With Rawlings' Power Balance Products, You'll Have the Power

In the name of high performance, Rawlings has added Power Balance technology to its batting gloves, chest protectors and shirts.

Originally introduced in April in a wristband, Power Balance technology uses a hologram that interacts with your body’s natural energy field to improve your balance, strength and flexibility.

Rawlings' products with Power Balance are:

• Batting Gloves (model number BGPPWRB). These batting gloves have a durable leather palm, a mesh back that forms to your hand and a neoprene hand cuff for comfort. They are available in adult sizes in black.

• 950X Chest Protector (model number CP950X). The 950X chest protector also has Rawlings' new PORON XRD technology that provides the best ball control and an aggressive new three-dimensional style. The 950X chest protector can be customized and is available in adult (17”), intermediate (16”) and youth (15”) sizes.

• Performance Shirt (model number PBPS). The performance shirt has a contoured fit and side and back mesh material for breathability. The Power Balance hologram is sown in on the shoulder. It is available in black, dark green, maroon, navy blue, royal blue or scarlet.

• Performance Wristband (model number PBWRIST). The performance wristband is available in a variety of sizes and in black, royal blue, navy blue or scarlet.

Visit PowerBalance.com for testimonials, and visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your Power Balance performance products.

Save Money with Rawlings' 5-Tool Training Bundles

Rawlings' 5-Tool Training Bundles are a great way for you or your team to improve in the offseason or fine-tune in-season—and you save by bundling your purchase!

RawlingsGear.com carries these 5-Tool Training Bundles:

Deluxe Training Bundle (model number DELUXE_TB)
• Hitting net (model number POPNET)
• Agility hurdles (model number AGILHURD)
• Travel tee (model number TRAVLTEE)
• Resistance bands (model number RESISBANHAND)
• Hand eye bat (model number HANDIBAT)
• Pro trainer glove (model number PROTRAIN)
RawlingsGear.com price: $329.99 / Bundled savings: $32.95

Little League Bundle (model number LITTLE_LEAGUE_TB)
• Travel tee (model number TRAVLTEE)
• Running bases (model number THROWBASE)
• T-ball practice balls (dozen) (model number TVB-DZ)
RawlingsGear.com price: $95.99

Hit Pack I (model number HIT_PACK_I)
• One hand wood training bat (model number ONEHANDBAT)
• 5-Tool training baseballs (dozen) (model number 5THITATP-DZ)
RawlingsGear.com price: $79.99

Hit Pack II (model number HIT_PACK_II)
• Hand eye bat (model number HANDIBAT)
• Bucket of training balls (30 balls) (model number 5TBUCKPT30PK)
RawlingsGear.com price: $94.99

Pitch Pack (model number PITCH_PACK)
• Pitching net (model number TRAVLPITCH)
• Resistance band with ball (model number RESISBANBALL)
RawlingsGear.com price: $79.99

Field Pack I (model number FIELD_PACK_I)
• Pro trainer glove (model number PROTRAIN)
• Reaction ball (model number REACTBALL)
RawlingsGear.com price: $64.99

Field Pack II (model number FIELD_PACK_II)
• Quick hands glove (model number QUIKHANDS)
• Reaction ball (model number REACTBALL)
RawlingsGear.com price: $19.99

Every 5-Tool Training product includes drills and instructions to help you improve your baseball performance.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your 5-Tool Training Bundles.

Free Online Returns Vs. Warranty Returns on Your Rawlings Bat

RawlingsGear.com is happy to offer free online returns and exchanges on unused Rawlings bats.

If you purchased your wood or non-wood bat from RawlingsGear.com and you haven't used it yet, simply visit http://www.rawlingsgear.com/customer-help/free_online_returns.asp and follow the instructions.

