Player Preferred Line Sports New Models

In baseball and softball, preparing for the game is just as important as playing the game. Prepare for your next season by checking out the modifications and additions Rawlings has made to its respected glove line: The Player Preferred series.

Three new mitts and a softball glove make the lineup of Player Preferred fielder's gloves.

Player Preferred gloves are designed with full, deep patterns. Specially tanned retro leather gives the appearance of a glove that has played in many games with a broken-in feel to match. Performance features include Flex Loop™ custom fitting back designs, Zero Shock™ palm pads and Speed Trap heel cut outs.

New to the Player Preferredline are:

• Model number RCM325R, a 32.5” catcher’s mitt with a 1 Piece Closed Web. It is also available for the left hand under model number RCM325R-RH.
• Model number RFB115, an 11.5” youth baseball first base mitt with a Single Post, Double Bar Web. It is also available for the left hand under model number RFB115-RH.
• Model number RCM315R, a 31.5” youth baseball catcher’s mitt with a 1 Piece Closed Web. It is also available for the left hand under model number RCM315R-RH.
• Model number PP140R, a 14” softball outfield glove with a Pro H Web. It is also available for the left hand under model number PP140R-RH.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for more information on the new Rawlings’ Player Preferred gloves.

Sandlot Line Sports Retro Look

In baseball and softball, preparing for the game is just as important as playing the game. Prepare for your next season by checking out the modifications and additions Rawlings has made to its respected glove line: The Sandlot series.

Sandlot gloves sport a new retro black look for 2011. The full-grain leather shell is uniquely tanned to resemble a vintage glove. The designs are further enhanced with popular pro patterns and antiqued leather laces.

These Sandlot gloves feature the new look:

• Model number SL127TB, a 12.75” outfield glove with a Trap-Eze web. It is also available for the left hand under model number SL127TB-RH.
• Model number SL125HB, a 12.5” outfield glove with a Pro H web. It is also available for the left hand under model number SL125HB-RH.
• Model number SL120BB, a 12” pitcher’s/infield glove with a Basket web. It is also available for the left hand under model number SL120BB-RH.
• Model number SL12XTCB, a 12” pitcher’s/infield glove with a Trap-Eze web. It is also available for the left hand under model number SL12XTCB-RH.
• Model number SL1175B, an 11.75” infield glove with a Pro I web.
• Model number SL115MTB, an 11.5” pitcher’s/infield glove with a Modified Trap-Eze web. It is also available for the left hand under model number SL115MTB-RH.
• Model number SLCMB, a 32.5” catcher’s mitt with a 1 Piece Closed web.

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

Quality Fabric and Rawlings Baseball Pants: A Perfect Fit

What makes Rawlings' baseball pants different? The quality of the fabric.

Rawlings uses five different types of fabrics to make baseball pants. These fabrics undergo burst and abrasion tests to determine their durability and strength.

Rawlings Gear's most popular baseball pants, the Relaxed Fit Pro Flare Weight pants (model number PP350MR), are polyester with a relaxed fit and an oversized, extended inseam. Also known as the “Manny Ramirez” fit, they are made with a flared look.

Dean of Trophy Club, Texas, was so happy with his Relaxed Fit pants that he wrote an online review at RawlingsGear.com: “I really like the Relaxed Fit Pro Weight baseball pants. I am 6'4" and most baseball pants are either to short or weigh a ton. The light weight and the 33-inch inseam are really great. One less thing to worry about while I'm pitching.”

Rawlings baseball pants are available in adult and youth sizes and in a variety of colors.

When shopping for baseball pants, don't forget the belt and socks to match.

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

Rawlings Engraved Bats Are a Hit for Team Awards, Gifts

Give the gift that will be a big hit—a one-of-a-kind custom wood bat from RawlingsGear.com.

Custom wood bats are laser engraved, so they can be personalized to your specifications.

These bats have four lines that can be personalized. Add the Rawlings Big Stick logo on the first line if you like. Add a name and number. Fill as many or as few lines as you like.

These wood bats are made from ash and are the same quality wood as Rawlings' Performance Wood series.

Three sizes are available—Adult (33”), Junior (28”) and Miniature (17”).

