How to Break in an Omaha Catcher's Mitt

Every new catcher's mitt is stiff and often difficult to catch with. It lacks the subtle comfort that most catcher's need to get them through a game with relative ease. The position is inherently awkward, due to the low stance catchers need to be in throughout the nine innings, so making the Omaha catching glove as loose and comfortable as possible can go a long way. Former Major League Baseball catcher Brent Mayne notes in his blog that he would even designate someone else to play games and practice with his new glove to break it in.

Things You'll Need

  • Foam
  • Baseball bat
  • Baseball glove oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pull the opening of the glove apart and stretch it as far as you can. Place a piece of foam on the ground.

    • 2

      Spread the mitt out and put it on the ground with the back facing down. Hold the glove down and pound the opening with the top of the end of a baseball bat.

    • 3

      Push the thumb part of the glove into the middle of the mitt's opening and pound the outside of the thumb down with the end of the bat. Pound along the threading. Fold the glove into multiple positions while pounding to break in all areas of the mitt.

    • 4

      Put the glove on your hand and continually throw a baseball into it. You can do this for an hour or so while watching TV.

    • 5

      Oil the mitt. Most manufacturers recommend oiling the entire mitt. Mayne recommends oiling just the stiffest areas of the mitt.

    • 6

      Catch with the mitt repetitively. According to Mayne, catching with the mitt is the best way to break it in.