He does not score, but he also does not make an out. Each player gets only one swing per bat. He is either going to hit a score, hit a ground ball or make an out. Any ball that is caught by the defense before it touches the wall or ground is an out. All pop ups, foul balls, and missed swings are counted as outs. Bats are not allowed to touch the ground. Batters must stay alert and jump in to bat as soon as the other batter swings. Each team gets 3 outs per at bat. Defensive players are allowed to "knock down" balls to prevent scoring. Any ball that hits the "scoring zone" without touching the ground is a score. The defense must learn to react quickly and catch the ball or knock it down.
This drill is best done in a tournament format. Reward the winning team in some way. This is a great drill for indoor hitting. Players get to take a lot of swings. The competition becomes fierce. It will build a competitive fire in your timid players, and teach players to be aggressive. Make sure to use foam or wiffle baseballs.
Baseball Corner 2006© Copyright/Legal Notice.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
baseball glove : ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
I call this a tune-up. This should probably be done at least once a season just so you can check the condition of the glove. I offer it as a service, for a (small) price, but you can easily do it yourself, and it might even be a bonding experience. A tune-up involves tightening the laces in the fingers and web; retying any loose knots (square knots, please!); and cleaning, conditioning and shaping the glove. Worn or damaged laces are easy to spot when a tune-up is performed. Another problem which can be observed during a tune-up is a blow out at the crotch of the index finger. This is a common occurrence because the glove manufacturers/designers have lowered the finger crotches in gloves, which puts seams right where the ball impacts the glove. This constant battering results in seams bursting and then, if not repaired, a torn palm.
If you find torn seams, split leather, or broken laces, be sure to have them repaired as quickly as possible. Playing with a damaged glove can damage the glove further and cause personal injuries and even errors.
Copyright © 2000–2004 The Sandalady.
If you find torn seams, split leather, or broken laces, be sure to have them repaired as quickly as possible. Playing with a damaged glove can damage the glove further and cause personal injuries and even errors.
Copyright © 2000–2004 The Sandalady.
baseball glove : CARING FOR YOUR GLOVE
The most important part of caring for your glove is to recognize that leather will deteriorate if subjected to repeated exposure to moisture and heat (i.e., the sweat from your hand and the warmth of the interior of the trunk of your car). Saliva will also result in damaged leather, so DON'T SPIT IN YOUR GLOVE. It's a pretty good idea to keep your glove away from the dog, too.
Leaving your glove out in the weather will ruin it, as will putting it away wet from perspiration. Always wear a batting glove under your baseball glove (unless you are a baseball pitcher); this absorbs the sweat from your hand. When your batting glove gets wet, change it. This will add years to the lining of your glove.
When your glove gets wet, dry it with a towel or soft cloth, and leave it exposed to room air for a few hours until the lining is dry. After it dries, use a little Glove Stuff® to moisten the leather. When you put your glove away, it's best to put a softball in the pocket and wrap with a wide "magic" rubber band.
I'm often asked whether frequent oiling is good for gloves. After years of repairing gloves, I say no. This does not mean no care is necessary. My experience has shown me that in glove care, as with most other things, moderation is best. When you do lubricate your glove, it's important to choose the right stuff. I recommend Glove Stuff®.
Copyright © 2000–2004 The Sandalady.
Leaving your glove out in the weather will ruin it, as will putting it away wet from perspiration. Always wear a batting glove under your baseball glove (unless you are a baseball pitcher); this absorbs the sweat from your hand. When your batting glove gets wet, change it. This will add years to the lining of your glove.
When your glove gets wet, dry it with a towel or soft cloth, and leave it exposed to room air for a few hours until the lining is dry. After it dries, use a little Glove Stuff® to moisten the leather. When you put your glove away, it's best to put a softball in the pocket and wrap with a wide "magic" rubber band.
I'm often asked whether frequent oiling is good for gloves. After years of repairing gloves, I say no. This does not mean no care is necessary. My experience has shown me that in glove care, as with most other things, moderation is best. When you do lubricate your glove, it's important to choose the right stuff. I recommend Glove Stuff®.
Copyright © 2000–2004 The Sandalady.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
baseball glove : BREAKING IN YOUR GLOVE
Once you've chosen your glove, if it is not a "pre-broken" model, you will have to break it in. A good glove is like a good friend— it takes a while to develop a good relationship. But with gloves and friends alike, the time and effort will be well rewarded.
