Get Your Child Started Right with a Rawlings T-Ball Bat

If you’re looking for your child’s first bat, you can’t go wrong with Rawlings’ T-Ball bats.

All of Rawlings T-Ball bats have been tested for safety and are approved for use in T-Ball leagues.

They are lightweight for small players, and they feature the Sure-Lock end plug, which reduces damage due to miss-hits off the end of the bat.

They can be used by boys or girls.

Rawlings T-Ball bats are available in orange, blue, silver and pink.

Look for the Fuel T-Ball bat (model number TBFL5), the Raptor T-Ball bat (model number TBRAP4), the Plasma Fusion T-Ball bat (model number SMPTBLMPF) and Girls Rule T-Ball bat (model number TBRUL2).

Make your child’s first experience on the ball field one they won’t soon forget with their own bat, helmet and glove!

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your Rawlings T-Ball bat.

Inning After Inning, Rawlings Baseballs With EIT Last Longer

Baseballs have remained relatively unchanged in the past 35 years, but that doesn’t mean Rawlings hasn’t found ways to make them better over time.

Rawlings has patented what it calls Extra Innings Technology, or EIT.

EIT makes baseballs more durable so they’ll last longer and perform more consistently over their lifetime.

An EIT baseball is made with a thin polymer layer just under the cover of the ball that resists the damaging effects of moisture. The layer keeps the ball firm and, in turn, more durable.

Rawlings baseballs with EIT maintain more of their liveliness and gain less weight in humid conditions. A 0.2-ounce difference in the weight of the ball may not seem like much, but it can stop a home run just short of the fence.

It’s just one more reason why Rawlings baseballs continue to be used at the highest levels of play, including Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, the NCAA College World Series, the NJCAA and NAIA championships and countless high school and youth leagues.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your Rawlings baseballs individually or by the dozen.

Keep on the Defense with These Fielding Tips

Fielding is a skill that is often overlooked by young players because it is perceived as less fun than hitting and pitching.

Many games are won or lost by fielding, though, especially the close ones.

Here are some tips for fielding ground balls:

1. Get in the “ready” position
• Spread your feet slightly wider than shoulder width so you can take off in any direction.
• Shift your weight to the balls of your feet.
• Bend at the back with your seat down, your hands in front of you and your glove facing out.

2. Field a ground ball straight on
• Set up in the “ready” position.
• Position your feet with the ball of your throwing-side foot even with the instep of your catching side.
• Go to the ball; don’t wait for it to come to you.
• Field the ball in front of you, aligned with the center of your body.
• Point your front shoulder and hip at your throwing target.
• Step, throw and follow through.

Watch a video of this technique.

3. Field a ground ball backhanded
• Set up in the “ready” position.
• Position your feet with the ball of your throwing-side foot even with the instep of your catching side.
• Take a step across your body.
• Keep your head directly above your glove.
• Keep your knees and hips flexed.
• Get the fingers of your glove on the ground early.
• Plant your throwing-side foot.
• Point your hip and lead shoulder toward your throwing target.
• Throw and follow through.

Watch a video of this technique.

Rawlings has partnered with Ripken Baseball to produce a line of products made just for practicing this essential baseball skill. Look for 5-Tool Training Program items such as the Pro Training Glove and Quick Hands Trainer to develop your hand-eye coordination, reflexes and soft hands.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase Rawlings training equipment.

No Kidding Around—Rawlings’ New Gloves Are Great for Youth Athletes

If you’re looking for a new glove for your child, let Rawlings introduce you to its latest series, the Gold Glove Gamer Pro Taper.

Gloves in this series are perfect for 8- to 11-year-old athletes who will play at least 40 games this year. The Pro Taper glove is recommended for any athlete who is ready to move into a better glove, but whose hand is still too small for a Rawlings’ Heart of the Hide, Pro Preferred or Primo glove.

There are three Gold Glove Gamer Pro Taper gloves in this new series:

• 10 ¾” infield glove with Pro I web, style number GG1075G.
• 11” infield glove with a Single Post web, style number GG1100G.
• 11 ¼” pitcher’s/infield glove with Modified Trap web, style number GG1125G. It is also available for the left hand as style number GG1125G-RH.