The following color combinations are available:

• Adult bat comes in natural, black or honey colors
• Junior in natural color
• Miniature in black and natural with different color rings

Display cases available for the adult and miniature bats. Delivery time is 12-14 business days for in-stock bats.

Edub recently wrote an online review: “Bought this bat for my coach as a thank you, and he loved it. I must say it was a nice bat to give him, and he was really happy when it was given to him. Great price and perfect keepsake. Got one for myself! Wish I had bought more!!!”

Rebeldad7 was also pleased with his purchase: “The craftsmanship of the bat was excellent as well as the personalized engraving. My high school baseball player son absolutely loved having a personalized bat. Although I purchased it for actual game use, he has decided to mount it on the wall along with his trophies. Makes me the Number 1 Dad for this year! Thanks Rawlings!”

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

For Every Unique Catcher, Rawlings Has a Mitt

Catchers are unique for many reasons, not the least of which is the mitt they use.

Here are some tips for selecting your Rawlings catcher's mitt:

• Grab a Rawlings mitt that is snug and secure without being too tight.

• Choose a mitt that allows you to catch and stop wild pitches but that's not so big you are unable to grab the ball.

• Your catcher’s mitt should have enough padding to make your hand feel secure, while still having the control to snap the glove closed and hold the ball tight.

• Make sure you have a firm grip for grabbing fouls and tagging runners at the plate.

Nearly all the Rawlings catcher's mitts at RawlingsGear.com have received top reviews from customers. 1CATCHER is one such consumer. He wrote about his Pro Preferred 32.5 inch 2-Tone mitt (model number PROSCM202T): "I've had other mitts, but this one tops them all. The leather is sturdy yet easy to break in, and once it is broken in, it is like an extension of your arm. With others, my hand used to get really sore; with this mitt on I can go through a whole game without any pain at all. Have put this glove through a lot, but still has plenty of life in it."

Rawlings makes catcher's mitts for all of its premiere series: Primo, Pro Preferred, Heart of the Hide, and Gold Glove.

If you're still not sure which catcher's mitt is right for you, let your favorite pro be your guide. Joe Mauer and Yadier Molina use Rawlings catcher's mitts. Maybe the Joe Mauer 33 inch mitt (model number RCM30T) is the one you were looking for!

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

Rawlings Pro Preferred Gloves Are the Best, Through and Through

Rawlings Pro Preferred gloves are made from the best materials, inside and out.

On the outside is soft, durable Kip skin leather, known for how well it breaks in and how well it keeps its shape.

On the inside is Pittards sheep skin lining, which wicks away sweat from your hand.

Holding it all together is high-end, 100-lb tensile strength Pro lace.

This combination makes the Pro Preferred glove a lighter glove with greater function and mobility.

Maybe that’s why some of baseball’s best players call it their own. Two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum, Mark Teixeira, Adrian Gonzalez and Carlos Lee are among the many MLB players who use a Pro Preferred glove.

CalUstar21 of Harrisburg, Pa., recently wrote an online review at RawlingsGear.com. He called his Pro Preferred 11.5 inch baseball glove (model number: PROS15TCB) an “amazing glove.”

“This is the best glove I have purchased over my career. Compared to my other gloves I have had, this glove is so much better. It didn't take very long to break in and still has its durability. This glove is well worth the price. You can’t beat a gold glove company. Great for pitching and the infield.”

Rawlings’ Pro Preferred gloves are available in several models, including infielder’s gloves, outfielder’s gloves, a first baseman’s glove and a catcher's mitt.

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

Get All the Support You Need at Rawlings

It's the most important piece of equipment that you never talk about.

When it's time for a new cup, you can't go wrong with Rawlings' briefs and boxer briefs with the Cage Cup.

That's because they're made with your comfort and safety in mind.

Both the briefs and boxers are soft cotton with firming support. The boxer briefs are made boxer length for minimal chafing.

The Cage Cup protects like a traditional cup but is 42 percent lighter. The high-impact, shatter-resistant ABS plastic cup absorbs the impact shock to give you the protection you need. In independent laboratory testing, Rawlings' Cage Cup outperformed traditional cups.

In addition, micro-encapsulated air in foam provides comfort and flexibility against your skin.

Rawlings' briefs with Cage Cup (model number RG729) and boxers with Cage Cup (model number RG730) are available in peewee, youth and adult sizes.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for protective accessories.