Most gloves are designed with built-in hinges which allow the glove to be opened and closed easily. The most common hinge is located at the base of the little finger pad, about 3/4"–1 1/2" away from the heel pad. Normally, there is no pad in the hinge area; this allows the glove to open and close with minor resistance. The glove should close just like your hand at rest with the fingers folding at their hinge where they join to the palm.
Some players prefer to break a glove so that the little finger and thumb tips come together. There are a few glove models designed to accomodate this break. These gloves usually have a series of vertical laces securing the heel pad. These laces allow the glove to fold across the heel. It is possible to break down the thick heel pad on the former glove type, but it is preferrable to buy a glove designed to break to your specs than to try to modify the break angle.
I always clamp my jaw and shudder when a player tells me of the best way to break-in a glove. I have heard the most bizzare methods imaginable. Well, maybe not, but I have heard a lot of weird ones, and I've seen and repaired the results of many of these "best-ways." (Please do not send me your method.) I've relaced many gloves in my shop that have had bacon-crisp laces as a result of being oiled and put in the oven. This is how food is cooked—not how to treat leather designed and manufactured to function as a tool! I've seen gloves that have been saturated in a bucket of used motor oil. This will make the leather more pliable, and heavy, and floppy and pretty much useless. There are gloves that have been coated with linseed oil. Linseed oil is made for use on rigid items, such as wood, to seal the surface and protect against moisture. When used on leather it seals the surface and causes it to become brittle and crack.
Not all oils are created equal. Just because the label indicates oil, does not mean it is good for use on leather. Olive oil and other cooking oils will go rancid on the shelf as well as in your glove. Gloves that have had these oils used on them tend to have mushy leather. The laces break easily. The leather stretches and tears easily.
Soaking is a popular method used for breaking-in a glove. Whether the soaking is done in water or oil, the leather, laces, and pad are subject to damage. There is a constant quest to develop ways to break-in gloves instantly. Many of these procedures involve the use of household appliances, such as conventional ovens, microwave ovens, washers, dryers and hair dryers, none of which should have anything to do with leather ball gloves.
I read an article in a major sports magazine that quoted a professional ball player, who described pouring hot coffee with cream into the pocket of his glove. I don't remember if he used sugar, too, but why not?
One other thing. Some players think that pummeling a new glove is the way to a quick break. Yes, it is. It is basically the same as using the glove for many games, only much rougher. I believe the glove will be better served, and will serve better, if this extra abuse is avoided. If you just catch balls to form the glove, you are training the glove and getting your timing down at the same time. Better for you. Better for the glove.
When I break-in a glove, or mitt, I use a product that I've developed after years of trying almost every leather conditioning product on the market and some that weren't. Glove Stuff® is a cleaner and conditioner that contains lanolin, to soften and moisturize the leather so that spitting in your glove—a disgusting practice, and damaging to the leather—is unnecessary. Glove Stuff® loosens even caked on dirt and grime, which can then be wiped off with a soft towel. It will not leave your glove greasy or oily. It does not attract dirt. Glove Stuff® will not make your glove heavy or floppy. It will not promote cracking or deterioration of the leather. Buy a lot. Give it as gifts!
I apply a small amount of Glove Stuff® in the triangular area shown. I rub it into the leather until most of it has been absorbed, then wipe off the excess with a soft towel. Next, I fold the glove at the hinge and excercise that area until I feel it relax a bit. I then fold the glove and squeeze the fold with my hand so that a crease can be formed along the triangle line from the index finger side to the hinge. After setting this crease, I re-fold the glove and form a similar crease from the thumb side of the triangle to the hinge. The final step is to re-fold the glove so a crease can be formed from the center of the web crotch to the hinge. When finished with these steps you should be able to see three distinct creases fanning out from the hinge to the web crotch. After completing these steps (about 20 minutes) put the glove on your hand and close it a few times. You should be able to feel a difference in the way the glove responds. The more you repeat these excercises, the more responsive your glove will be. I may reapply some Glove Stuff® in a few days, but it is not necessary to use it in excess. I do not apply it to any other areas on a new glove. New leather should be clean and moist from the factory.
Now I did have one customer who told me his best method for break-in and, after preparing myself for the worst, was delighted to find it made excellent sense. It's fast, too. He conditions a new glove then goes to the batting cages (at an off-peak hour, please, there will be fewer distractions and less chance of injury). He buys a bucket o' balls to catch, not to bat. He says that after one session the glove is game ready. Makes sense to me. Try it.
Copyright © 2000–2004 The Sandalady.