If you've already used your non-wood bat and discover a problem with it, Rawlings' warranty may cover it. Contact Rawlings Sporting Goods as outlined below:

Non-wood Bat Warranty (Aluminum and Composite Bats)
Rawlings will provide a one-time bat repair or replacement within one year or 400 days for qualifying bats from the date of purchase. See your specific warranty card for the duration or contact Rawlings Customer Care at 1-800-RAWLINGS. The guarantee covers breakage or cracking that results from normal use. Abuse such as hitting metal cleats, rocks or anything other than a ball can damage your bat and will void the warranty. The warranty does not cover bats that have been used in commercial batting cages.

The Warranty Process
1. Complete an online Warranty Claim Form (go to Rawlings.com, click on About Rawlings, then Warranty Claim Form) or send an e-mail to batwarranties@Rawlings.com or call (877) 225-1041 to obtain a Return Authorization Number (RA#). Please have the following information ready: model#, length and date purchased.
2. Once you receive your RA# and return instructions, send your bat along with a valid proof of purchase (sales receipt) to the Warranty Department, RA# _____________, 641 Fanta Reed Place, La Crosse, WI 54603.
3. If the bat is deemed defective, Rawlings will send out a repaired or replacement bat.
4. If the bat does not meet Rawlings warranty requirements, it will be returned to you in its condition after testing.

If your Rawlings wood bat has been used, you will not be able to return it. There is no warranty for these bats.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for information on how to return or exchange your unused Rawlings bat.

Glove Re-lacing, Repair and Restoration

RawlingsGear.com understands that the answer to an old or broken glove is not always a new glove.

If your current glove needs to be re-laced, repaired or restored, let RawlingsGear.com help.

RawlingsGear.com offers glove re-lacing at a minimal cost. Re-lacing differs from glove to glove depending on the web, and the fee is $10 per section plus the cost of lace. A typical glove can have four to five sections.

If your glove needs to be repaired or if you have a vintage glove you'd like restored, Rawlings Gear recommends the services of Kenny Jenkins Glove Repair.

Jenkins can be reached at (417) 683-2207 or kennyjenkins@hotmail.com. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central time.

RawlingsGear.com also offers tips and tricks to keep you glove in top condition.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for more information about our glove re-lacing service or glove repair and restoration.

Savage Gloves Get Deeper Web

Rawlings continues to develop its gloves to keep up with each new generation of ballplayers.

The Savage series is a new youth series with several new models with deeper webs to make catching the ball easier for youth players.

New youth and t-ball gloves with Deep Basket web in the Savage series are:

• Model number PP100DP, a 10” youth glove with a Deep Barrel Basket web. It is also available for left handers under model number PP100DP-RH.
• Model number PP105DP, a 10.5” youth glove with a Deep 3D Basket web. It is also available for left handers under model number PP105DP-RH.
• Model number PP95DP, a 9.5” T-ball glove with a Deep 3D Basket web. It is also available for left handers under model number PP95DP-RH.

These Savage gloves are constructed with all leather shells and custom fit straps that make these gloves soft and easy to close.

• Model number PP110MB is an 11” youth pattern with a Basket Web. It is also available for left handers under model number PP110MB-RH.
• Model number PP115MB is an 11.5” youth pattern with a Basket Web with angular support strap. It is also available for left handers under model number PP115MB-RH.
• Model number PP105MB is a 10.5” youth pattern with a Basket Web.
• Model number PP100MB is a 10” youth pattern with a Slanted Basket Web.

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

Rawlings' Renegade Gloves Redesigned

Rawlings continues to develop its gloves to keep up with each new generation of ballplayers.

The Renegade series has been retooled to better meet the needs of baseball, softball and youth players.

Gloves in the Renegade series are a value, as they are constructed with full-grain, oil-tanned leather; cushioned palm padding and custom-fit hand adjustments.

