Why baseball glove oils go rancid

Oils can go rancid because they contain unsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids have double bonds in their chemical structure, which makes them susceptible to oxidation. When unsaturated fatty acids react with oxygen, they form compounds that have unpleasant odors and off-flavors. Beyond the obvious, this oxidation process can degrade the leather shortening it’s useful life.

• Indicator or test of an oil's potential for rancidity

The iodine value is a measure of an oil's potential for rancidity. The higher the iodine value, the more unsaturated the oil is and the more likely it is to go rancid. Neatsfoot oil, for example, has an iodine value of 75, while coconut oil has an iodine value of 9 and Mitt-Spit glove oil as an Iodine value of 1. This means that Neatsfoot Oil is more likely to go rancid than coconut oil. The least likely is Mitt-Spit Glove Oil.

• Ranking of oils used to condition baseball gloves

The following is a ranking of oils used to condition baseball gloves, from least likely to go rancid to most likely to go rancid:

1. Mitt-Spit glove oil (iodine value of 1)

2. Coconut oil (iodine value of 9)

3. Beeswax (iodine value of 7)

4. Avocado oil (iodine value of 8)

5. Olive oil (iodine value of 85)

6. Neatsfoot oil (iodine value of 75)

7. Mink oil (iodine value of 80-95)

• Why it's a bad idea to use the wrong type of oil on a baseball glove

Using the wrong type of oil on a baseball glove can cause the leather to become brittle and lose its original properties. This can lead to a compromised performance, reduced durability, and a less comfortable feel for the player. In addition, rancid oils can develop an unpleasant smell, which can be both unsightly and unpleasant.

Therefore, it is important to use a high-quality oil that is designed specifically for conditioning baseball gloves. These oils are typically low in iodine value and are less likely to go rancid. They will also help to keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out.

This alone is the reason why Mitt-Spit Glove Oil should be every baseball player’s go to product to keep their glove in tip-top shape.