Pesäpallo glove doctor extends careers of elite players’ gear in Kitee

A Kitee craftsman has spent 52 years repairing the gloves of Finland’s professional pesäpallo players, according to a report by Yle.

Pekka Tarkkonen, known among athletes as the go-to specialist for glove repairs, prolongs the life of these critical pieces of equipment, which must withstand catches at speeds up to 170 km/h. Players often refuse to part with a well-fitting glove, with many returning three or four times for additional work.

Tarkkonen’s reputation has drawn repairs from across Finland. For local team Kiteen Pallo, he has even performed emergency fixes mid-game, retrieving a broken glove from the bench, repairing it in his workshop, and returning it to the player within minutes.

His process involves disassembling the glove, reinforcing weak points, and reassembling it using a 1937 Singer sewing machine. Materials are chosen carefully—some suit the palm, others the edges—while the lining must remain soft yet durable. Even his father’s old leather coat has been repurposed for high-quality patches.

Repairs arrive by post, courier, or even via visiting teams’ travel routes. Tarkkonen, now retired, still meets urgent requests, often receiving gloves in his mailbox late at night with a note asking for a next-day turnaround.