These gloves are all listed as infield gloves, but they can be used in the outfield as well. Young athletes often play several positions, and the Pro Taper glove can move with them around the field.

Rawlings Gear’s Customer Care representatives are experts on Pro Taper gloves and all of Rawlings’ products, and they are committed to helping you find the right glove for yourself or your child.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your Gold Glove Gamer Pro Taper glove.

In Any Language, Primo Leather is the Best

In Italian, primo means “the first,” “the leading” and “the best.” That’s just what Rawlings Primo leather is.

Primo leather is a full-grain Italian leather that is produced with a tight grain structure to give it a flawless appearance. Only the best 5 percent of leather is used to make Rawlings Primo gloves.

The leather goes through a unique tanning process that results in a buttery soft feel and a shape that conforms to your hand, allowing you to create the perfect pocket in your glove.

Every Primo glove has two layers of leather that work together to help you create that ideal pocket. These layers add durability and comfort.

This leather takes longer to break in, but most Rawlings Gear customers have found it worth the work.

MrBaseball of New York recently wrote an online review of his Primo glove, model number PRM1125: “This glove is the best on the market. It takes awhile to break it in because the leather quality is so good. Once it’s broken in to your liking, it’s excellent. It is for the serious players because it’s not cheap.”

The Primo glove series is Rawlings’ premiere glove series, and this leather holds up that reputation.

When shopping for a Primo glove, look for model numbers PRM1125, PRM1150S, PRM1150S-RH, PRM1150T, PRM1150T-RH, PRM1200, PRM1200-RH, PRM1275, PRM1275-RH and PRMCM.

Also look for Primo Glove Butter and Rawlings’ entire line of glove care products to break in, condition and care for your glove.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your Rawlings Primo glove.

In Baseball, Stealing Isn’t Illegal; It’s Encouraged

You’ve reached first base, and it’s a tie game in the bottom of the last inning. Getting into scoring position could get your team into the win column, and your coach knows it. You’ve been given the sign to steal.

Getting a good jump isn’t the only part of this basic baseball skill. Here are some tips for stealing successfully:

Always listen to your first base coach and watch your third base coach while still on the bag. Don’t take your lead and then look to your coach, or you’ll get picked off.

Generally, you’ll want to take a 3 to 3-1/2 step lead.

Stay low with your hands slightly in out and in front of you.

If the pitcher quickly throws to first, you'll want to get to the back corner of the bag, your face turned away from the field to protect yourself from errant throws as well as to see if the ball gets by the first baseman.

Get a good jump—It’s critical in the success of a steal attempt.

Once the pitcher has committed to delivering the pitch, by a movement toward home plate, take off by pivoting the right foot and crossing over with the left leg.

Throw or “pump” your left arm as you cross over.

After a couple of steps, quickly glance toward home to determine if you have to stop and return to first due to a line drive, pop-up or fly ball, or if you should not slide and instead round second. Always know the situation.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for information on tools to conduct base running drills.

Tips for Tagging Up

No matter what level you play at, tagging up and advancing to the next base on a fly ball is a critical base-running skill.

It takes heads-up play, good timing and practice.

Here are some tips for tagging up on a fly ball:

As a runner on first base: On fly balls to right field, you want to go about 1/4 of the way to second base; to center field, about 1/3 of the way; and to left field, about 1/2 of the way. You should be under control and watching the ball so that you can quickly turn and get back to first in the event the catch is made so that you are not doubled up.

As a runner on second base: On fly balls that appear to be catchable, go back to the bag so you can tag up. Watch the ball all the way and don't leave too early, or the other team may appeal. On balls to the right side that drop, go to third, and on balls to left side that drop, advance to third on the throw, but make sure the left fielder makes the throw first.

As a runner on third base: On fly balls, go back to the bag so that you can tag up. Watch the ball all the way and don't leave early. In baseball, you generally do not want a large primary lead, but you do want a good secondary lead. Your primary and secondary lead should be taken in foul territory, so that if batted ball should hit you, you would not be out and it would merely be a foul ball.

