I am currently in possession of my dad’s (really) old and worn baseball glove and would love to have it professionally restored - has anyone ever done something similar or know of anyone in the city who might be able to take this project on? Thanks!

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CheeseCurdCommunism t1_je1hn2d wrote on March 28, 2023 at 6:57 PM

#2,424,722

Sorry for being pedantic, but what are your goals for the glove? Having a professional leatherworker restore it would be kind of silly to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QDR9ljq5II

The only hard part, really, is the re-lacing of the glove, which wouldn't go to a leather worker anyways.

Not_Really_Famous OP t1_je1i1pj wrote on March 28, 2023 at 7:00 PM

#2,424,797

Replying to CheeseCurdCommunism (#2,424,722)

I think the value of having it restored is more sentimental rather than functional, for both he and I. This thing is from the 50s and is in really rough condition. I’m worried that I would do more damage than good if I tried to restore it myself.

CheeseCurdCommunism t1_je1lad0 wrote on March 28, 2023 at 7:20 PM

#2,425,390

Replying to Not_Really_Famous (#2,424,797)

I promise you, you wont do more damage to it. I'm going to assume that thing is dry rotted to some form. First step, get some Vaseline and massage the glove to try and get some moisture back in to it and soften it up. Use about a quarter sized amount for the whole glove and work it inside out. If you want, you can send me pic via DM of the glove.

Edit- Also, I think you're going to appreciate the sentimental value of doing this yourself especially with how much you seem to care about it.

houdinize t1_je1xshw wrote on March 28, 2023 at 8:37 PM

#2,427,400

You could visit Tandy leather down in Essex and get some saddle soap and mink oil to clean and soften the leather. They’ll also have some suggestion for you.

The_Waxies_Dargle t1_je20tmm wrote on March 28, 2023 at 8:55 PM

#2,427,918

Replying to CheeseCurdCommunism (#2,425,390)

This strikes me as funny. Every glove I've ever owned, all of my efforts went into breaking it in and making it less new. Whether it was shaving cream and tying it around two balls or sleeping with between my mattress and box spring.

The_Waxies_Dargle t1_je2174d wrote on March 28, 2023 at 8:58 PM

#2,427,964

This

CheeseCurdCommunism t1_je24vmz wrote on March 28, 2023 at 9:22 PM

#2,428,658

Replying to The_Waxies_Dargle (#2,427,918)

Its wild how awful everything we were told as kids is for gloves.

I have two gloves. One I got in high school that I followed all the "old age" tricks for and one that I learned better from. My college baseball glove is over 10 years old now and its in mint condition.

All that oven baking back in the day just pulled out all the moisture and fucked the interior. https://thehittingvault.com/how-to-break-in-a-baseball-glove/#:~:text=Don't%3A%20Microwave%20or%20Bake%20It&text=So%20let's%20keep%20the%20glove,hot%20air%20in%20an%20oven.

Accomplished-Swim169 t1_je2gh6y wrote on March 28, 2023 at 10:42 PM

#2,430,670

I've never used them, but Dan Brothers on Charles in Federal Hill does.

Not_Really_Famous OP t1_je2k2s8 wrote on March 28, 2023 at 11:07 PM

#2,431,332

Replying to Accomplished-Swim169 (#2,430,670)

thank you!

sassydragon23 t1_je2ppwi wrote on March 28, 2023 at 11:49 PM

#2,432,474

Replying to Accomplished-Swim169 (#2,430,670)

I like Dan Brothers I’m not sure about baseball gloves but they saved my favorite leather boots!