Resources

What equipment do I need to buy?

Erindale provides each child with a uniform, which varies by age group:

• T-Ball – jersey and Erindale baseball cap
• Rookie ball and above – jersey, baseball pants, socks, belt, and Erindale baseball cap

The following equipment is required:

• Players must have their own helmet bearing the appropriate regulatory approvals.  An attached facemask or jaw guard is optional but recommended.
• Players must have their own baseball glove.
• Players must wear a pelvic cup as per Rule 1.17 (Little League Baseball Rulebook)

The following equipment is optional:

• Personal baseball bat must bear the approved USABAT label.
• Plastic moulded baseball cleats are recommended.
• Baseball equipment bag/backpack

Do I have to buy special baseball cleats?

No, it is not mandatory. A good pair of running shoes are fine. However, you may wish to purchase cleats. They provide better traction on damp or wet grass.

What are the age groups?

Co-ed Junior T-Ball 4/5-year-old players (5-year-old, no experience)
Co-ed Senior T-Ball 5/6/-year-old players (5-year-old with 1 year Jr T-Ball)
Rookie Ball 7/8-year-old players (machine pitch with possibly live pitching)
Minor 9/10-year-old players (Player Pitch)
Major 11/12-year-old players (Player Pitch)
Above ages are as of August 31st of the current playing year. Children born September to December are considered to be 1 year younger; (i.e., if a child is turning 11 from September to December of the current year they will play as a 10-year-old.)

Please note that age and player’s skill level will be taken into consideration for placement in the baseball
(not T-Ball) division teams. Based on evaluations and in consultation with parents; a 9-year-old may need to play Rookie Ball, a 10-year-old could play in Major, and an 11-year-old may be required to play in Minor. All 12-year-olds will play in Major.

Can my children play on the same team?

If you have two (or more) children who would normally play within the same category, (i.e., twin 5-year-olds in Co-ed T-Ball) we will automatically place them on the same team, unless you request otherwise.

Will my child be on the same team as last year?

In the T-Ball division a player may be on a team with the same name as last year, not necessarily with the same teammates. In the older divisions the teams don’t stay together. Evaluation scores and the draft determine the makeup of the teams.

Is there Life after Little League (13 and older)?

Yes, the Erindale Cardinals, our affiliate league offers House League, Select, and Rep Baseball for players aged 13-22. They are members of Baseball Ontario (OBA) and Central Ontario Baseball Association (COBA)

Please feel free to visit their website for more info www.erindalecardinals.ca or contact: Joe Alcaraz – baseballvp@erindalecardinals.ca

Note: Unlike Little League, there is no cut off for ages. Age is determined by birth year. Therefore, a player who turns 13 between September and December could also play in Little League as a 12-year-old. 

Note: Girls 7-23 years old, interested in playing softball should contact Mississauga Lady Jays

When does the season start and how long does it last?

Games for all divisions start in early May and continue until playoffs in August; to be followed by Closing Day (Parade, championship games, award ceremonies, and festivities) the last Saturday in August (before Labour Day weekend.)

What nights do they play? 

Junior T-Ball:
* One to two games per week (Depending on the number of teams and diamond availability.)

* Tuesday and Thursday nights
* 60-75 minutes of practice/game combo starting at 6:15 PM.

Senior T-Ball:
* One to two games per week (Depending on the number of teams and diamond availability.)

* Monday and Wednesday nights
* 90 minutes of practice/plus 2-3 inning games combo starting at 6:15 PM.

Rookie Ball:
* One to two games per week (Depending on the number of teams and diamond availability,) plus a practice* 

* Tuesday and Thursday nights. All games are 6:15PM.
* 6 inning games

Minor Little League:
* One to two games per week (Depending on the number of teams and diamond availability,) plus a practice*
* Monday and Wednesday nights. Weeknight games are 6:15 or 8:30 PM with an occasional double header.
* 6 inning games

Major Little League:
* One to two games per week (Depending on the number of teams and diamond availability,) plus a practice*
* Tuesday and Thursday nights. Weeknight games are 6:15 or 8:30 PM with an occasional double header.
* 6 inning games.

Please note that every effort is made to play games on the above nights. However, rescheduled games are played when they can be fit into the schedule. As well, due to available park permits, some games may have to shift to alternate nights.

