After a long weekend of tournament fastpitch softball it is time to do some glove maintenance. If you are using a professional quality infield glove or one from the local box store, you need to take care of it.

1. Start by wiping it down with a damp cloth or sponge to get all the dirt and dust off. Try to get as much as you can off the lacing, between the fingers and off the stitching. The dirt on softball fields can be very gritty and abrasive, almost like sandpaper. This will eat your glove away over time if you don't tend to it soon.

2. Use a small amount of glove conditioner or foamy shave cream and rub it into the leather and lacing of your glove. This will add needed conditioners back into the leather that the sun, dirt and sweat have removed from a long tournament of play.

3. Place a softball deep into the pocket of your glove, tie it with a rubber band or shoe lace and let it sit until practice time.

Check back for more tips on in-season glove and equipment care.

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