Renegade series gloves are:

• Model number R130, a 13” baseball/softball glove with a Single Post web. It is also available for left handers under model number R130-RH.
• Model number R140, a 14” softball glove with a Basket web. It is also available for left handers under model number R140-RH.
• Model number R125, a 12.5” baseball/softball glove with a Basket web. It is also available for left handers under model number R125-RH.
• Model number R120, a 12” softball glove with a Basket web. It is also available for left handers under model number R120-RH.
• Model number R115, an 11.5” baseball/softball glove with a Basket web.
• Model number RFB, a 13” first base mitt with a Single Post, Double Bar web. It is also available for left handers under model number RFB-RH.
• Model number RCMB, a 32.5” catcher’s mitt with a 1 Piece Closed web. It is also available for left handers under model number RCMB-RH.
• Model number RCMYB, a 31.5” youth catcher’s mitt with a 1 Piece Closed web. It is also available for left handers under model number RCMYB-RH.

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

Rawlings' Catcher's Mitt Come with 1-Piece Closed Web

If you're shopping for a new Rawlings' catcher's mitt for baseball, you'll find it's built with a 1-Piece Closed web.

The closed web makes the glove stronger and more durable and is designed to help the catcher block the ball and make a quick transfer to his throwing hand.

The catcher's mitts at RawlingsGear.com get top reviews for their utility.

Garza713289 wrote an online review of his Heart of the Hide 34 inch catcher's mitt (model number PROSCM41B): "This mitt is good for picking balls in the dirt and makes it easy to receive pitches. The break-in process is a little lengthy, but i like how the inside of the glove molds to the shape of your hand."

Other catchers have noted the quick break-in time on their mitts.

Hillcow of Bowling Green, Ky., wrote a review of his Gold Glove Legend 34 inch catcher’s mitt (model number GGCM41L): "I've been waiting for Rawlings to make a 34" Gold Glove catcher's mitt for a long time. The leather is soft but looks and feels like high quality. I was able to close it easily right out of the box."

Left-handed catchers have raved about their mitts too.

NickMo wrote a review of his Gold Glove 32.5 inch catcher's left handed mitt (model number GGCMB-RH): "I purchased this glove a couple years ago and I absolutely loved it from the start. It is a good weight for a catcher and is great for throwing runners out, as you can get the ball out of this glove very fast.”

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for more information on catcher's gloves with a 1-Piece Closed web.

Sizing Chart for Rawlings Batting Helmet

Rawlings' batting helmets are built for protection, and finding the right size for you or your player is critical to making sure the helmet offers maximum protection.

Follow our sizing guide to make sure you get the right fit:

Measure around the head just above the ears and match it with the appropriate head circumference.

SIZE HAT SIZE HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE
Extra Small 6-3/8 to 6-1/2 20" to 20-1/2"
Small 6-5/8 to 6-3/4 20-3/4" to 21-1/4"
Medium 6-7/8 to 7 21-1/2" to 22"
Large 7-1/8 to 7-1/4 22-1/4" to 22-3/4"
Extra Large 7-3/8 to 7-1/2 23" to 23-1/2"
Double Extra Large 7-5/8 to 7-3/4 23-3/4" to 24-1/4"

(If sizing for Rawlings' new S100P helmet, remember it is designed to fit snugly. You may want to move up a size if you prefer a less snug feel.)

A batting helmet should always be worn so it stays in the correct position at all times.

While no helmet can prevent all head and neck injuries, equipment that bears the NOCSAE seal has been tested to withstand the impact of a baseball or softball at different angles and at different speeds.

For added protection, RawlingsGear.com carries accessories such as face masks and chin straps to attach to helmets.

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

Register Your Rawlings Bat Online

Rawlings is committed to manufacturing quality batting equipment that meets the highest standards of performance and backs that up with a one-year warranty on many of its aluminum and composite bats.

Speed up any future warranty claims by registering your bat at the Rawlings website.

Go to Rawlings.com, click About Rawlings, then click Product Registration Form under Customer Service.

Rawlings' bat warranties cover manufacturing defects incurred from normal use. Rawlings does not offer warranties on wood bats.

You'll need to retain your receipt or proof of purchase for any bat warranty claim.

When submitting your registration form, you'll need to enter the bat model number, which can be found on the barrel of the bat.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for information on how to register your Rawlings bat.

