How to Restore a Vintage Baseball Glove

A vintage baseball glove will need repair as over time leather can dry and crack. When the glove is brand new the leather is conditioned so that the glove bends and can be broken-in exactly how the player wants. Over the years the leather will grow less soft and the laces may begin to break. According to Brooklyn, N.Y.-based John Golomb Sporting Goods Repair & Restoration, once one lace breaks, the others will follow shortly thereafter. So, it's a good idea to replace them.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather conditioner
  • Leather cleaner
  • Dry cloths
  • Replacement laces
  • Scissors
  • Lacing needles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the vintage glove. Lather up a dry cloth or rag with leather cleaner. Carefully wipe away all of the dirt that is visible on the outside of the glove. Make sure to get in the areas between the fingers and inside the webbing. Use the rag to clean inside the finger areas of the glove as well as under the wrist guard. Use your fingers to push the rag inside the finger slots. Once you have thoroughly cleaned the glove, take a dry rag and dab the excess water off. Allow the glove to thoroughly air dry at room temperature.

    • 2

      Condition the vintage glove. Apply leather conditioner to the outside of the glove using a dry cloth. Rub it in gently using a small circular motion. The conditioner will help to restore some of the natural color of the glove as well as help to extend its life, according to KeyMan Collectibles online.

    • 3

      Replace the laces. If you intend on using the vintage baseball glove then you will need to replace the laces so that it will be functional and safe. Use your scissors to remove one lace at a time. When you remove a lace take note of how it is coming out of the glove. It will be replaced in the reverse direction from which it comes out. Use your lacing needle to place a new lace where the old lace was. Be sure to tie a good overhand knot at the end of the lace to ensure its stability.