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.

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