Feel Like a Pro with a Rawlings' Signature Glove

Rawlings wants to give every future star the chance to play with a glove just like the pros use, so it has created the Signature series.

The Signature series features gloves that are replicas of the ones Chase Utley, Derek Jeter, Torii Hunter and Pedro Martinez use.

The Pro Taper design provides better control for younger players who want a pro-style glove. Each glove has a full-grain leather shell, leather lacing and a Zero Shock™ sting reduction palm pad.

RawlingsGear.com carries these Signature gloves:

• Model number CU26, a game-day replica of Chase Utley's glove. It is an 11.25” baseball glove with a Pro I web.
• Model number DJ2, a game-day replica of Derek Jeter’s glove. It is an 11.5” baseball glove with a Basket web. It is also available for left handers under model number DJ2-RH.
• Model number TH48, a game-day replica of Torii Hunter’s glove. It is a 12.25” baseball glove with a Trap-Eze web. It is also available for left handers under model number TH48-RH.
• Model number PM45, a game-day replica of Pedro Martinez’s glove. It is an 11.25” baseball glove with a Modified Trap-Eze web. It is also available for left handers under model number PM45-RH.

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

Let Rawlings Show You How It Makes the Game

Rawlings is baseball, and baseball is everywhere.

To get you inside the game, Rawlings has opened Making the Game exhibits at select Major League stadiums and amusement parks, including Walt Disney World.

The exhibits feature demonstrations on how Rawlings makes its world-famous gloves, bats and balls and offer the chance to take home your own personalized Pro Wood bat. The bats are engraved on the spot with a Universal laser.

Making the Game exhibits are located at:
• Fenway Park in Boston
• AT&T Park in San Francisco
• Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles
• Angel Stadium of Anaheim
• Coors Field in Denver
• Busch Stadium in St. Louis

If you can't get to one of these ballparks, though, let RawlingsGear.com take you through the game! RawlingsGear.com offers tips, tutorials and plenty of details about the gloves, bats and balls you want. RawlingsGear.com can even engrave a bat or personalize a glove just for you!

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

Rawlings' Gold Glove Leather Comes Game-Ready

Don't get tanned by buying an imitation leather glove! Rawlings' Gold Glove lines use only top-quality leather.

Gold Glove leather is cut from a soft cowhide that enables the glove to break in quickly and easily while still maintaining enough durability to hold its shape.

This leather is tanned at a specific temperature for a specific amount of time, which produces a softer, game-ready feel. As a result, you can take a Gold Glove glove straight from the shelf to the field.

Gold Glove lines carried at RawlingsGear.com include Gold Glove Limited, Gold Glove Legend, Gold Glove Gamer, Gold Glove Gamer Pro Taper and Gold Glove Slow Pitch Softball.

One of the best-selling Gold Gloves at RawlingsGear.com is the Gold Glove 12 inch Dual Core baseball glove (model number GGL20DC), part of the Gold Glove Limited collection.

The Pro Soft Full Grain leather in this glove is stitched together with Primo laces for a more water-repellant glove. Rawlings' Dual Core technology gives the glove position-specific break points.

In an online review, Luke gave the glove five stars. “I bought it for my 10-year-old. He loves the glove. He especially likes his name inscribed on it. It takes about a week or so to break in. I would buy it again!” he wrote.

Make the leather in your Gold Glove even more special by personalizing your glove. RawlingsGear.com can engrave your Gold Glove with your name, team name or number.

Also look for Rawlings’ entire line of glove care products to break in, condition and care for the leather in your glove.

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

Rawlings' Tony Romo Footballs Make Great Gifts

Rawlings has teamed up with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo to launch a line of junior footballs.

RawlingsGear.com carries two Tony Romo footballs and a combination kit.

The Tony Romo Junior Football and Youth Jersey package (model number TR9JKIT) features a one-size-fits-all youth jersey with Romo's No. 9 and a silver and blue football made with super soft feel FOAM-POSITE cover material.