Your secondary lead should be a controlled but fast-walking lead and should not stop until you see that the catcher has control of the ball. Do not start heading back to the bag until you see that the catcher has control. If the catcher does have control then quickly turn and head back to the bag in fair territory. This will prevent the catcher from getting a direct, straight throw to the bag and may result in the ball deflecting off you, allowing you to advance home. If the ball gets by the catcher, your fast-walking lead should allow you to advance home most of the time.

As always, it is critical to listen and watch your base coaches and know the situation at all times.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for information on tools to conduct base running drills.

Maple Wood Bats Are the Choice of a New Generation

Maple wood bats have become the popular choice among pro athletes in recent years, and Rawlings carries a variety of models, lengths and prices.

Maple wood bats are known to be firmer, giving them more pop. Despite their reputation for shattering explosively when they break, maple wood bats actually last longer than ash wood bats.

Because of the way they shatter when they break, Major League Baseball has required that all maple wood bats have an ink dot on the handle. The ink dot bleeds in the direction of the wood grain, allowing the straightness of the grain to be measured. According to MLB, the straighter the grain, the stronger the bat.

Rawlings’ Pro Preferred maple wood baseball bat, model number P302M, is a popular choice among Rawlings Gear customers.

Rawlings’ Pro Preferred bats are made from the best 5 percent of maple wood and are considered Major League quality.

Steelecity of Anaheim, Calif., recently wrote an online review of the P302M: “I love this bat. Feels light and has good pop for a wood. The colors are a little funky, but that’s another reason why I like it. Has a giant sweet spot for a wood bat also. The price is high, but you know you’re getting quality with this one.”

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your maple wood bat.

Rawlings Unveils New Bat with Technology Like Never Before

Imagine a bat that won’t vibrate, but that still has a large sweet spot and lots of pop. Imagine a bat that has a stiff handle, but that won’t sting. Imagine it’s priced better than the competition.

Impossible? Then you haven’t taken a swing with Rawlings’ newest bat—the 5150 Exogrid with Ph.D.

Available for pre-order, the Exogrid capitalizes on Ph.D technology (that’s passive hybrid damping) to reduce vibration on impact yet maintain a stiff handle.

Rawlings designers and Vyatek Sports have teamed up to create a power hitter’s dream.

Starting with Rawlings’ 5150 1-piece aluminum alloy frame, they added Vyatek's patented Exogrid with Ph.D technology. Then they made sure it had all the features you expect from a Rawlings bat, including being compatible with Rawlings' Sci-Fly and Speedcap technologies.

Rawlings' Sci-Fly radar matches you with your perfect bat by charting the launch angle of your swing and the speed, hit distance and spin rate of the ball off the bat. The patent-pending Speedcap measures your swing speed.

College hitters are already using Rawlings' Exogrid with Ph.D. Now you can too!

The bat is available for the high school/collegiate level, senior leagues and youth baseball. Priced under $300, you won't find a better bat for the money. Delivery expected late March or early April.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact your Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to pre-order your 5150 Exogrid with Ph.D. bat.

Rawlings Removes White Lacing and Lettering from Pitcher’s Gloves

An NCAA rule regarding pitcher’s gloves has prompted Rawlings to remove the white lacing and lettering from these gloves.

According to the 2009-2010 NCAA baseball rules, the pitcher’s glove cannot not be white or gray or contain white or gray lettering.

Rawlings always strives to make gloves that are eligible for all associations and institutions.

The best way to ensure your Rawlings glove is legal for your league is to review the rulebook of the governing body for your league.

The NCAA puts forth these rules about the dimensions of baseball gloves:

The first baseman’s glove should be no more than 12 inches long, measured from the bottom edge or heel up across the palm, and 8 inches wide, measured from the center of the base section between the thumb and index finger to the outside edge of the little finger. The webbing should not form a net type of trap.

All players except for the first baseman and catcher must use a fielder’s glove no more than 12 inches long and 8 inches wide, measured from the inside seam of the index finger to the outside edge of the little finger.

There are no height or width restrictions on catcher’s mitts.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your next Rawlings glove.

Rawlings Tweaks Its Lineup of 5150 Composite Bats

Rawlings has adjusted its lineup of 5150 bats because of a change last year in NCAA rules.

