How long

My son's don't seem to make it much longer than one full year. He generally uses Pro Preferred as well, but now has Wilson A2000's provided by his college.

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What's that saying 'bout gloves? If I remember right Johnnie Cochran may have coined this one...

"If it don't stay fit, you must omit."

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Lots of variables but a glove of that caliber should last at least 3-5 yrs of heavy use if cared for. Condition it at least a few times a year, more if it looks/feels dry. Try not to leave out exposed to any harsh weather more than necessary. Use a glove bag within the ball bag if you can. Try to think of the glove as a good pair of leather boots or leather jacket.

I like Nokona and Pro Preps conditioner - not too heavy, not too oily, adds a touch of tac. I like any leather wipes for inside palm.

If you're looking for longevity, stay away from quick fix break-ins like water bucket drop and microwave. These break down the leather too harshly.

Laces are easily replaced. It's usually time to toss when leather panels tear or inside of palm starts to crack beyond comfort level.

Do a search on this forum about glove care - there's tons more info.

I still battle with my wife over my BP glove - I bring it in from the garage, she throws it back out, I bring it in, she throws it out... I guess she feels it doesn't belong in the bedroom.

It depends on a couple of factors, the position he plays and how he treats his glove. Not to mention the level of play. My son's catchers mitts (A2000 Pudge) lasted about two years in HS and about a year to a year and a half in college. However he would be using two gloves, a new one for bullpens and a broken in glove for games. He kept his gloves pretty clean and oiled with vasoline. I think he cleaned it fairly often during games to clean out dirt and oiled it at least once a week, possible more often in season.

A broken string is unavoidable. Dirt in or on the glove and leaving it laying around in the elements will break it down faster.

A floppy glove should be put to rest. SS, 2nd and C will probebely put their gloves to rest sooner then other players as they generally prefer stiffer gloves.

He still has his outfielders glove from 5 years ago in great shape

quote:

A floppy glove should be put to rest. SS, 2nd and C will probebely put their gloves to rest sooner then other players as they generally prefer stiffer gloves.

My player agrees with this. He's also very careful about how he positions it in the bat bag. It's always 3/4 open, palm down.

Our son, an outfielder, needed a new one every year in college. In the pros he went through a couple every season.

Okay, then. Thanks for the input. Now I don't feel guilty about ordering another Pro Preferred. Juggler Jr's glove has gotten "floppy" - by this I mean it basically folds in half. I guess that means it will soon be time for a new one. If he'll part with it - he's become pretty attached to it.

Juggler:

My son is a SS and he gets 2-3 years out of his customized Pro Preferred gloves. He believes that a middle infielders glove should be wide and flat, stiff around the edges and softer in the middle. The key is keeping it from ever getting crushed closed. He does not oil his glove at all but uses a cleaner that is a foam that he can wipe off with the dirt. He has green plastic forms that kind of look like small snowmen and a red strap that goes around the glove to keep the glove open and prevent it from getting crushed. These Rawlings kits were available for a number of years but now all you can get is the strap with a softball sized form that he does not like as well.