For more information contact info@erindalellbaseball.ca

Are nights played and Divisions guaranteed?

PLEASE NOTE:  EVALUATIONS FOR ALL PLAYERS (Except for T-Ball) WILL BE HELD IN APRIL TO DETERMINE THE BEST LEVEL FOR YOUR CHILD. Based on registration numbers and evaluations; the league reserves the right to change the division and/or nights played. In this scenario, refunds will be decided on a case-by-case basis. (Also does not apply to T-Ball.)

What parks do they play?

All T-Ball, Rookie Ball, Minor, and Major teams play at Springfield Park. 

Practices and rescheduled games may have to be played at other local fields such as Kingsbridge, McGrath

The only time games will be rescheduled on a weekend or Friday is for makeup rainout games or during playoffs to ensure playoff eliminations occur in order.

What is covered in the registration fee?

Your registration fee covers the following:
* uniform cap, shirt, pants, belt, and socks; (cap & shirt only, for T-Ball);
* team and individual picture;
* insurance (ALL our players are insured);
* league administration fees.
* team equipment (bats, balls, etc.)
* umpires
* City of Mississauga diamond user fees.

What method of payment do we accept? 

All registrations are done via TeamSnap. Registration information and link is found on our homepage.

TeamSnap accepts all Major Credit/Debit Cards

Are there All-Star tournament teams? 
Tournament teams are offered (depending on player interest and coach availability), for an additional fee, at the following age groups:
* T-Ball (ages 6-8) multiple teams, depending on interest
* 9U/10U/11U/12U. Some ages may have more than one team, depending on interest.
* 9/10 year-old (Minor) for Little League District Tournaments
* 11/12 year-old (Major) for Little League District Tournaments

Registration Fee Assistance
Here are a couple of links to assist those in paying for registration fees:
https://kidsportcanada.ca/ontario/toronto/apply-for-a-grant/

http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/en.html

Little League® Baseball Canada recognizes the importance of privacy and the sensitivity of personal information. As a sports organization responsible for operating children’s baseball leagues in Canada, we have an obligation to keep confidential all information we receive in connection with our charter commitments. We are committed to protecting any personal information we hold.

Your privacy rights

All Little Leagues in Canada are responsible for the personal information they collect and hold. Personal information is any information that identifies you or by which your identity could be deduced. If we did not collect and use your personal information we could not function as a children’s sports organization.

How do leagues collect your personal information?

Leagues collect your personal information directly from you when you register your child to participate in league play. By doing so you are agreeing to use of the information provided and to local leagues’ posting on the Little League website of images, action photographs, and photographic transparencies of individuals as participants in league and tournament play together with team and individual statistics and the like.

Disclosure of your Personal Information

Our Little Leagues do not disclose your personal information to any third party to enable them to market their products and services. Little League® Baseball Canada may, from time to time, send information on behalf of our partners/sponsors that may be of interest to our membership.
Under certain circumstances, our Little Leagues will disclose your personal information:

• when called for in the course of organizing house league, tournament team, and tournament play;
• when exchanging information with Little League® Baseball Canada and Little League® Baseball and Softball International;
• when exchanging information with insurers;
• when we are required or authorized by law to do so;
• when you have consented to the disclosure;
• if the information is already publicly known.

Updating your information

If, during the course of your child’s participation in Little League play, any of your information changes, please inform your local Little League so that the necessary changes can be made.

Is my personal information secure?

Our Little Leagues take all reasonable precautions to ensure that your personal information is kept safe from loss, unauthorized access, or disclosure.

Among the steps taken to protect your information are:

• premises security;
• restricted file access to personal information;
• deploying technological safeguards like security software and firewalls to prevent hacking or unauthorized computer access;
• internal league security policies.

Access to your personal information

Access to any personal information your league holds about you is available on request. If your request for access is refused, your league will explain why.

Communicating with your league

You should be aware that e-mail is not a 100% secure medium and you should be aware of this when contacting your league to send personal or confidential information.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

Since Little League Baseball Canada regularly reviews all of its policies and procedures, we may change our Privacy Policy from time to time.

