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Over time, baseball and softball glove laces can become stretched, damaged, or even break. Stretched laces create larger and larger gaps between the fingers of the glove. Laces that are too loose, can, over time, actually result in deformation of the glove's shape. Very large gaps can actually be dangerous as hard line drives can sometimes get through one of these gaps and can injure the player.

Occassionally tightening your laces throughout the season will keep your glove in its original shape. You may even have laces become damaged or actually break. When that happens, you'll need to replace it.

Steps to replace glove laces:

1. Use glove oil or leather softener to treat the new rawhide lacing. This will soften the leather and make it easier to handle as you repair your glove.

2. Make careful note of the stitching pattern of the lace area you are replacing.

3. Remove one section of the broken lacing at a time, using scissors if required.

4. Tie a tight overhand knot at one end of the new lacing, and using a leather awl or other pointy tool, push the lacing through the first hole of the stitching pattern. Pull the lacing through all the way to the knot.

5. Continue threading the lacing through the holes, replicating the glove's original lacing pattern. Make sure the lacing is pulled as tight as possible without deforming the glove. In time, the new lacing will stretch a bit.

6. Make another overhand knot at the end of the section. Adjust the knot snugly against the glove, and cut off any excess lacing close to knot.

7. Repeat these steps for the other sections needing repair.

Keeping your glove in good repair will extend its life and maintain its playing performance, helping you play at your best season after season.