How the baseball glove evolved

Baseball is a sport that has been around for over 100 years. While many things have changed over the years, one thing that was learned since then is the need for a good baseball glove. You may be wondering how the gloves of today differ from those used in the very early days of baseball.

Let's go back 150 years. Baseball gloves were first introduced in the 1870s, but they were not the type of gloves that we know today. In those days, it was frowned upon for a fielder to wear a glove. So most games were played with the fielders catching the ball with their bare hands. Some players realized they needed some protection creating a makeshift glove out of rags or other materials. So the concept of a baseball mitt was conceived. Back then, the glove was simply made from thin leather with no real padding. It was intended to provide some protection for the player’s hand, not help them catch the ball.

It wasn't until the early 1900s that gloves began to take on a more recognizable form. Gloves were still made of leather, but they were thicker, heavier and had more padded. However, they were not very flexible and were difficult to break in. This meant that players had to spend a lot of time breaking in their gloves and molding them to their hands. Over the next 100 years the glove have morphed considerably.

Fast forward to today, and baseball gloves have come a long way. Gloves are now made of a variety of materials, including leather, synthetic materials, and even mesh. They are much more flexible but still require a break in process.  It’s just a bit easier now when compared to the gloves of the past. In addition, gloves are now designed with specific positions in mind. For example, a catcher's mitt is much different than a first baseman's glove.

Another major difference between gloves of today and those of the past is the level of customization available. Players can now choose from a wide range of colors, designs, and sizes. They can even have their gloves personalized with their name or team logo.

Overall, the differences between baseball gloves of today and those of 100 years ago are significant. While the basic concept of the glove remains the same, advances in materials and design have made gloves more comfortable, flexible, and functional. Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting out, make sure you invest in a good baseball glove.  It’s often a lifetime investment so buy a glove that you know will last decades.  And maintain the glove leather with proper cleaning and conditioning the leather to prolong the mitt’s life. Proper long-term maintenance will help you perform at your best on the field.

What's the Iodine Index and why is it important

We know it’s important to properly apply oil or conditioners to leather.  What’s also important to know which oils are good for leather and which can go rancid. Have you ever heard of the iodine index? This measurement is used to determine the potential for rancidity in oils, which is an important factor to consider for health reasons.

The iodine index, sometimes called the iodine value, is a measure of the unsaturated fatty acids present in an oil which determines the oil’s potential for rancidity. Unsaturated fatty acids contain double bonds between carbon atoms, which can become rancid when exposed to oxygen and heat. The iodine index is determined by adding iodine to the oil, which reacts with the double bonds to form a complex that can be measured.

The higher the iodine index, the more unsaturated fatty acids are present in the oil. This means that the oil is more susceptible to oxidation, which leads to rancidity. Rancidity is characterized by a stale, unpleasant, unhealthy odor.  I’m sure you’ve seen young boys and girls standing in the outfield totally bored and literally putting their mitt in their mouth.

Different oils have different iodine indexes, depending on their composition. For example, coconut oil has a very low iodine index of around 10, which means it contains mostly saturated fatty acids and is less prone to rancidity. On the other hand, soybean oil has an iodine index of around 130, indicating that it is high in unsaturated fatty acids and more prone to rancidity. 

It's important to note that not all unsaturated fatty acids (oils) are created equal. Neat’s-foot oil has a value of about 72.  Mink oil runs about 88.  Mitt-Spit Glove Oil has an iodine index of about 1.  Making Mitt-Spit Glove Oil by far the safest to use to prevent rancidity.

The iodine index is an important measurement for assessing the potential for rancidity in oils. Oils high in unsaturated fatty acids are more susceptible to oxidation, which leads to rancidity. By choosing oils with lower iodine indexes, we can reduce the risk of rancidity and enjoy healthier lifestyle.

How is a baseball glove made?

Have you ever wondered how a baseball or softball glove is made? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the process of creating this essential piece of baseball/softball equipment.