TEAM PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

     1.          Always accept supervision and direction from the manager and coaches in a positive manner.

     2.          Communicate positively with my teammates; refrain from being critical of their mistakes.

     3.          Treat opposing players with dignity and respect; win without boasting and lose without making excuses.

     4.          Respect and accept umpiring decisions without gesture or argument.

     5.          Refrain from foul language, taunting and talking disrespectfully.

     6.          Be aware of safety and refrain from throwing a bat, ball, helmet, or other equipment in anger.

     7.          Understand that I have made a commitment to Little League and my team and will make every effort to attend all practices and games and to let my manager know when I will be late or cannot make it. Further, I will not put another baseball league or team ahead of my Little League team during our season.

     8.          Remain on the bench with my teammates during games even if I am not batting.

     9.          Refrain from overly aggressive or angry reactions to making an out or an error.

    10.          Help clean out the dugouts after each game.

    11.          Be responsible for my own equipment and belongings.

    12.          Be properly equipped for all practices and games.

    13.          Always practice good sportsmanship, i.e., play hard but within the rules.

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

We, the Erindale Lions Little League, have implemented the following Sport Parent Code of Conduct for the important message it holds about the proper role of parents in supporting their child in sports. Parents should read, understand and sign this form prior to their children participating in our league. Any parent guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the sports facility and be suspended from the following game. Repeat violations may cause a multiple game suspension, or the season.

Preamble 
The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”      
                  
I therefore agree:    

     1.          I will not force my child to participate in sports. 

     2.          I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults. 

     3.          I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.

     4.          I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league. 

     5.          I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or sporting event.

     6.          I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language or gestures.

     7.          I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.

     8.          I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

     9.          I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.

    10.          I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.

    11.          I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.

    12.          I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.

    13.          I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.

    14.          I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

    15.          I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.

    16.          I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, cannabis, vaping, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all sports events. (Not allowed in any city park – Mississauga Parks By-law 0197-2020)

    17.          I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices unless I am one of the official coaches of the team. 

VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT

No board member, manager, coach, player, or spectator shall, at any time:

1)  Lay a hand upon, push, shove, strike, or threaten to strike an official.

2)  Be guilty of heaping personal verbal or physical abuse upon any official for any real or imaginary belief of a wrong decision or judgment.

3)  Be guilty of an objectionable demonstration of dissent at an official’s decision by throwing of gloves, helmets, hats, bats, balls, or any other forceful unsportsmanlike action.

4)  Be guilty of using unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of a game against the body of an opposing player.

5)  Be guilty of a physical attack upon any board member, official manager, coach, player or spectator.

6)  Be guilty of the use of profane, obscene, or vulgar language in any manner at any time.

7)  Appear on the field of play, stands, or anywhere else on the Little League complex or other field used by Erindale Little League/Cardinals while in an intoxicated state. Intoxicated will be defined as an odour or behavioral issue. (Possession and consumption of alcohol is not allowed in any city park. – Mississauga Parks By-law 0197-2020)

8)  Be guilty of gambling upon any play or outcome of any game with anyone at any time.

9)  Smoke or vape, during a game while in the stands or on the playing field or in any dugout. Smoking of tobacco/cannabis or vaping is not allowed in any city park (Parks By-law 0197-2020)

10)  Be guilty of publicly discussing with spectators in a derogatory or abusive manner any play, decision or a personal opinion of any please during the game.

11)   As a manager or coach, be guilty of mingling with or fraternizing with spectators during the course of the game.

12)   Speak disrespectfully to or of any manager, coach, official or representative of the league.

13)   Be guilty of tampering or manipulating any league roster, schedules, draft positions or selections, official scorebooks, rankings, financial records or procedures.

14)   Challenge an umpire’s authority. The umpires shall have the authority and discretion during a game to penalize the offender according to the infraction up to and including expulsion from the game. The Board of Directors will review all infractions of the Code of Conduct. Depending on the seriousness or frequency, the board may assess additional disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the league.