The Tony Romo Junior Composite Leather Football (model number TR9VX-J) features alternating blue and white panels and “starbursts” on the tips. It is made with premium PU composite leather for a soft, tacky feel and a butyl bladder for excellent air retention.

The Tony Romo Junior Football (model number TR9-J) is silver and blue and is made with a durable composite leather cover and a butyl bladder.

All Tony Romo footballs feature Romo's autograph and his No. 9.

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

Rawlings' Replacement Parts Keep Your Gear in Top Condition

Rawlings makes all of its products with craftsmanship that's hard to beat.

Eventually, though, your glove may need to be re-laced or you may want to add a sun visor to your catcher's mask.

That's why RawlingsGear.com carries an extensive line of replacement parts for your Rawlings equipment.

For your glove, RawlingsGear.com has laces in a variety of colors and lacing kits.

For your batting helmet, face-mask hardware is available.

For hockey-style and traditional catcher's masks and umpire's masks, the following parts are available:
• Chin pad
• Chin strap
• AI1OS clip and harness
• Hockey-style masks
• Sun visor
• Pads
• Mask harness
• Straps, snaps, T-nuts, clamps and screws

RawlingsGear.com also carries Velcro shoulder pads and harnesses for your chest protector and leg guard straps for your leg guards.

Use the chart online at http://www.rawlingsgear.com/baseball-softball-instruction/replacement-parts.asp to find the right replacement part for the equipment you own.

If you need a replacement part that is not shown online, please contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327).

Rawlings Is Adding 10 New 5-Tool Training Products

Rawlings and Ripken Baseball are expanding their line of 5-Tool Training products to better meet your needs. Rawlings has designed 10 new products for the 5-Tool Training Program for the spring.

Many of the new 5-Tool Training products will NOT be available till October 2010.

Last year, Rawlings introduced the Pro Tee and the Travel Tee. This year, Rawlings has designed three new training tees:

• The Multi Tee (model number 5TMULTITEE) allows you to practice your hitting in 360 degrees. Two connected tees give you 360-degree hitting to improve your hitting for power and average. This heavy duty rubber tee can be easily adjusted from 20 inches to 38 inches high. (Available in October 2010.)
• The 5 Position Tee (model number 5POSITIONTEE) offers you five hitting positions. This tee will help you train hitting the bat across all parts of the plate. It can be adjusted from 20 inches to 36 inches high.
• The Quick Tee (model number QUICKTEE) is a lightweight, durable tee that can be broken down quickly and used for hitting virtually anywhere. This tee can be adjusted from 27 inches to 47 inches high, higher than any of Rawlings' other 5-Tool Training tees.

RawlingsGear.com's highest-rated 5-Tool product is the Pro Training Glove, and now Rawlings has designed the Great Hands Glove (model number 5TGRTHANDS). The flat glove can be used like a real glove for youths or adults. The smaller size and shape is great for improving fielding.

Two great additions to Rawlings' speed training program are the Pro Resistance Ball and the Ankle Resistance Band:

• Like the Resistance Ball, the Pro Resistance Ball (model number RESISBANBALLPRO) offers a full range of motion resistance training. This band is ideal for the serious player who wants to take care of his arm. This band gives an advanced level of resistance for baseball conditioning with a game-realistic baseball grip. (Available in October 2010.)
• Not only can you get resistance bands to strength your arms, but now you can also get Rawlings' Ankle Resistance Band (model number ANKLERESIS). Speed is one of the most valuable tools in baseball. The ankle resistance band will allow players to work on speed and agility by applying resistance to all the key lower body muscles. (Available in October 2010.)

Bat speed is one of the most important elements a player needs to hit for average and power. To help improve your swing, Rawlings has added the Youth Hand Eye Bat and the Swing Chute:

• Similar to the Hand Eye Bat, the Youth Hand Eye Bat (model number HANDIBATY) provides the same length and feel as your game bat with a 1-inch barrel. This 30-inch bat has a precision balance to give the same feel as a standard -10 bat. As a bonus, it also comes with six 5-inch plastic training balls. (Available in October 2010.)
• The Swing Chute (model number 5TSWINGCHUTE) is a new twist that allows for resistance training to increase your bat speed. Attach the adjustable sleeve (for different barrel sizes) to your bat and improve your swing! (Available in October 2010.)