The Materials

The first step in making a baseball glove is to gather the materials. Most gloves are made from leather, which is typically cowhide or steerhide. The leather used for gloves is specially processed at a tannery to make it more durable and pliable. The leather hide is also typically dyed the iconic brown color that we associate with baseball gloves.  After the dying process, it can also be pigment coated any color of the rainbow. 

The leather is then cut following specific patterns into the various parts that make up the glove. These parts include the palm, webbing, and fingers. The pattern is specific to each type of glove with a catcher’s mitt being the most complicated. 

The Assembly

Once the leather parts have been cut, they are assembled into a glove including the padding material and other internals. The first step in this process is to stitch the leather parts together. Because of the contours and basic shape, this is often done by hand using a special type of needle and thread. The needle is in the curved shape of a half-moon.  The thread is typically a heavy-duty nylon for long term strength and durability. The stitching is key as it determines the shape and strength of the glove.

The next step is to shape the glove. This is done by placing a ball or other round object inside the glove and then tying it closed. This helps to create the “pocket.”

The glove is then processed with softening agents to reduce the leather’s inherent stiffness, making it more pliable. This helps to create a comfortable fit for the player.  However, it will still take some effort to break-in the leather, so it feels responsive on your hand.

The final step in the process is to add the finishing touches, such as lacing, promotional signatures or logos. The lacing is usually leather strips. They are used to tighten or loosen the glove as needed, while the logos and signatures are added for promotional and branding purposes.

The Result

After these steps have been completed, the result is a high-quality baseball glove that is ready to be broken-in and used on the field.  Properly breaking in a baseball mitt is necessary so that the finished product is both durable and comfortable, making it the prized possession for any baseball player.

The process of making a baseball glove is a combination of art and science. It requires skilled craftsmen who understand the properties of leather and how to stitch it together to create it functional and comfortable. Whether you are a professional player or a weekend warrior, the baseball glove is an essential part of the game that allows players to make incredible catches and turn the tide of a game.

What type of leather is used when making a baseball glove?

Baseball gloves are an essential piece of equipment for any player, and the leather used to make them plays a crucial role in their performance and durability. The type of leather used in baseball gloves can vary, but the most common types are steerhide, often called cowhide, and kangaroo leather.

Cowhide is the most widely used leather in baseball gloves due to its durability and affordability. Through the tanning process, cowhide leather is rendered thick and stiff, and it requires a break-in to make it more flexible and comfortable. Mitt-Spit Break-in solution shorted the break in time. The leather comes in varying degrees of quality. The higher the quality, the softer the feel. It is often used in high-end gloves because it offers better performance and comfort.

Kangaroo leather is becoming increasingly popular in baseball gloves due to its lightness and strength. It is also more flexible and easier to break in than cowhide or steerhide. However, it is more expensive and not as widely available as other types of leather.

The leather used in baseball gloves undergoes a rigorous tanning process to ensure that it is strong, flexible, and able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Tanning is the process of treating animal hides to transform them into a durable material that can withstand the elements and repeated use. During the tanning process, the hides are treated with chemicals and oils to soften and preserve them, making them resistant to water and sweat.

In addition to the type of leather used, the design of the glove can also affect its performance. The pattern and webbing of the glove can impact how easy it is to catch and control the ball. The size and shape of the glove can also affect the player's ability to catch the ball and make quick throws.

The leather used in baseball gloves is an essential component of their performance and durability. Cowhide, steerhide, and kangaroo leather are the most commonly used types of leather, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Regardless of the type of leather used, the tanning process is crucial to ensure that the leather is strong and flexible. Choosing the right glove design and size can also have a significant impact on a player's performance on the field.

Mink, Neatsfoot or Olive Oil on Baseball Gloves --- Here's Why Not.

Mink oil comes from the skin of a mink.   Neatsfoot come from the hoof of a cow and other animals. Olive oil from, well olives. Animal or vegetable oils are never good for leather because of the potential of rancidity.  The oil can turn rancid.

