Infield and outfield gloves are broken in differently because they do different jobs. An infield glove wants a shallow pocket for quick transfers — you break it in flatter, with the pocket set low toward the palm. An outfield glove wants a deep pocket to catch and hold on the run — you form a deeper pocket higher up toward the web.
Infield gloves — shallow & quick
Infielders live and die by the transfer. A shallow pocket lets you find the ball and get it out fast. Break an infield glove in flatter, with a wide, shallow pocket close to the palm, and a hinge that opens and closes quickly.
Outfield gloves — deep & secure
Outfielders need the ball to stick on a dead sprint. Outfield gloves are longer, and you break them in with a deeper pocket set higher toward the web so the ball settles in and stays.
Other positions
- Pitchers — enough closure to hide the ball and grip; a closed web helps.
- Catchers & first base — different animals entirely; see catcher’s mitt and first base mitt.
Break it in for your position
The pocket, depth, and hinge should match where you play and how you wear the glove. That’s exactly what our break-in service ($65) does — tell us your position and wear style, and we shape it to match.