Why Your Glove Hates Summer (And How to Save It from the Sweat)
- Get Hooked Community
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
Sweat, Swelter, and Survival Tips: Keeping Your Mitt Game-Ready in the Heat
Let’s talk about your glove’s summer villain: sweat. Not the “I just hit a walk-off double” kind of sweat, but the dripping-down-your-arm, turning-your-leather-into-a-sponge kind. You know the feeling—that moment you peel off your glove after a game and it’s basically auditioning for a role in a soggy cereal commercial.
But here’s the truth: your glove isn’t just being dramatic. Summer is its worst enemy. The heat warps it, the sweat stinks it up, and the humidity? Let’s just say your trusty mitt would rather face a 70mph fastball than another July afternoon.
Don’t worry—I’ve got your back (and your glove’s). Here’s how to keep it game-ready all season long, without turning it into a science project.
1. “Your Glove is Thirsty (And Not for Gatorade)”
Hydration isn’t just for players.
Leather dries out faster than a popsicle in the sun, especially when sweat and dirt team up to suck out its natural oils. Fix it fast:
Once a week, rub a dime-sized amount of glove conditioner (not lotion—never lotion) into the palm and fingers.
Avoid petroleum-based products—they’ll turn your glove into a sticky mess. Stick to oils made for leather, like mink or neatsfoot.
Pro tip: Condition after games, not before. Oily palms + game-ready grip = pop flies gone rogue.
2. “The Stench is Real (And Your Teammates Agree)”
That “eau de dugout” smell isn’t a badge of honor.
Sweat + leather = a bacteria party. Left unchecked, your glove will start smelling like a gym sock’s evil twin. Fight back:
Stuff it with cedar shoe trees or crumpled newspaper after games to absorb moisture.
Sprinkle baking soda inside, let it sit overnight, then shake it out. (Bonus: it’ll feel like your glove just took a spa day.)
For emergencies, spritz the interior with a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar. Your nose will thank you.
3. “Stop Storing It in Your Trunk (Seriously, Stop)”
Your car isn’t a glove hotel.
Leaving your mitt in a hot car is like baking a cake you never wanted: the leather stiffens, the laces crack, and the shape gets… creative. Do this instead:
Keep it in a cool, dry spot (like your closet, not your garage).
Store it flat or with a ball in the pocket to keep its shape. No more shoving it under your gear bag like a forgotten sandwich.
4. “Sweatbands: Not Just for 80s Aerobics”
Channel your inner retro athlete.
Wrist sweat is the silent killer of glove interiors. Solution: Wear a terrycloth wristband (the longer, the better) to soak up drips before they hit your mitt. It’s like a moat for your sweat—gross but effective.
5. “The Post-Game Rescue Routine”
5 minutes now = a glove that lasts for seasons.
After every game or practice:
Wipe it down with a dry cloth to remove dirt and sweat.
Air it out in the shade (never direct sun—you’re not making jerky).
Loosen the laces if they’re waterlogged to prevent snapping.
Final Thought: Your Glove is a Sidekick, Not a Sacrifice
Treat it right, and it’ll be there for you—snagging line drives, turning double plays, and maybe even surviving your teammate’s questionable habit of borrowing it “just this once.”
This summer, show your glove some love. After all, it’s the only thing standing between you and a screaming ground ball… besides your pride, of course.
Got a sweaty-glove horror story or a hack that saved your mitt? Drop it below. We’re all in this sweaty, leathery mess together. 🥎💦
Blog Post Written by
Get Hooked Community Team
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