To understand why, here's a short chemistry lesson.   There are two ends of the animal or vegetable oil spectrum: There is Saturated oils on one end and Unsaturated oils on the other.   Saturated oils are really stable, whereas unsaturated oils can be unstable.

There is a scientific method for testing this.  It’s called the Iodine Value (sometimes referred to as Iodine Index).  The higher the iodine value of an oil, the less stable it is, which means more sensitive to oxidation.   Simply put, the more likely to go rancid.  

The Iodine Value of mink oil is between 80 and 95.  Neatsfoot oil runs between 69 - 75. Olive oil is way up there as well at around 85. These are pretty far up that scale. Mitt-Spit glove oil is about 1. The same low rancidity potential exists for Mitt-Spit Break-in. That means virtually no chance of rancidity with Mitt-Spit products.

Mink, olive and neatsfoot oils all have fairly high Iodine Values.  There are 3 other factors necessary.  Exposure to air (oxygen), heat and light. This is why olive oil bottles are generally green (not clear glass), are stored with the cap on tight and supposed to be stored in a dark cool place.

Your baseball glove however is outside in the sun, exposed to air and gets plenty warm.  So your mitt is exposed to all three factors: Air, Heat and Light.  If it's loaded with olive, mink or neatsfoot oil, It doesn't take long for the oil in the glove to go rancid. What does this mean to you?  Anything going rancid in the leather will help deteriorate that leather.  It will make your glove smell and is generally unhealthy. Yuk!

Mitt-Spit products on the other hand is made from an oil that is often found in cosmetics, or even as a food additive.  It's very safe for your mitt too.  As mentioned, Mitt-Spit glove oil and Mitt-Spit Break-in have an iodine value of about 1.  For the sake of your glove,use Mitt-Spit products. If you invest in the correct care products, you’ll never be sorry. Go here to buy Mitt-Spit Products.

A creative use of Mitt-Spit Break-in - put it on new laces before you lace up a glove.

Nate Petty of Magnolia, TX came up with a brilliant idea for using the Mitt-Spit Break-in product when re-lacing. Often the new laces are stiff, sometimes stiffer than the glove leather itself. What Nate discovered is if you apply the Mitt-Spit Break-in product to the laces before you start the lacing project, it makes a lacing job a lot easier. Try it. See if it works for you too. Thanks for the tip Nate. Go to Mitt-Spit Products to buy the correct products for your glove.

Does glove oil plug up the pores of baseball glove leather?

There is a lot written on the internet about baseball glove care.  Much of it is wrong, for example, the clogging of leather pores with conditioning agents.  The general theme is that the "conditioner" blocks the ability of the leather to breath.  So let's take a look at the science of it.  

To answer the question directly --- the right glove oil chemistry does not clog leather pores.  However, a heavy, viscous chemistry can.  For example, Vaseline slathered across a piece of leather will NOT soak in, but just sit on the surface.  All it does is add weight to the glove and block the leather (skin) from breathing.  So,  you end up with a greasy, gloppy mess that does in fact block pores.

A good starting point is to ask: Why does leather need regular glove oil anyway?

Here's some background:  Leather has natural moisturizing agents that have been infused into the leather at the tannery.  This is what makes the leather pliable, not stiff as wood.  A average of 25% of the leather's mass is moisture.  Because leather is porous, it breathes.  So, it loses moisture through evaporation.  As leather loses moisture, it stiffens and actually can shrink (loses mass).  Therefore, it's important for the long term life of glove leather, to keep the leather moisture content at the proper level.  This is accomplished by using a properly chemically engineered glove oil.

What then is the right chemistry for a leather glove?  

A baseball glove oil should have the following attributes:

1.  A softening agent that the leather will absorb is essential.  If it doesn't soak in then it's useless. The glove oil should be absorbed deeply, migrate into the internal leather fibers, not just the surface.

