Replacing A Baseball Glove or Relacing A Baseball Glove?

Replacing A Baseball Glove

No matter the quality or amount of maintenance and care put into it, every baseball glove needs to be replaced eventually. There are plenty of ways to prolong the lifespan of a baseball glove. Still, just like any other piece of sports equipment, after enough use, they will eventually wear out and need to be repaired or replaced. 

For baseball gloves, there are ways to revive the leather and replace the lacing to lengthen the life of the glove, but sometimes it is just best to get a new one.

Here are some tips on whether you should revive or replace your glove: 

Should I Re-lace My Baseball Glove?

As a baseball glove gets used over time, the lacing is a common area to show the first signs of wear and tear. The lacing on a glove is the thin string-like strands of leather that bind the fingers and other parts of the glove together and give its shape. After enough use, these strings can stretch and wear out, leading to the glove losing some of its shape and ability to secure a baseball effectively. 

If the glove's body is in good shape, but the laces are loose or worn out, it may be a good time to re-lace the glove. 

How to Tie Laces on A Baseball Glove

With these differences come different lacing styles, but here are a few things to consider when re-lacing a baseball glove. 

The knots on your baseball glove will most likely be very tight and difficult to get undone. Using a tool like needle-nosed pliers may be helpful to untie laces that need to be replaced. 

It can be pretty difficult to pull out the lacing in one big piece, so you may want to use scissors, or clippers to cut out the lacing in smaller, more manageable pieces.

Because gloves are built differently based on position, brand, and personal preference, the way they are laced differs from glove to glove. It is a good idea to research your specific glove, pay attention to how it is originally laced, and try to mimic that, making sure every knot and stitch is tight and secure. 

When putting in the new laces, you want to start with the pinky and thumb. Then move to the middle of the glove around the palm, followed by the glove's pocket, and finally finish by lacing the fingers. 

Make sure your glove feels tight and comfortable and all your knots and stitching are secure, then trim off any excess material. If everything feels and looks good to you, you are good to go!

Is it Time For A New Eco-Friendly Baseball Glove?

You may find that the lacing is not the only thing worn out on your glove. Eventually, every glove hits its limit after enough use and may need to be replaced. 

After enough use, a glove can begin to crack, tear, and lose its shape beyond repair. If your glove has seen its last day, you could consider purchasing a new synthetic leather glove. With all of the durability and performance of a typical leather glove, TPU synthetic leather gloves are becoming an increasingly popular option for baseball players and a great step toward sustainability in sports gear.