Most gloves are designed with built-in hinges which allow the glove to be opened and closed easily. The most common hinge is located at the base of the little finger pad, about 3/4"–1 1/2" away from the heel pad. Normally, there is no pad in the hinge area; this allows the glove to open and close with minor resistance. The glove should close just like your hand at rest with the fingers folding at their hinge where they join to the palm.
Some players prefer to break a glove so that the little finger and thumb tips come together. There are a few glove models designed to accomodate this break. These gloves usually have a series of vertical laces securing the heel pad. These laces allow the glove to fold across the heel. It is possible to break down the thick heel pad on the former glove type, but it is preferrable to buy a glove designed to break to your specs than to try to modify the break angle.
I always clamp my jaw and shudder when a player tells me of the best way to break-in a glove. I have heard the most bizzare methods imaginable. Well, maybe not, but I have heard a lot of weird ones, and I've seen and repaired the results of many of these "best-ways." (Please do not send me your method.) I've relaced many gloves in my shop that have had bacon-crisp laces as a result of being oiled and put in the oven. This is how food is cooked—not how to treat leather designed and manufactured to function as a tool! I've seen gloves that have been saturated in a bucket of used motor oil. This will make the leather more pliable, and heavy, and floppy and pretty much useless. There are gloves that have been coated with linseed oil. Linseed oil is made for use on rigid items, such as wood, to seal the surface and protect against moisture. When used on leather it seals the surface and causes it to become brittle and crack.
Not all oils are created equal. Just because the label indicates oil, does not mean it is good for use on leather. Olive oil and other cooking oils will go rancid on the shelf as well as in your glove. Gloves that have had these oils used on them tend to have mushy leather. The laces break easily. The leather stretches and tears easily.
Soaking is a popular method used for breaking-in a glove. Whether the soaking is done in water or oil, the leather, laces, and pad are subject to damage. There is a constant quest to develop ways to break-in gloves instantly. Many of these procedures involve the use of household appliances, such as conventional ovens, microwave ovens, washers, dryers and hair dryers, none of which should have anything to do with leather ball gloves.
I read an article in a major sports magazine that quoted a professional ball player, who described pouring hot coffee with cream into the pocket of his glove. I don't remember if he used sugar, too, but why not?
One other thing. Some players think that pummeling a new glove is the way to a quick break. Yes, it is. It is basically the same as using the glove for many games, only much rougher. I believe the glove will be better served, and will serve better, if this extra abuse is avoided. If you just catch balls to form the glove, you are training the glove and getting your timing down at the same time. Better for you. Better for the glove.
When I break-in a glove, or mitt, I use a product that I've developed after years of trying almost every leather conditioning product on the market and some that weren't. Glove Stuff® is a cleaner and conditioner that contains lanolin, to soften and moisturize the leather so that spitting in your glove—a disgusting practice, and damaging to the leather—is unnecessary. Glove Stuff® loosens even caked on dirt and grime, which can then be wiped off with a soft towel. It will not leave your glove greasy or oily. It does not attract dirt. Glove Stuff® will not make your glove heavy or floppy. It will not promote cracking or deterioration of the leather. Buy a lot. Give it as gifts!
I apply a small amount of Glove Stuff® in the triangular area shown. I rub it into the leather until most of it has been absorbed, then wipe off the excess with a soft towel. Next, I fold the glove at the hinge and excercise that area until I feel it relax a bit. I then fold the glove and squeeze the fold with my hand so that a crease can be formed along the triangle line from the index finger side to the hinge. After setting this crease, I re-fold the glove and form a similar crease from the thumb side of the triangle to the hinge. The final step is to re-fold the glove so a crease can be formed from the center of the web crotch to the hinge. When finished with these steps you should be able to see three distinct creases fanning out from the hinge to the web crotch. After completing these steps (about 20 minutes) put the glove on your hand and close it a few times. You should be able to feel a difference in the way the glove responds. The more you repeat these excercises, the more responsive your glove will be. I may reapply some Glove Stuff® in a few days, but it is not necessary to use it in excess. I do not apply it to any other areas on a new glove. New leather should be clean and moist from the factory.
Now I did have one customer who told me his best method for break-in and, after preparing myself for the worst, was delighted to find it made excellent sense. It's fast, too. He conditions a new glove then goes to the batting cages (at an off-peak hour, please, there will be fewer distractions and less chance of injury). He buys a bucket o' balls to catch, not to bat. He says that after one session the glove is game ready. Makes sense to me. Try it.
