Pro Player Glove Care Secrets: How the Pros Keep Their Mitts in Top Shape
Share
When you watch your favorite big-league player make a diving stop or frame a perfect pitch, it’s easy to focus on the highlight. But behind every great play is a glove that has been carefully broken in, maintained, and cared for. The truth is, pro players treat their gloves like tools of the trade and they have routines that keep those mitts sharp year after year.
At The Craftsman’s Works, I’ve studied the habits of players past and present. Here are some pro-level glove care secrets and how you can apply them to your own glove.
1. Keep the Leather Hydrated
Nolan Arenado, known for his Gold Glove defense, is meticulous about keeping his Rawlings Heart of the Hide mitt conditioned. Dry leather cracks, stiffens, and loses shape. Pros apply conditioner lightly and consistently to maintain a glove’s feel without over-saturating it.
👉 Use our Glove Lotion to keep your leather supple and long-lasting.
2. Clean After Every Game
Pro catchers like Yadier Molina always wipe down their mitts after games. Dust, sweat, and dirt break down leather faster than you think. A quick clean keeps the glove looking sharp and preserves its durability.
👉 Our Leather Spot Cleaner is perfect for removing sweat stains and dirt buildup without harming the leather.
3. Shape Matters
Pros obsess over pocket shape. Francisco Lindor and other infielders pound their glove pockets with a ball or mallet to keep the perfect form for quick transfers. Outfielders often prefer deeper pockets, while catchers hammer their mitts for durability.
👉 Keep a ball inside your glove or carry your glove (don't put it in your bag) to lock in the shape that matches your position.
4. Off-Season Storage
When the season ends, pros don’t just toss their gloves in a bag. They store them properly: ball in the pocket or set palm side down, and leather conditioned and protected before going on the shelf. This ensures the glove is game-ready come spring training.
👉 Pair Glove Salve with a glove wrap to keep your pocket secure during the off-season.
Final Word: Treat Your Glove Like the Pros Do
Your glove is more than a piece of equipment, it’s an extension of your hand. By caring for it the way the pros do, you’ll extend its life, improve performance, and keep it ready for the next big play.
Ready to build your pro-level glove care routine?
👉 Shop Glove Care Products