For the 2010 baseball season, 1-piece composite bats are no longer allowed. Therefore, Rawlings has removed the youth league (-11) and senior league (-9) bats from its 5150 Composite series and created the 5150 X-treme Performance line just for them.

Because of this rule change, another bat in the 5150 Composite series, the 5150 High School/Collegiate Baseball bat -3 (model number BB5150C), is not approved for play in the NCAA. It is BESR certified, but it has a 1-piece composite frame.

The Rawlings EXOGRID with PhD bat -3 (model number BB51XO) is a great alternative at the high school/collegiate level, and it is BESR certified.

As for the rest of the 5150 Composite line, the 5150 Senior League bat -10 (model number SL51C1) has been changed to a -10 drop from a -9. There have been no changes to the 5150 Senior League bat -5 (model number SL5150C5) or the 5150 Coach Pitch bat (model number CP5150C).

Bats that have been changed or discontinued that are still in stock can be purchased at clearance prices up to $100 off at RawlingsGear.com.

Read our previous articles on bat certification and BESR certification through our News section at RawlingsGear.com.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for more information on Rawlings bats.

When Only the Best Will Do, Go With a Primo

If baseball gloves were luxury cars, Rawlings’ Primo gloves would be Bentleys.

Made from the finest Italian leather and the thickest laces, the Primo glove series is Rawlings’ premiere glove series.

Primo leather has a distinctive oxblood color and a flawless appearance. It goes through a unique tanning process for a buttery soft feel from the first time you put on the glove.

The lacing is the highest quality available and is tested to 100-pound tensile strength to create a shape that holds up over time.

The welting on every Primo glove is hand-sewn, which reverses the way the glove is sewn together. This gives a seamless feel and reduces friction against your thumb.

Add to all of that Dual Core technology in the palm of each glove that absorbs impact and gives you better glove control, 100 percent wool padding and position-specific break points that keep the glove in top condition longer.

Jroth95 recently wrote an online review for Rawlings Gear: “The Primo is by far the best glove on the market. Its quality is unmatched on every level and it is much more durable than any other glove. Although it takes a good amount of time to break in, it is definitely worth it,” he wrote. “ I play shortstop with it for my high school team and my high-level club team, and I always receive comments on the great grabs I make with my Primo. It is worth every penny, and I recommend it to everyone on every level."

He’s not the only satisfied customer. Bcoffman257 also wrote an online review after purchasing his Primo: “I bought this glove to use in games in my hometown adult baseball league. It took a little bit to get broken in properly but was worth the effort. This is a fantastic glove.”

Primo gloves are built for your comfort and performance but most of all to last longer. If you want the very best from a glove, you need a Rawlings Primo glove.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your Rawlings Primo glove.

Round First the Right Way to Land Safe at Second

Knowing how to run the bases can make a runner with average speed better on the base paths than a speedy player who runs them incorrectly.

Taking the right steps as you round first on a base hit can get you a double in a stat book instead of a single.

Here are some tips for rounding first base:

As you approach first base, take a very quick peek to see if the ball is in the infield or not. If you see the ball is through the infield, or if you had hit a fly ball, you'll want to take what is called a banana curve approach to first. This means that approximately halfway there you will begin to veer slightly outward and then come back inward as you approach the bag, making a banana shape.

You will want to try to hit the inside corner of the base with your foot as you turn toward second.

As soon as you realize that the ball is out of the infield, you should be thinking “double.” Make the ball determine if you have to stay at first. Most of the time, a double is determined by how the runner goes from home to first instead of first to second.

As always, listen to your first base coach and know the situation.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for information on tools to conduct base running drills.

How to Measure for Rawlings Shoulder Pads

Shoulder pads can’t adequately protect the football player wearing them unless they are properly fitted.