Copyright © 2000–2004 The Sandalady.
baseball glove : BUYING YOUR GLOVE
A good glove does not have to be expensive. There are gloves that will give many seasons of satisfactory service for under $50. You can pay more, but more money does not necessarily mean a better, more serviceable glove. There are expensive ($90-$200+) gloves which may last one or two seasons, and there are inexpensive gloves ($35-$60) that can last for ten years or more with routine maintenance.
Select a glove for the position you will be playing more often.
Outfield —larger glove
Infield (except first base)—small to medium
First base, softball —first baseman's mitt or outfielder's
First base, hardball—first baseman's mitt
Catcher, softball—softball catcher's mitt, first baseman's mitt or outfielder's glove
Catcher, hardball—catcher's mitt
Check for fit; a glove should feel fairly snug when adjusted. Check to make sure the glove adjusts to your hand. Allow for batting glove if you wear one and, except for hardball pitchers, you should wear one inside your glove. The batting glove will absorb most of the sweat from your hands, thus protecting the lining of your glove. Change the batting glove when it gets wet or rotted.
Feel the leather. It should be fairly sturdy to sturdy. Sure, a stiffer glove will have to be broken in but once done, the glove will be serviceable for many seasons. The softer "pre-broken" gloves feel great, but most of them wear out very quickly and may be difficult or impossible to repair. The leather in these gloves is usually thinner and therefore weaker than that in a sturdier glove. The thinner, softer leathers tend to show signs of stress at the lacing holes in the web and fingers after a few months of continuous play. These softer gloves often have thin laces which cannot withstand the rigors of continuous hard play and will break after a few games. If these laces are replaced with a more substantial lace, this new lace can result in stretched or torn lacing holes because of the softer/thinner leather in the glove body.
Beware of gloves that are marked with such nebulous terms as "specially treated leather" or "all leather palm". These descriptions may mean tissue-thin leather bonded to a fabric backing (a sort of leather veneer). Obviously this leather is not going to give years of service to the serious ball player. The "veneer" glove presents the same repair problems as the "pre-broken" glove; the body material is too flimsy for permanent repairs to be possible.
"All leather palm" means just that. The palm of the glove is leather. The rest of the glove is usually not.
Beware of plastic gloves - it is getting more and more difficult to readily distinguish between plastic and leather. Leather gloves will have "Genuine Leather" stamped on them; plastic gloves will not (but genuine leather can also include the leather veneers).
When plastic tears, it is seldom repairable. Plastic gloves for kids are not recommended because they are almost impossible to break in. Oiling plastic does not soften it. Plastic gloves are not necessarily cheaper, especially if you have to buy a new one next season.
A good used glove should also be considered. These can be picked up at garage sales, thrift stores, and sports stores that specialize in used equipment. There are also several sites on the web where used gloves can be bought. The advantages of buying a good used glove include:
Solid leather
Already broken in.
Copyright © 2000–2004 The Sandalady.
Select a glove for the position you will be playing more often.
Outfield —larger glove
Infield (except first base)—small to medium
First base, softball —first baseman's mitt or outfielder's
First base, hardball—first baseman's mitt
Catcher, softball—softball catcher's mitt, first baseman's mitt or outfielder's glove
Catcher, hardball—catcher's mitt
Check for fit; a glove should feel fairly snug when adjusted. Check to make sure the glove adjusts to your hand. Allow for batting glove if you wear one and, except for hardball pitchers, you should wear one inside your glove. The batting glove will absorb most of the sweat from your hands, thus protecting the lining of your glove. Change the batting glove when it gets wet or rotted.
Feel the leather. It should be fairly sturdy to sturdy. Sure, a stiffer glove will have to be broken in but once done, the glove will be serviceable for many seasons. The softer "pre-broken" gloves feel great, but most of them wear out very quickly and may be difficult or impossible to repair. The leather in these gloves is usually thinner and therefore weaker than that in a sturdier glove. The thinner, softer leathers tend to show signs of stress at the lacing holes in the web and fingers after a few months of continuous play. These softer gloves often have thin laces which cannot withstand the rigors of continuous hard play and will break after a few games. If these laces are replaced with a more substantial lace, this new lace can result in stretched or torn lacing holes because of the softer/thinner leather in the glove body.
Beware of gloves that are marked with such nebulous terms as "specially treated leather" or "all leather palm". These descriptions may mean tissue-thin leather bonded to a fabric backing (a sort of leather veneer). Obviously this leather is not going to give years of service to the serious ball player. The "veneer" glove presents the same repair problems as the "pre-broken" glove; the body material is too flimsy for permanent repairs to be possible.