New products to improve your throwing and fielding are Weighted Balls and 7.5-inch Training Balls.

• A weighted ball program is the key to building arm strength. This three-pack of Weighted Balls (model number 5TWEIGHTBOX3) has 7-ounce, 9-ounce and 11-ounce weighted baseballs. These balls have hand sewn covers like Rawlings top-quality baseballs.
• New 7.5-inch Training Balls (model number 5TSMALL6BAG) are color-coded and come in a pack of six.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase 5-Tool Training Program products.

How to Choose a First Base Mitt

As your competition gets fiercer, it becomes more important to play with the specialized tools of the game. Play first base confidently with a top-quality Rawlings mitt.

Rawlings makes nearly two dozen first base mitts. Here are the characteristics you'll find in all of them:

• First base mitts resemble a mitten, but have less padding than the catcher's mitt.
• The mitt is longer to help the first baseman field throws from infielders.
• The mitt has a shallow pocket that allows the first baseman to quickly retrieve the ball from the mitt.

With that many choices, it can be a big job to select the first base mitt that's right for you or the first baseman in your family.

Here are some tips for choosing a first base mitt:

• Choose a first base mitt that allows you to scoop the ball.
• It needs to flatten out wide so you can trap the ball no matter which direction it comes from.
• Pick out a big mitt that is comfortable but not clumsy.
• Make sure you can snap the glove closed without it feeling wobbly, shaky or loose.
• If the Rawlings glove is too big, baseballs will not stay in the pocket. You need the perfect combination of size and control.

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

Dual Core Technology Makes Rawlings Gloves Twice as Nice

As baseball has evolved, so have Rawlings' gloves.

One of Rawlings' most popular innovations is Dual Core technology, found in Primo and Heart of the Hide gloves.

Dual Core technology introduces two layers of leather to the pocket of the glove that work together to conform to the athlete's hand, creating position-specific break points.

When the athlete fields the ball, the inner palm and lining of the glove adjust to the shape of the outer palm to absorb the impact. The glove closes naturally for a perfect fit.

All Rawlings gloves with Dual Core technology have the Dual Core logo on the thumb.

In a product review at RawlingsGear.com, HeatFan1444 of Nebraska praised his Heart of the Hide 11.5 inch Dual Core baseball glove (model number PRO204DC): “This is a fantastic infielder/pitcher's glove. Very easy to break in using the Rawlings Glove Oil or Saddle Butter. Molds to your hand quickly and effortlessly.”

Whether you choose the Primo series or the Heart of the Hide series, you'll always find the right glove for you.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for more information on the Dual Core technology in Rawlings' Primo and Heart of the Hide gloves.

Rawlings Introducing Bat to Meet New Regulations

Amateur baseball's largest governing bodies are changing their standards for bats, and Rawlings is introducing a new bat that will be certified for play.

The NCAA, NFHS, USSSA and Pony Leagues will require all bats to meet the new BBCOR performance standard. BBCOR (bat-ball coefficient of restitution) is an improved method for predicting a bat's on-field performance. Read more about BBCOR certification.

This fall, Rawlings will introduce a 5150 alloy bat that is BBCOR certified. Rawlings is also developing several new bats for the 2011 season.

The NCAA rule change takes effect Jan. 1, 2011, and there is no grandfathering period. Composite barrel bats, in addition to meeting the new BBCOR standard, must also pass ABI (accelerated break in) certification, but composite handle bats with metal barrels are not subject to this ABI testing.

The NFHS will require all bats to meet the BBCOR performance standard beginning Jan. 1, 2012. Starting with the 2010-11 school year, however, composite barrel bats that were certified through the BESR test will no longer be allowed in play.