Kick It Old School With Rawlings’ Black Hawk Catcher’s Gear

Retro styling makes Rawlings' Black Hawk catcher's gear a must-have.

“Old-style chest protector allows more freedom to throw runners out,” wrote Joebaby in a brief online review at RawlingsGear.com.

In addition to its styling, you'll love all the safety features built in to Rawlings' Black Hawk chest protectors. They feature strategically designed break points for optimal fit and mobility and a polyethylene sternum insert embedded in foam to give you or your catcher added protection. The dual adjustment back straps make for a custom fit.

The youth size also features a Velcro removable tail.

Black Hawk leg guards are lightweight and feature extra padding in the knee for better protection and comfort. They also have a removable and washable Pro-Dri Plus knee and shin liner.

Rawlings Black Hawk catcher’s gear is available in adult, junior and youth sizes and in a variety of tone-on-tone colors.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your Black Hawk catcher’s equipment.

Rawlings Introduces Two New Youth Bats

Rawlings has introduced two new youth bats this season—the 5150 Exogrid with Ph.D -11 and the 5150 X-treme Performance –11.

The Exogrid (model number YB51XO) and the X-treme Performance (model number YB51XP) bats, along with all of Rawlings’ youth bats, are approved for play in all youth leagues.

The Exogrid frame is a one-piece alloy reinforced with patented Ph.D technology, which reduces sting while expanding the sweet spot.

The X-treme Performance bat has a 100-percent composite frame.

When shopping for the right bat for your player, look for the one that is the heaviest he can swing without sacrificing bat speed.

Other popular Rawlings youth bats are the 5150 Alloy -12 (model number YB5150A) and the Plasma Youth Bat -13 (model number YBPLAS).

Rawlings youth bats have drops ranging from -13 to -10. Most Rawlings youth bats also carry a one-year warranty.

If you're shopping for a training bat, consider a youth wood bat. Wood bats are good for training because they have a smaller sweet spot. Rawlings Gear carries a wide selection of youth wood bats.

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

It's All in the Basket … the Basket Web

The Basket web is Rawlings' only web style to spawn two spinoffs.

Patented in 1967, the Basket web was the first flexible web. It is so popular today that it is available with nearly every Rawlings glove series.

The first spinoff was the Bellows Basket web, patented in 1971. It is a solid web sewn together to allow the glove to expand. This expansion creates a natural well for the ball, providing a deeper pocket and extra security upon ball impact.

The second spinoff was the Basket Connector web, patented in 1994. It boasts two posts within the basket that react as an axis to wrap around and secure the ball.

The Basket web and its variants have become popular among pitchers because of their closed pocket – it hides the pitcher's grip on the ball.

It's a proven choice among infielders too, most notably, Derek Jeter. Jeter uses the Heart of the Hide 11.5 inch glove with the Basket web.

“This glove is designed and worn by future HOF shortstop Derek Jeter. That's enough for me. Great all around glove for SS, 2nd and 3rd,” Jjb4954 of Long Island, N.Y., wrote in a recent online review.

Acrooster14 wrote an online review of his Pro Preferred 12 inch glove: “This glove was very easy to break in. It took only a handful of throwing sessions until I felt very comfortable using it.”

Get the most common web found today.

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

Rawlings Pro Preferred Leather—The Selective Choice

As a player advances into more competitive leagues, it becomes important to be selective about the leather used to build his glove.

Rawlings' Pro Preferred glove series is made with soft, durable kipskin leather for easy break-in.

Kipskin leather is clean, with few imperfections and a tight grain structure. The leather is supple, which allows each player to break in his Pro Preferred glove to his preference. This leather helps the glove keep its shape.

The tight grain on kipskin leather may take slightly longer to break in, but the end result is worth the work. Kip hide is found only in Rawlings Pro Preferred gloves.

Papmister of Providence, R.I., recently purchased a Pro Preferred 11.5 inch 2-Tone glove. In an online review at RawlingsGear.com, he wrote: “When I play catch, the pop is quite amazing and it's just awesome to use. It retains its shape very well if broken in properly and has left me with no choice then to rate it five stars. I would recommend anybody to buy this.”