"All leather palm" means just that. The palm of the glove is leather. The rest of the glove is usually not.
Beware of plastic gloves - it is getting more and more difficult to readily distinguish between plastic and leather. Leather gloves will have "Genuine Leather" stamped on them; plastic gloves will not (but genuine leather can also include the leather veneers).
When plastic tears, it is seldom repairable. Plastic gloves for kids are not recommended because they are almost impossible to break in. Oiling plastic does not soften it. Plastic gloves are not necessarily cheaper, especially if you have to buy a new one next season.
A good used glove should also be considered. These can be picked up at garage sales, thrift stores, and sports stores that specialize in used equipment. There are also several sites on the web where used gloves can be bought. The advantages of buying a good used glove include:
Solid leather
Already broken in.
Copyright © 2000–2004 The Sandalady.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
baseball glove : Community thanked in baseball glove collection
I'd like to thank the community of Sharon for donating baseball gloves to "Mitts Across the Miles."
I collected 330 gloves which will be donated to the town of El Mamon in the Dominican Republic. The gloves will be mailed out this week and will be distributed through the Lindos Suenos program this July.
A special thanks to Ellen Bender, Bob Sondheim, SYBSA and Eric Wolff, Lou Steinberg, and Sue Melaugh for helping me organize the drive and collect the gloves.
Thanks also to RBI baseball academy in Foxboro which displayed collection boxes. Many gloves were donated through RBI academy.
Most donations were a single glove or two, which demonstrates how many people took the time and effort to make a contribution. I especially appreciated finding gloves at my front door from anonymous donors. I know the kids in the Dominican Republic will be very grateful to the people in Sharon for their generosity.
Matthew Tung
Sharon resident
I collected 330 gloves which will be donated to the town of El Mamon in the Dominican Republic. The gloves will be mailed out this week and will be distributed through the Lindos Suenos program this July.
A special thanks to Ellen Bender, Bob Sondheim, SYBSA and Eric Wolff, Lou Steinberg, and Sue Melaugh for helping me organize the drive and collect the gloves.
Thanks also to RBI baseball academy in Foxboro which displayed collection boxes. Many gloves were donated through RBI academy.
Most donations were a single glove or two, which demonstrates how many people took the time and effort to make a contribution. I especially appreciated finding gloves at my front door from anonymous donors. I know the kids in the Dominican Republic will be very grateful to the people in Sharon for their generosity.
Matthew Tung
Sharon resident
baseball glove : Long-lost baseball glove returns
A man found his brother’s boyhood baseball glove at a flea market — 42 years after it disappeared.
Patrick Reynolds’ name and pre-area code phone number were still legible on the left-hander’s mitt, which his brother, Jeff, plucked from a barrel of used sports equipment. Jeff Reynolds paid $5 for the glove last week and returned it to his brother.
“He thought maybe I’d had the glove all these years,” quipped Jeff Reynolds, 47, a telephone service technician.
Actually, Patrick Reynolds always thought his father had given the glove away to needy children. His father had been drafted by the old St. Louis Browns and, after serving in the military during World War II, played recreational ball and mentored young players until about age 65.
“He was always collecting old gloves and relacing them and giving them to kids who needed them,” said Reynolds, a 57-year-old senior county parks landscape architect from Lomita. “I figure he found mine at home and donated it to somebody to use.”
The swap meet, at Alpine Village, is close to where the brothers grew up. They figure the glove remained in the neighborhood the whole time.
Reynolds said he will display his old glove on a shelf.
“All my grandkids are right-handed, so they can't use it,” he said.
© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Patrick Reynolds’ name and pre-area code phone number were still legible on the left-hander’s mitt, which his brother, Jeff, plucked from a barrel of used sports equipment. Jeff Reynolds paid $5 for the glove last week and returned it to his brother.
“He thought maybe I’d had the glove all these years,” quipped Jeff Reynolds, 47, a telephone service technician.
Actually, Patrick Reynolds always thought his father had given the glove away to needy children. His father had been drafted by the old St. Louis Browns and, after serving in the military during World War II, played recreational ball and mentored young players until about age 65.
“He was always collecting old gloves and relacing them and giving them to kids who needed them,” said Reynolds, a 57-year-old senior county parks landscape architect from Lomita. “I figure he found mine at home and donated it to somebody to use.”
The swap meet, at Alpine Village, is close to where the brothers grew up. They figure the glove remained in the neighborhood the whole time.
Reynolds said he will display his old glove on a shelf.
“All my grandkids are right-handed, so they can't use it,” he said.
© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
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