Picture Tim Anderson in 2019, fielding grounders with a .957 fielding percentage that had critics whispering about position changes. Fast-forward to his All-Star seasons of 2021 and 2022, and you’ll find a shortstop who silenced doubters not just with his bat flips, but with steady defensive improvement. The transformation wasn’t magic—it was methodical equipment mastery and relentless practice. Anderson’s journey from defensive question mark to reliable middle infielder offers a blueprint you can follow. His equipment choices reflect hard-earned wisdom about what actually works under pressure. While flashier players grab headlines with spectacular plays, Anderson built his reputation on consistency and reliability that stems from mastering the fundamentals.
7. Execute the Professional Break-In Timeline
Anderson follows a methodical approach that preserves structural integrity while developing responsiveness. Professional players typically dedicate 3-4 weeks to properly breaking in new equipment, practicing specific drills that simulate game conditions. In week one, complete 100 soft tosses daily to begin pocket formation. In week two, increase to fielding 50 ground balls at 75% intensity. By week three, practice game-speed scenarios with 25 double-play turns and 25 backhand catches. In week four, move to full-intensity fielding practice with situational drills. Track your comfort level daily—you should feel noticeably more confident by week’s end.
6. Build Durability Through Strategic Conditioning
Pro Stock Leather construction helped Anderson’s glove maintain consistent performance through 162-game seasons plus playoffs. Unlike recreational players who might use one glove for multiple seasons, professionals demand equipment that performs identically from April through October. Condition your glove systematically: apply leather conditioner every 40 games or monthly during heavy use. Check pocket depth weekly by measuring the distance from palm to web—it should remain consistent at 2.5-3 inches. Document these measurements to track your glove’s break-in progress and identify when maintenance is needed.
5. Track Performance Metrics That Matter
Anderson’s defensive improvement correlates with consistent equipment performance that eliminates variables. When your glove responds predictably, you can focus entirely on reading hops and positioning rather than worrying about equipment reliability. Document your fielding success rate during practice sessions. Start with 100 routine ground balls and track your clean fielding percentage. As your glove breaks in properly, this number should improve from your baseline measurement. Elite players maintain 95%+ success rates on routine plays—your properly broken-in glove should help you approach this standard.
4. Study Anderson’s Proven Glove Foundation Choice
Anderson trusts the Wilson A2000 TA7, an 11.5-inch infielder’s glove that helped him improve his fielding percentage from .957 in 2019 to .971 by 2021. This model represents decades of Wilson’s professional-grade engineering focused on quick transfers. Start your break-in process by understanding why this size matters. Measure your current glove—if it’s over 11.75 inches for middle infield work, you’re sacrificing transfer speed. Practice 50 catches daily for your first week, focusing on pocket-to-hand transitions. Time yourself: elite infielders complete this movement in under 0.8 seconds.
3. Develop Equipment Care Habits That Extend Lifespan
Professional players replace gloves based on performance metrics, not arbitrary timelines. Anderson’s approach emphasizes preserving the glove’s original characteristics rather than allowing gradual deterioration that affects defensive consistency. Create a maintenance log tracking pocket depth, lace condition, and leather flexibility. Replace laces when they stretch beyond original specifications—typically every 80-100 games for frequent players. Apply conditioner before the leather shows cracking, and never store your glove in extreme temperatures that can compromise the Pro Stock Leather’s integrity over time.
2. Master Proper Sizing Through Position-Specific Metrics
Anderson’s 11.5-inch choice reflects analytical thinking about positional demands. Shortstops average 4.2 seconds on routine groundouts to first base, with glove size directly impacting transfer speed by 0.1-0.2 seconds per half-inch of length. Test this principle during your break-in period. Practice 25 double-play turns daily, timing your glove-to-hand-to-throw sequence. Record your times over two weeks as the glove softens. You should see measurable improvement as the pocket forms to your hand shape and catching rhythm becomes more natural.
1. Implement Maintenance Routines That Preserve Performance
Anderson’s equipment manager checks glove laces every 15 games, tightening or replacing them before they affect pocket shape. This preventive approach avoids mid-season equipment failures that can derail defensive confidence. Establish your weekly routine: inspect all laces for fraying or looseness, clean leather with appropriate products after muddy games, and store with a regulation baseball in the pocket. Measure pocket depth monthly—any change greater than 0.25 inches indicates needed maintenance or relacing by qualified technicians.