2. Baseball glove oil should be engineered specifically for baseball glove leather, not cross marketed from other intended uses.  There are many different types of leather.  How the leather is tanned (processed) at a tannery determines its characteristics.  The products developed for treating that leather, once in the hands of a consumer, should take that into consideration.

3. It should be made with quality ingredients that will have long lasting, positive effects on leather.

4. Glove oil should be pH balanced to the leather.  If it isn't, then it can actually be harmful, (i.e. saddle soap) break down the leather, shortening the life of the leather.  More on this point in another post.

5. It should be easy to apply and creamy in texture so you can see it as you apply it.  

6. It should NOT leave a sticky or oily residue on the leather.

7. A thin coating of glove oil should dissipate into the leather rapidly.

8. It should leave a smooth, leather-like feel to the glove after it has been applied.

9. It should have a pleasant, new leather aroma. 

These are the attributes Advanced Leather Solutions engineered into Mitt-Spit Glove oil.  With 35 years experience working with leather as a leather restoration company, Advanced Leather Solutions know what's good for leather and what can be harmful.  We understand the chemical engineering behind quality leather care products and have applied this knowledge to Mitt-Spit Solutions, a whole class of products that you can count on for the long term vitality of your baseball glove. Go to Mitt-Spit Products to buy the correct products for your glove.

Prepare Your Glove for the Off-Season

Fall is here in the United States.  It’s time to think about doing what’s best to prepare your glove for its winter “hibernation.”  Here are some tips.

1      After a season’s use, it’s a good idea to give your glove a thorough cleaning.  With the Mitt-Spit glove cleaner, generously apply to all surfaces.  If you have the Mitt-Spit cleaning glove, use it.  It’s an excellent way to apply the cleaner as it gives you good finger dexterity to get into all the nook and crannies.  Let the cleaner sit on the glove for a minute or two.  Then, use a soft dry cloth to wipe away to soapy residue.  This will remove the potential for mold or mildew developing.  The Mitt-Split cleaning glove can be reused many times over.  Simply throw it into the washing machine and it will be ready for next season.

2      Apply Mitt-Spit Glove Oil to the glove using a soft cloth, like a micro-fiber towel.  A light coating is all that is necessary.  Be sure to use the right oil.  Products like mink oil or coconut oil have a potential for turning rancid --- Yuck!  Mitt-Spit glove oil will not turn rancid.

3      Put a baseball into the glove pocket and wrap the glove in a soft cloth, or cloth bag. Lightly secure with a rubber-band or the like.

4      Store the glove in a location which is protected from freezing.  So that means, keep the glove indoors for the winter in the northern states.  An inside closet works great.

Do this and your glove with sleep well all winter long and when spring season comes along, you’ll be ready to play ball with a glove the looks and feel fresh and supple. Go to Mitt-Spit Products to buy the correct products for your glove.

Baseball Glove Gurus Love Mitt-Spit

Had a nice conversation with Walt H. of Mobile, AL.  He is semi-retired, spending his time now repairing and restoring baseball gloves.  Walt lives in the sports crazed capital of America, Mobile, AL area where more professional baseball and football players come from per capita than any other place in the country.  People from the Mobile area are serious about baseball.

In one specific instance, Walt has a decades old glove that was heavily soiled and hadn't been conditioned in about forever.  He used the Mitt-Spit system of cleaning and conditioning and reported back that it worked wonders.  He said it was just like what we show in our video demonstration.  Walt is a repeat customer who ordered another full bundle of the Mitt-Spit Cleaner, Conditioner (glove oil) and Break-in products.  It's nice to hear from people who have a passion for what they do and want to use the best baseball glove care system for their work.  Thanks Walt for being a great customer.

If you've used Mitt-Spit products on your glove, we'd love the hear from you.   If you haven't tried Mitt-Spit yet, do your glove a favor.  Join the ranks of satisfied customers.  It's easy.  Place your order today! Go to Mitt-Spit Products to buy.