ERINDALE LITTLE LEAGUE/CARDINALS PLAYER CONCUSSION CODE OF CONDUCT

I will keep myself safe and help prevent concussions by:

• Wearing the proper equipment for my sport and wearing it correctly.
• Developing my skills and strength so that I can participate to the best of my ability.
• Respecting the rules of my sport or activity.
• My commitment to fair play and respect for all* (respecting other athletes, coaches, team trainers and officials)
• A concussion is a brain injury that can have both short- and long-term effects.
• A blow to my head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that causes the brain to move around inside the skull may cause a concussion.
• I don’t need to lose consciousness to have had a concussion.
• I have a commitment to concussion recognition and reporting, including self-reporting of possible concussion and reporting to a designated person when and individual suspects that another individual may have sustained a concussion. (Meaning: If I think I might have a concussion I should stop participating in further training, practice or competition immediately, or tell an adult if I think another athlete has a concussion).
• Continuing to participate in further training, practice or competition with a possible concussion increases my risk of more severe, longer lasting symptoms, and increases my risk of other injuries.

I will not hide injuries or concussion symptoms. I will speak up for myself and others.

• I will not hide my symptoms. I will tell a coach, official, team trainer, parent or another adult I trust if I experience any symptoms of concussion.
• If someone else tells me about concussion symptoms, or I see signs they might have a concussion, I will tell a coach, official, team trainer, parent or another adult I trust so they can help.
• I understand that if I have a suspected concussion, I will be removed from sport and that I will not be able to return to training, practice or competition until I undergo a medical assessment by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner and have been medically cleared to return to training, practice or competition.
• I have a commitment to sharing any pertinent information regarding incidents of removal from sport with the athlete’s school and any other sport organization with which the athlete has registered* (Meaning: If I am diagnosed with a concussion, I understand that letting all my other coaches and teachers know about my injury will help them support me while I recover.)

I will take the time I need to recover because it is important for my health.

• I understand my commitment to supporting the return-to-sport process (I will have to follow my sport organization’s Return-to-Sport Protocol).
• I understand I will have to be medically cleared by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner before returning to training, practice, or competition.
• I will respect my coaches, team trainers, parents, health-care professionals, and medical doctors and nurse practitioners, regarding my health and safety.

COACHES/ TRAINERS CODE OF CONDUCT‐ CONCUSSION AWARENESS

I can help prevent concussions through my:

• Efforts to ensure that my athletes wear the proper equipment and wear it correctly.
• Efforts to help my athletes develop their skills and strength so they can participate to the best of their abilities.

• Respect for the rules of my sport or activity and efforts to ensure that my athletes do,
• too.
• Commitment to fair play and respect for all (respecting other coaches, team trainers,

officials and all participants and ensuring my athletes respect others and play fair). *

I will care for the health and safety of all participants by taking concussions

seriously. I understand that:

• A concussion is a brain injury that can have both short- and long-term effects.
• A blow to the head, face, or neck, or a blow to the body may cause the brain to move around inside the skull and result in a concussion.

• A person doesn’t need to lose consciousness to have had a concussion.
• An athlete with a suspected concussion should stop participating in training, practice or competition immediately.

• I have a commitment to concussion recognition and reporting, including self-reporting of possible concussion and reporting to a designated person when an individual

suspects that another individual may have sustained a concussion. *

• Continuing to participate in further training, practice or competition with a suspected

concussion increases a person’s risk of more severe, longer lasting symptoms, and

increases their risk of other injuries or even death.

I will create an environment where participants feel safe and comfortable

speaking up. I will:

• Encourage athletes not to hide their symptoms, but to tell me, an official, parent or another adult they trust if they experience any symptoms of concussion after an impact.

• Lead by example. I will tell a fellow coach, official, team trainer and seek medical

attention by a physician or nurse practitioner if I am experiencing any concussion

symptoms.

• Understand and respect that any athlete with a suspected concussion must be

removed from sport and not permitted to return until they undergo a medical

assessment by a physician or nurse practitioner and have been medically cleared to return to training, practice or competition.

• For coaches only: Commit to providing opportunities before and after each training,

practice and competition to enable athletes to discuss potential issues related to concussions. *

I will support all participants to take the time they need to recover.

• I understand my commitment to supporting the return-to-sport process. *
• I understand the athletes will have to be cleared by a physician or nurse practitioner before returning to sport.

• I will respect my fellow coaches, team trainers, parents, physicians and nurse

practitioners and any decisions made with regards to the health and safety of my athletes.