When shopping for a Pro Preferred glove, look for model numbers PROS27T2T, PROS27T2T-RH, PROS12MTKB, PROS12MTKB-RH, PROS20BR, PROS20BR-RH, PROS1175-9KB, PROS1175-9KB-RH, PROS17ICBR, PROS15ICB, PROS15MTBR, PROS15MTBR-RH, PROS12IC2T, PROSDCT2T, PROSDCT2T-RH, and PROSCM20BR

Also look for 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 Pro Preferred glove.

Zoombang Provides Pros the Protection to Play Longer

When a product works, when it does what it is touted to do, it earns the trust of the world's best athletes, the ones whose careers are made or broken by the quality of the tools they choose.

It's a strong endorsement, then, that the NFL's biggest names choose Rawlings' Zoombang™ protective apparel and equipment.

More than 200 pro football players, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Stephen Jackson and Donovan McNabb, wear Zoombang™ gear.

Zoombang™ apparel and equipment were developed through a collaboration with respected professional trainers, equipment managers and professional athletes. The unique Zoombang™ viscoelastic polymer is a semi-solid, plastic-like material that is extremely soft at rest and conforms to any shape but instantly behaves as a solid on impact.

“Zoombang's products are the choice of protective padding following injury,” said Rick Burkholder, head athletic trainer for the Philadelphia Eagles.

John A. Norwig, ATC, head athletic trainer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, agrees. “I want to thank Zoombang for assisting us with a variety of injuries to various body parts. I have been pleased with the quality of the product and the level of protection it has provided,” he said.

Rawlings' Zoombang™ girdles and compression shirts are sold in adult and youth sizes.

Rawlings Gear and Rawlings Sporting Goods Inc. does not imply any sponsorship by any of the aforementioned NFL Athletes. Rawlings Gear and Rawlings Sporting Goods Inc. only recognizes the fact that each player is wearing, has worn or has ordered Zoombang products. Each player has the right to choose what they wear on and off the field and is not bound in any legal contract with Rawlings Gear, Rawlings Sporting Goods Inc or Impact Innovative Technologies LLC.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase Zoombang™ for Rawlings apparel and equipment

Rawlings Braces—A Joint Effort in Preventing Injury

Catchers protect the plate. The fourth hitter in the lineup protects the third hitter. But what protects the joints of every athlete on the field? Rawlings support braces.

Rawlings' knee, ankle, wrist, elbow and back braces help prevent injuries to athletes in all sports, and Rawlings Gear carries them all.

Features of Rawlings' braces include:
• Adjustable neoprene straps for support and fit
• Lining that wicks away moisture
• Integrated antibacterial biocide to reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria

The braces also retain therapeutic heat to help sooth muscles and maintain flexibility.

Jdmz of Spring, Texas, wrote an online review of the elastic knee support brace. “Great product–just enough support. Not restrictive. I use it during golf and racquetball,” he wrote.

All braces are black and one size fits all.

Shop RawlingsGear.com for these model numbers:

• Neoprene Open Knee Brace (RG437)
• Neoprene Closed Knee Brace (RG441)
• Elastic Knee Support (RG525)
• Neoprene Ankle Brace (RG439)
• Neoprene Wrist Brace (RG406)
• Neoprene Elbow Brace (RG435)
• Neoprene Waist & Back Brace (RG408)

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for support accessories.

Keep Your Defense Hopping with These Fielding Drills

Fielding short hops is part of every infielder's job, and it's not easy.

These drills are intended to improve your hand quickness and your fielding abilities.

For each drill, stand 20-30 feet away from another player. Keep your feet stationary.

In each drill, throw 25 balls to your partner. Completing the complete set of drills provides you with the opportunity to field 150 balls in 10 minutes. Perform these drills five or six times a week to greatly improve your fielding abilities.

Direct Short Hop
• With your glove on your fielding hand, spread your feet shoulder-width apart with your knees bent and your hands in front of you on the ground.
• Throw short hops to your partner, making sure to catch each thrown ball with two hands.

Forehand Short Hop
• Turn to your forehand side with your front foot turned about six inches from parallel to your back foot. This will allow for easier throws and balance when catching the short hops.
• Position your glove on the ground near your back foot.
• Throw short hops to your partner’s forehand side, and use only one hand to catch each ball. This simulates running to your forehand side and having to reach for the ball.