Use the following guide to get fitted for Rawlings shoulder pads:

1. Fully extend your arms above your head. If you notice any abnormal movements or feel any pain when you do this, consult a physician before continuing because it may be a sign of a potential or existing shoulder problem.
2. Stand erect with your arms at your sides. Have someone measure across your back from where the shoulderbone begins on one side to where it ends on the opposite side. Record the measurement, rounding up to the next half inch. Check this measurement once a year or if you have a noticeable increase in weight or body size.
3. Select the pad correctly sized to your shoulder measurement.
4. Place the properly sized shoulder pad on your shoulders and verify that the edge of the strip pad lines up with the measuring point on your shoulder. Then adjust the elastic body straps to modest tension so the shoulder pad stays in place when you move.
5. Check that the neck opening isn’t so tight that it causes pinching or so loose that it exposes your clavicle.
6. Check that your sternum and pectoral muscles are adequately covered.
7. Check that your shoulder blade is covered by the shoulder pad and that it is not exposed in back. If you have any doubts or questions about proper fit, consult your Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative before using the pad.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your Rawlings shoulder pads.

Keep Tradition Alive with a Rawlings Ash Wood Bat

For many pros, choosing a wood bat is all about feel. And for many of those pros, an ash wood bat just feels right.

Rawlings makes both ash and maple bats, but ash wood has had the longer tenure in the Major Leagues.

Ash was the preferred wood of bat manufacturers for a long time because it is easy to work with due to its naturally straight grain. It’s also less expensive than maple wood.

Although maple wood has gained in popularity in recent years because it’s firmer and holds up better than ash (as long as the bat doesn’t break), ash wood bats are great for players who like a little give in their bats.

Rawlings makes ash wood bats in a variety of models, lengths and prices.

Popular choices include the Pro Preferred ash wood bat, model numbers P288RJ and P302, and the Pro ash wood bat, model number 350BK.

Pro Preferred bats are made from the best 5 percent of ash wood and are considered Major League quality. Professional model bats are made from the top 15 percent of ash wood and are used in the Minor Leagues.

MNBaseball of Minneapolis recently wrote an online review of the P302: “I love the feel and the balance is great. … The finish is really nice. No complaints about this bat."

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your ash wood bat.

Do You See a Pattern Here? An Insider Tip on Choosing the Right Glove

You can be around a baseball field or softball diamond for years and still learn new ways to make the equipment you use maximize your potential.

One such way is to look at the pattern of your glove and determine if it’s right for you.

Simply put, the pattern is the size and shape of the glove.

If you are an infielder, you may want a smaller pattern, between 10-1/2 and 11-1/2 inches. If you are an outfielder, gloves between 12 and 12-1/2 inches with deeper pockets may be better suited to you. Catchers and first basemen use unique patterns with more padding.

Two types of patterns Rawlings uses are Pro and Full.

Pro patterns are on-field patterns. They range from flat pockets for second basemen, standard-depth pockets for shortstops and third basemen and deep pockets for pitchers and outfielders.

Pockets in full pattern gloves are determined by the design of the palm, fingers and finger spread rather than the position played.

Full pattern gloves are utility gloves that can be used for either baseball or softball. They are generally 12 inches or larger.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to find the glove pattern that’s right for you.

Getting Out of the Box Quickly Is Key to Running to First

In baseball and softball, base running is just as much an art as hitting or bunting.

Getting out of the batter’s box and down the line efficiently is a seemingly simple task that can have game-changing results. Imagine beating that throw from the shortstop or legging out what your coach meant to be a sacrifice bunt.

It doesn’t take tremendous speed, either.

Here are some tips for running to first base:

As a batter, taking a balanced swing and following through will help you get out of the box smoothly and quickly.

Your first three steps should be short and quick.

For right-handed hitters, your first step should be with your back foot (your right foot); the opposite is true for left-handed batters.

On the third or fourth step, you might take a very quick peek to see if the ball is in the infield or not. If it is, run in a straight line to first base inside the running lane.

You’ll want to run through first base, not just to it. Do not slow down until you have crossed the bag.

Slow down by chopping your steps and decelerating.

Look to the right side immediately after touching first base to see if the ball has gotten by the first baseman so you know if you have a chance to advance to second base.

Don’t forget that it is critical to listen and watch your base coaches and know the situation at all times. Head in the game!

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for information on tools to conduct base running drills.

Rawlings Pro 5 Football Combines Durability and Exceptional Grip

Rawlings spends just as much time improving the quality of its footballs as it does its baseballs.

New and improved is the Rawlings Pro 5 game ball.