I will help prevent concussions, through my:

• Commitment to zero-tolerance for prohibited play that is considered high risk for causing concussions. *

• Acknowledgement of mandatory expulsion from competition for violating zero tolerance for prohibited play that is considered high risk for causing concussions. *

• Acknowledgement of the escalating consequences for those who repeatedly violate the Concussion Code of Conduct. *

As of January 1, 2018, the new USA Baseball Bat Standard was implemented. USABat Standard bats must be used in the Little League Major Baseball Division and below. Either USABat Standard bats or BBCOR bats must be used at the Intermediate (50/70) Baseball and Junior League Baseball Divisions. At the Senior League Baseball Division, all bats must be meet the BBCOR standard. Little League-approved baseball bats that were approved for use for the 2017 season will no longer be acceptable for use in any Little League game or activity as of January 1, 2018. For more information on the USABat standard and a complete list of bats approved through the USABat Standard, visit usabat.com.

Important Note: These changes only affect baseball divisions and don’t affect any divisions of softball.

USABat Standard FAQ   Read more

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Baseball Glove

One of the many questions asked by parents especially those of children new to baseball is what kind and size of glove should I buy for my child. No matter what level of baseball you play selecting and buying a baseball glove is a personal decision. As with baseball bats, new glove technology has delivered baseball gloves that not only enhance performance but also are tailored to an individual player’s strengths and their parent’s budget. It is essential that you select a baseball glove that fits your child’s hand size, skill level, but generally speaking smaller is better as the glove is easier to move and the ball is easier to get out of the pocket. Below are some things forthe Little Leaguer and their parents to consider if you are looking to buy a baseball glove.

Baseball Gloves vs. Baseball Mitts

The main difference between baseball gloves and mitts is that gloves have fingers and mitts don’t. Mitts tend to do a better job of controlling balls that don’t hit in the pocket and can aid scooping ground balls and short hops. First Base and Catcher are the only positions allowed to use mitts. For youth players 5 to 12 years old baseball gloves are designed for general use as players will play many different positions. As players get older and start playing specific positions more often you may want to select a glove designed for infield or for outfield. If you play both, select a glove for the position you will be playing most often. First Base and Catcher are the exception. Even at the youth level you can select a mitt designed specifically for these positions. A catcher should always use a catcher’s mitt as the design provides extra protection for the hand.

How to Measure Baseball Gloves

Fielders gloves and first base mitts are measured by starting at the top of the index finger of the glove down thefinger along the inside of the pocket and then out to the heal of the glove. A flexible tape measure has to be used,not a stiff ruler. Measure from the highest point on the glove (normally the index finger). Lay the tape measureacross the palm of the glove, so that it folds across and into the indenture, down to the heel of the glove. Professional baseball has a 12 inch maximum height for a glove, although this rule has not been strictly enforced.

Size

Use the chart include with this article as a general guideline for determining glove size. A glove should feel fairly snug when adjusted. Check to make sure the glove adjusts to your hand. Allow room for batting glove if you wearone. Except for pitchers, most players should wear a batting glove inside their fielder’s glove. The batting glove willabsorb most of the sweat from your hands, thus protecting the lining of your glove. Change the batting glove when it gets wet or rotted.

Sizing a Baseball Glove

Age Position Glove Size

(in inches)

5-6 General 10 to 10 ½ (youth model)

7-8 General 10 ½ to 11 (youth model)

9-12 General 11 to 11 ½ (youth model)

Teen/Adult Infield 11 to 11 ½

Teen/Adult Outfield 12 to 12 ½

Use this chart as a general guide for sizing a baseball glove

Glove Quality

Higher quality baseball gloves and mitts are usually distinguished by higher grade leather, better construction and better design. These work together to produce a glove or mitt that is durable and helps the ball into and out of the pocket. The highest quality gloves are usually made of heavy leather that will need some time to break-in and typically do not have palm pads or Velcro adjustments.

Youth Gloves

Youth gloves are smaller so kids will be able to maintain glove control, typically are designed to be easy to break-in and will sometimes have a notch in the heel to help the glove break-in correctly. Youth gloves are designed with smaller finger and wrist openings to better fit smaller hands, generally have a Velcro or other type wrist adjustment, a great feature in youth gloves as it will help keep the glove fitting properly over a longer period oftime and will allow the use of the glove by more than one person. Youth gloves may have an over-sized pocket toaid youngsters who are learning how to.Perhaps the most important point in this section is to avoid the temptation to buy a glove that is to “large” for the person using it with the thought in mind “they will grow into it”. What will actually happen is the player will get discouraged and want to quit after the glove falls off his hand a couple of times or you will get discouraged and either go buy another glove the right size or wonder why “little Johnny” can’t keep his glove on like the rest of the guys. Either way its a lose-lose proposition. Buy the right size the first time and avoid needless pain.

