A good infielder's defensive coach would instruct the team on the importance of proper baseball glove maintenance. A poorly cared for baseball glove can cause errors when fielding a ground ball. Here are a few reasons why:

• A stiff glove is harder to close quickly, which can lead to dropped balls.

• A glove that is not broken in properly can cause the ball to bounce out of it when you try to field it.

• A dirty glove can become stiff and difficult to use.

• A glove that is not properly conditioned can crack or tear.

Here are a few examples of how poorly cared for baseball gloves have caused errors in important games:

• In the 2016 World Series, Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar dropped a routine ground ball that would have ended the game. Escobar later said that his glove was stiff and he was not able to close it quickly enough to make the catch.

• In the 2017 American League Championship Series, Boston Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland dropped a ground ball that would have been an out. Moreland later said that his glove was not broken in properly and the ball slipped out of it.

• In the 2018 National League Championship Series, Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner dropped a ground ball that would have been an out. Turner later said that his glove was dirty and he was not able to grip the ball properly.

To avoid these types of errors, it is important to properly maintain your baseball glove. Here are a few tips:

• Break in your glove with the correct break in strategy. Using Mitt-Spit break in will quicken the process as its deep penetrating process properly lubricates the glove leather fibers on even the stiffest mitts.

• Regularly use Mitt-Spit glove oil (conditioner) to keep your glove soft and pliable.

• Clean your glove regularly with a Mitt-Spit glove cleaner. It’s engineered specifically for baseball glove leather. Never use household cleaners as it’s to harsh for the leather.

• Store your glove in a cool, dry place when you are not using it.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your baseball glove will last for many seasons, help you to make more plays and avoid stupid errors because your glove wasn’t cared for properly. For the love of your glove, your mitt deserves the finest baseball glove products made by people who really understand leather.