The Pro 5 football offers a true Pro-style feel in the same popular shape as the ST5. The Pro 5 is ideal for quarterbacks who like a harder ball with the same great performance.

The Pro 5 football is NFHS and NCAA approved and features a QB 12 pattern, the smallest circumference allowable. Like the best Rawlings footballs, it is made from center cut deep pebbled Horween leather.

The four-ply TPU bladder forms a better shape, holds in air and locks out moisture. New thicker, high-strength composite lacing makes for improved grip, feel and control.

The ball is available in the following sizes: Official, Youth, Junior and Pee Wee.

On Rawlings Gear’s Web site, butterbean of Kansas reviewed model number PRO5B. “We have owned this ball for a while and it has seen lots of use and has held up very well. Quality product,” she wrote.

Model numbers PRO5YB and PRO5JRB have received five-star reviews as well.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for more information on Pro 5 footballs.

Get in the Game with New Rawlings Gold Glove Series

When Rawlings brought you its new Gold Glove Legend series this spring, it wasn’t done yet. Rawlings has another new Gold Glove series to introduce—the Gold Glove Gamer.

Rawlings pro patterns, pro grade laces and pro soft leather all work together to create the gloves in the new Gold Glove Gamer series. This super-soft Gold Glove leather is from the top 15% of the hide and is an oil-tanned, tumbled leather. With a super-soft, game-ready feel and full-grain finger linings, these gloves maintain comfort and functionality.

There are eight Gold Glove Gamer gloves in this new series:

• 12 ¾” outfield glove with Trap-Eze web, style number GG601G. It is also available for the left hand as style number GG601G-RH.
• 11 ¼” infield glove with a Pro I web, style number GGNP2G.
• 11 ½” pitcher’s or infield glove with Modified Trap web, style number GG204G. It is also available for the left hand as style number GG204G-RH.
• 11 ¾” infield glove with Pro I web, style number GGNP5G.
• 12” pitcher’s/infield glove with a Trap-Eze web, style number GG12XTCG. It is also available for the left hand as style number GG12XTCG-RH.
• 12” pitcher’s/infield glove with a Basket web, style number GG20G. It is also available for the left hand as style number GG20G-RH.
• 12 ½” first base mitt with Single Post web, style number GGFBG. It is also available for the left hand as style number GGFBG-RH.
• 32 ½” catcher’s mitt with 1-Piece Solid web, style number GGCMG. It is also available for the left hand as style number GGCMG-RH.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your Gold Glove Gamer glove.

Helmet Faceguards Complete the Safety Picture

Purchase a little peace of mind with a Rawlings batting helmet faceguard.
You may have already purchased everything your child needs to be protected while playing ball; finish it off with a faceguard that meets NOCSAE safety standards.

Rawlings’ Youth or T-Ball Batting Helmet Faceguard (model number ABCRWG) for softball and baseball features vinyl-coated solid steel wire construction. It fits the CFTB and CFHLJR helmets as well as all other Rawlings helmets sized 6 1/4 to 6 7/8.

The Baseball Batting Helmet Faceguard (model number RWG) and Softball Batting Helmet Faceguard (model number SBRWG) both feature an ultra-light hollow wire construction. They fit batting helmets PL1, PL1W, PLDLX, CFBH, CFBHM, CFEX and CFHL.

Faceguards aren’t just for youth ballplayers, either.

Rawlings’ LPWG faceguard is an adult and youth faceguard and is designed for the Vapor Low Profile helmets (model number VLP).It has an ultra-light hollow wire construction with a large eye opening for increased visibility and balanced feel.

The Softball LPSBWG faceguard is an adult faceguard and is also designed for the Vapor Low Profile helmets.

Few batting helmets come with a faceguard, but most Rawlings helmets have pre-drilled holes to attach a guard. The popular S100 batting helmet does not have such a feature. New this year, is the S100P helmet that includes a composite covered headband for comfort and a XRD Foam pad and can be ordered in many different sizes.

All Rawlings faceguards come with the hardware needed to attach to a helmet.

Other accessories that can be added to batting helmets are chin straps (model number RCS1) and straps with a chin cup (model number RSCUP).

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your batting helmet faceguard and other protective equipment.