Female Gloves

Baseball gloves and mitts that are specified as women’s or female are usually designed with narrower finger stalls and smaller wrist openings to provide a better fit.

First Base Mitts

Most first base mitts designed for baseball use are 12 to 12 1/2 inches. First base mitts have a thin but stiff padthat runs around the circumference of the mitt and little or no padding in the palm or finger area.

Catchers Mitts

Baseball catcher’s mitts usually have a very thick pad around the circumference of the mitt and thick padding inthe palm and finger area and a small pocket.

Open vs. Closed Web

The web of a glove is that portion of the glove between the thumb and the index finger. For most positions, anopen web vs. a closed web is a matter of personal preference. Open web gloves tend to trap the ball a little betterthan closed web gloves. Closed web gloves tend to get the ball out of the pocket a little quicker. First and Third base players tend to prefer open web gloves. Middle infielders tend to want closed web gloves to help get the ballout of the glove quickly. Pitchers usually want closed web gloves so they can hide the ball easier.

For general purposes in Little League baseball a closed web glove is preferable as players move around to manydifferent positions.

Conventional Back vs. Closed Back

Conventional (open) vs. closed back is mainly a matter of style and personal preference. Conventional back glovestend to be a little lighter and can fit a bit tighter in the wrist which is preferable for the Little League player. Someclosed back gloves have straps with Velcro that allow you to adjust how tight or loose the glove fits.

Price

A good glove does not have to be expensive. There are gloves that will give many seasons of satisfactory servicefor under $75. You can pay more, but more money does not necessarily mean a better, more serviceable glove.There are expensive gloves ($100-$300+) which may last one or two seasons, and there are inexpensive baseballgloves that can last for ten years or more with routine maintenance. For the Little Leaguer a glove in the $50 to$70 range will provide several years of service.The more expensive gloves do tend to use better (often heavier) leather than less expensive gloves. All things being equal, with careful maintenance, the higher quality glove should last longer. The question is “is the more expensive glove worth the price?” especially for the Little Leaguer who will like need a new glove as they grow.

Breaking In A New Glove

Most youth gloves do not need extensive break-in periods. Use the following procedure to shorten the breakingperiod for higher quality leather gloves made of stiffer leather. Apply a small amount of Glove Oil in the triangular area shown. Rub it into the leather until most of it has been absorbed, then wipe off the excess with a soft towel. Next, fold the glove at the hinge and exercise that area a bit. Then, fold the glove and squeeze the fold so that a crease can be formed along the triangle line from the index finger side to the hinge. After setting this crease, refold the glove and form a similar crease from the thumb side of the triangle to the hinge. The final step is to re-foldthe glove so a crease can be formed from the center of the web crotch to the hinge. When finished with these steps you should be able to see three distinct creases fanning out from the hinge to the web crotch. After completing these steps (about 20 minutes) put the glove on your hand and close it a few times. You should be able to feel a difference in the way the glove responds. Repeat this procedure in a few days, but do not use the glove oil in excess. Here’s a tip from one of our readers. He conditions a new glove using the above procedure, and then goes to a batting cage (at an off-peak hour, so there will be fewer distractions and less chance of injury). He buys a bucket of balls to catch, not to hit. He says that after one session the glove is game ready.

Caring For Your Glove

The most important part of caring for your glove is to recognize that leather will deteriorate if subjected to repeated exposure to moisture and heat. Saliva will also result in damaged leather, so Don’t Spit In Your Glove. Leaving your glove out in the weather will ruin it, as will putting it away wet from perspiration. Always wear a batting glove under your baseball glove (except for pitchers) – this absorbs the sweat from your hand. When your batting glove gets wet, change it. This will add years to the lining of your glove. When your glove gets wet, dry it with a towel or soft cloth, and leave it exposed to room air for a few hours until the lining is dry. After it dries, use a little glove conditioner to moisten the leather. When you put your glove away, put a softball in the pocket and wrap it with a wide rubber band.

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