BESR-certified composite barrel bats that pass the current ABI test used by the NCAA will be allowed for play. Composite handle bats with metal barrels are not subject to the new rules.

Effective immediately in the USSSA and Pony League, all bats marked with or marketed specifically for coach pitch leagues are not allowed to be used with hard balls.

The USSSA has stated, however, that coach pitch bats with the 1.15 BPF mark can still be used with hard balls. Rawlings is testing all of its coach pitch bats for 1.15 BPF.

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

Rawlings Updates Its Players Series of Gloves for T-Ball Players

Rawlings' Players series features T-ball gloves. This line of gloves is also made with the Basket web.

New Players gloves for girls are:

• Model number PL105PB, a pink 10.5” T-ball glove with a Slanted Basket web. It is also available for the left hand under model number PL105PB-RH.
• Model number PL10PB, a pink 10” T-ball glove with a Basket web.
• Model number PL90PB, a pink 9” T-ball glove with a Basket web. It includes a 9” soft core training ball. It is also available for the left hand under model number PL90PB-RH.

New Players gloves for boys are:

• Model number PL105BB, a brown 10.5” T-ball glove with a Slanted Basket web. It is also available for the left hand under model number PL105BB-RH.
• Model number PL609C, a light tan/black 10” T-ball glove with a Basket web.
• Model number PL90MB, a brown 9” T-ball glove with a Basket web. It includes a 9” soft core training ball. It is also available for the left hand under model number PL90MB-RH.

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

Rawlings Updates Its Popular Playmaker Glove Series for Youths

Rawlings has redesigned its popular lines of youth gloves for the spring—the Playmaker series.

Playmaker gloves come in both youth and adult sizes and cross over easily from baseball to softball.

Gloves in this line are two-tone and feature Rawlings' Basket web, the first flexible web that makes the glove easier to squeeze. These gloves are game ready.

Rawlings is introducing seven new Playmaker models this spring. One is even pink!

• Model number PM1402T is a 14” softball glove with a Basket web with angled support strap. It is also available for the left hand under model number PM1402T-RH.
• Model number PM1302T is a 13” baseball/softball glove with a Basket web. It is also available for the left hand under model number PM1302T-RH.
• Model number PM1252T is a 12.5” baseball/softball glove with a Basket web.
• Model number PM1202T is a 12” baseball/softball glove with a Basket web. It is also available for the left hand under model number PM1202T-RH.
• Model number PM115MBB is an 11.5” youth glove with a Basket web with angled support strap.
• Model number PM11BRB is an 11” youth glove with a Basket web with angled support strap. It is also available for the left hand under model number PM11BRB-RH.
• Model number PM611BP is a 10.5” youth glove with a Basket web. This glove comes in pink.


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

BBCOR Test Predicts Bat Performance More Accurately

BBCOR is the new standard for certified bats in the NCAA and NFHS. Read about NCAA and NFHS Bat Regulation Changes.

The BBCOR (bat-ball coefficient of restitution) performance standard replaces the BESR certification.

The BESR test involves striking a stationary bat with a ball and measuring the ratio of the rebounded ball speed to the incoming ball speed. The BESR calculation is intended to predict on-field performance of the bats.

Research has shown the BESR scale is not a perfect representation of on-field performance. BBCOR is an improved method for predicting this.

The BBCOR test is performed using the same procedure that has been used for BESR, but the BBCOR test accounts for the inertia of the bat.

All weight and inertia requirements that applied for BESR-approved bats will still be enforced for BBCOR-approved bats.

The BBCOR certification test also requires composite barrel bats pass the BBCOR limit after undergoing the ABI (accelerated break in) process.

The ABI process is designed to simulate the performance increase due to repeated hitting or bat tampering that commonly occurs with composite barrel bats. This ensures the bats will never exceed the 0.500 BBCOR limit.

Rawlings will introduce a 5150 alloy bat this fall that is BBCOR certified. Rawlings is also developing several new bats for the 2011 season.

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