Once you have your glove broken-in, taking good care of it will help you play ball with it longer. Follow these basic tips for good glove care.

1. Keep it clean. Wipe it off with a damp rag when it gets particularly dirty.

2. Keep it dry. If it's slightly damp from sweat after playing, don't pack it away immediately. Let it air dry first. But don't put it next to a heat source because that could make the leather brittle.

3.Keep its storage temperatures even. Keeping the glove where it gets really hot or really cold will make it get old before its time.

4.Oil the pocket, but only the pocket. Putting oil on the rest of the glove will break down the leather more quickly.

5.Treat it nicely. Don't leave it lying around where it can get chewed on by the family dog, sat on by the family, or squished by an inadvertent pile of laundry.

6.Store and carry it properly. That means avoiding letting it get smashed in a folded position because it might just stay that way when you go to catch a ball! Use a rolled-up towel in the pocket to keep the glove's shape when it's not in use.

7.Check the laces and stitching. They can come loose or frayed with time. At least once a season, check them to see if you need to get some new laces or do some restitching