Backhand Short Hop
• Turn to your backhand side with your front foot turned about six inches from parallel to your back foot. This will allow for easier throws and balance when catching the short hops.
• Position your glove on the ground near your front foot.
• Throw short hops to your partner’s backhand side, and use only one hand to catch each ball. This simulates running to your backhand side and having to reach for the ball.

For tools to help with these fielding drills, look for Rawlings' 5-Tool Training Program items including the Reaction Ball, designed to bounce erratically. Rawlings has partnered with Ripken Baseball to produce the 5-Tool Training line.

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

For the Best Southpaw Selections, Go with Rawlings Gear

Rawlings Gear is your retailer for Rawlings left handed gloves.

With more than 90 models in stock, RawlingsGear.com carries the left handed gloves you won't find in stores. Our site is the only place you'll find images of the gloves when you search.

Rawlings has introduced 16 left handed gloves for the 2011 season:
• Pro Preferred Series: model numbers PROS12MTKB-RH, PROS20BR-RH and PROS15MTBR-RH
• Heart of the Hide Series: model numbers PRO12VHPM-RH, PROTB24B-RH and PRO302DC-RH
• Gold Glove Legend: model numbers GG302L-RH, GG209L-RH and GGTML-RH
• Gold Glove Gamer: model numbers GG601G-RH, GG12XTCG-RH, GG20G-RH, GG204G-RH, GGFPG-RH and GGCMG-RH
• Gold Glove Gamer Pro Taper: model number GG1125G-RH

For every level of play and from youth to adult sizes, Rawlings has a left handed glove.

Model numbers for left handed gloves include the letters “-RH,” which means the glove is worn on the right hand. It should be included at the end of the model number on your order.

Because it also means that you throw with your left hand, be sure “Throws With Left Hand” is shown in your shopping cart.

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

Don’t Let This Skill Slide: Tips for Learning How to Slide

Sometimes the important skill in base running isn’t running. Sometimes it’s the slide that means you’re safe.

Improper sliding, however, can result in injury to the young ball player. It is very important to teach proper sliding fundamentals because serious knee, ankle or hand injury can occur.

The most popular slide, and probably the safest, is the bent leg or figure 4 slide.

Here are some tips for sliding:

The key element to the bent leg slide is that one leg is straight and extended to the bag and the other is tucked under the straight one. Your hands should be up and loosely clenched to avoid injury.

You will want to start your slide approximately 7-10 feet in front of the bag depending on your speed and height. It’s important to not slide too late because you may jam a leg or ankle or too early because you may not reach the bag.

Take off from either leg. You will initially land on the bent leg’s calf and thigh and your rear end.

Stay low to the ground and throw your head back slightly to avoid hitting your knees too hard on the ground.

As your front leg comes into contact with the bag with your heel up, both legs should give to cushion the slide.

Practice on wet grass or use a large piece of cardboard with no shoes first before practicing on the field.

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.

Fielding Drills

It's no secret that practice makes perfect. It's also no secret that doing fielding drills can improve your defense immensely.

These short hop/short catch drills are intended to improve your hand quickness and your fielding abilities.

For each drill, stand 20-30 feet away from another player. Keep your feet stationary and focus on your hands.

In each drill, throw 25 balls to your partner. Completing the complete set of drills provides you with the opportunity to field 150 balls in 10 minutes. Perform these drills five or six times a week to greatly improve your fielding abilities.

Bare Hand Roll (no glove)
• Place your glove on the ground behind you.
• Spread your feet shoulder-width apart with your knees bent and your hands in front of you on the ground.
• Roll the ball to your partner, and focus on catching the rolled ball with two hands.

Bare Hand Short Hop (no glove)
• Place your glove on the ground in front of you.
• Spread your feet shoulder-width apart with your knees bent and your hands in front of you on the ground.
• Throw short hops to your partner, making sure to catch each thrown ball with two hands.
• Because no glove is being used, all throws should be softly thrown.

For tools to help with these fielding drills, look for Rawlings' 5-Tool Training Program items including the Reaction Ball, designed to bounce erratically. Rawlings has partnered with Ripken Baseball to produce the 5-Tool Training line.

