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[perezfan]

Welcome to the forum... it's great to have you aboard!

I would leave those cleats exactly as-is. I have a pair of Tony Perez Cleats from his days with the Big Red Machine (with similar caked on/dried dirt). There are even some old blades of grass imbedded between the sole and the leather uppers.

I have been tempted to clean them on occasion, but have always refrained, as the game-used element is priceless. I am so glad I never touched them, as they are far more interesting with the infield dirt, scuffs, scrapes, etc.

Think of them as you would a game-used bat... the more signs of usage, the better! You would never attempt to clean off ball marks, bat rack streaks, etc. These things all lend themselves to the authenticity of the item, and actually add to the value. With game-used equipment and apparrel, a good rule of thumb is.... the uglier it looks, the better!

BTW... can you mention who's cleats you have?