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

Rawlings Gold Glove Award: Baseball's Defensive Benchmark

Ozzie Smith, Johnny Bench, Brooks Robinson—These are some of baseball's greatest defensive players. And great defensive players get honored with the Rawlings Gold Glove Award.

Since its creation in 1957, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award has been the benchmark by which all defense is measured. Today, the award remains the highest symbol of defensive excellence and ultimately determines who is “the Finest in the Field.”

In its first year, nine professional players received the award.

The next year, 18 players received the honor, one for each position in both the National and American Leagues.

Managers and coaches from the Major Leagues select the winners prior to the conclusion of the regular season. They may not vote for players from their own club and can only vote for players in their own league.

In 2007, in conjunction with the award’s 50th anniversary, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award expanded to recognize athletes at the collegiate and high school levels. Nine awards are given to each division in the NCAA (1,2,3), the NJCAA (1,2,3), the NAIA, as well as high school athletes from around the country.

The storied history of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award has inspired a new class of athletes to attempt jaw-dropping plays and acrobatic snags in the dirt, all in the hopes of taking home the gold. More than 50 years later, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award remains the game’s greatest measure of defensive excellence, and its legacy is sure to live on for years to come.

Award the players on your team for their hard work and efforts with the Miniature Rawlings Gold Glove Award (style number MINI). Then customize it by putting their name on the nameplate.

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

Top Colleges Choose Rawlings 5150 Bats

The country's top college baseball teams power their offenses with Rawlings' 5150 bats.

Players for nationally ranked Virginia have been impressed with the 5150 Exogrid with Ph.D.

“The 5150 Exogrid has reached a new level in the bat industry, with players using this bat with more confidence than ever,” Virginia Head Coach Brian O’Connor said. “The ball seems to jump off this bat, and the feel of the bat is liked by many players. Players are always excited about a new bat, and the 5150 Exogrid definitely has our players excited.”

The 5150 Exogrid is built with a stiff handle and a large sweet spot and capitalizes on Vyatek's Ph.D technology (that's passive hybrid damping) to reduce vibration on impact.

Players at Georgia Tech, also nationally ranked, have gone with the 5150 alloy.

“Tony Plagman, our senior first baseman, has hit five home runs in eight games using the 5150 alloy,” Georgia Tech Head Coach Danny Hall said. “The ball jumps off the bat.”

Other college baseball teams that use Rawlings bats are:
• Cal State San Marcos
• Central Methodist University
• Cortland State University
• Cypress College
• Fairfield University
• Kent State University
• Lackawanna College
• Manhattan College
• Marist College
• Merced College
• Monmouth University
• Monroe College
• Montclair State University
• North Carolina A&T University
• Northern Illinois University
• Potomac State
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Rider University
• Santa Ana College
• Solano College
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• Southern Vermont
• Tulane University
• University of Alabama A&M
• University of Hawaii
• University of Indianapolis
• University of Maine
• University of San Francisco
• University of Utah
• Wayland Baptist University
• Youngstown State University

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

How to Choose an Outfield Glove

Roam the outfield confidently with a Rawlings glove.

Rawlings has dozens of gloves perfectly made for outfielders, so use the following tips to find the one that’s just right for you or the outfielder in your family:

• When choosing an outfield glove, choose a large glove with a deeper pocket.

• Make sure the glove feels comfortable and not clumsy. You don't want your glove to be so big it falls off your hand.

• Choose an open web to handle high fly balls. The Trap-Eze web is the most popular web among outfielders.

• BIG LEAGUE TIP: Shift your fingers over by placing your ring and pinky fingers in the last finger slot and shift your middle and index fingers over one slot to the left. This deepens the pocket, providing more glove control while reducing the ball impact on your hand.

CoachKat of Wentzville, Mo., recently wrote an online review at RawlingsGear.com of the Heart of the Hide 12.7- inch Left baseball glove (model number PROTB24): “Durable, reliable, dependable, what else can I say, it's a Rawlings. Highly recommended for any outfielder who wants to trap what he dives for.”

GUnit of Virginia wrote an online review of the Gold Glove 12-inch Dual Core (model number GGL20D): “This is an excellent, mid-range priced glove. You can't go wrong if you are looking for a durable 12" baseball glove.”

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