Rawlings' Vapor Low Profile Helmets Provide A Better Fit

As part of Rawlings' commitment to increased protection for 2011, Rawlings Gear carries the Vapor Low Profile helmet.

This helmet has a new, sleek design that provides a better fit and feel than traditional shaped helmets. It features a high-impact ABS shell with a two-tone painted metallic finish.

Made for baseball and softball, youth and adults, Vapor Low Profile helmets also have Pro-Dri Plus lining for moisture wicking and anti-bacterial protection. The padding and shell are more comfortable than bulkier helmets.

Fitted sizes and a one-size-fits-all model are available. The helmet fits comfortably with ponytails and meets NOCSAE standards.

Feedback on these helmets at RawlingsGear.com has been positive.

JR3B recently wrote an online review: "I wear 7-1/2 to7-5/8 and have had problems finding a helmet that fits. This helmet fits very well and has just enough room at the temples to allow my glasses to fit comfortably (which many helmets don't) without being too loose."

CoachMike wrote: “My 10-year-old loves his new helmet, especially with his name engraved on it! Super cool!"

Specialty helmets aren't easy to find, but RawlingsGear.com makes it easy.

"Couldn't find a local supplier for a large helmet,” BBMom wrote in an online review. “Shipped fast and fit great!"

Colors available are black, dark green, matte black, navy, orange, purple, royal, scarlet and vegas gold.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to order your Vapor Low Profile helmet.

Tips to Develop Your Knuckle Curve, Split Finger, Circle Change and Knuckle Balls

Most pitchers develop several main pitches and then throw variations of those pitches.

Here are some tips for throwing the knuckle curve, split finger, circle change and knuckle ball:

Knuckle Curve Ball
• Middle finger on seam
• Point of index finger on other seam
• Delivery pitch with wrist “cocked”
• Ball behavior: same as curve ball, but faster than the regular curve ball and slower than the slider

Split Finger
• Both fingers spread outside the seams
• “Snap” wrist upon release
• Ball behavior: slow tumbling action with the same arm speed as the fastball

Circle Change
• Middle finger inside seam
• Index finger and thumb “circle” on side of ball
• Same arm speed as the fastball
• At delivery, rotate the “circle” down
• Ball behavior: slowing sinking action with sideways rotators

Knuckle Ball
• Point of index finger and middle finger on leather, not seams
• Thumb and remaining fingers also on leather only
• Don’t want to touch seams
• Delivery: lead with your elbow; “push” the ball out of your hand; keep your wrist under the ball
• Ball behavior: no rotation, “jumps” around

As a pitcher, you should always warm up and develop good ball control and placement.

View videos showing these pitches.

Rawlings has a variety of 5-Tool training baseballs to help you improve your pitching. Look for model numbers 5THITATP, 5THITAATP and 5THITAAATP. To improve or take care of your arm, the 5-Tool Resistance Bands, Resistance Ball, and Resistance Ball Pro are perfect.

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

Rawlings’ Catcher’s Gear for Fast Pitch Softball

Fast pitch softball catchers can play confidently with Rawlings' new gear.

The XRD Series includes a new chest protector and leg guards that have a Pro style look and feel.

The XRD Series incorporates a new Rawlings technology – PORON® XRD™. This force-absorbing technology creates better control of ball rebounds. On impact, PORON® XRD™ high-performance molecules create a unique protective shield that can absorb up to 90 percent of the most intense force.

• Rawlings' XRD Chest Protector with PORON® XRD™ includes Power Balance technology embedded into the chest protector. Rawlings' Dynamic Fit System provides optimal fit, with a customizable neck roll, removable shoulder caps and an adjustable back harness.
• The XRD Leg Guards also incorporate PORON® XRD™ in the knee for impact absorption. These leg guards feature reinforced shin pad inserts and Pro-Dri covered adjustable internal padding for moisture management and comfort.

Another protective series, the Titan Series, also has a new chest protector and leg guards.

The Titan Series has the same great Pro-style look and feel as the XRD Series.

• Rawlings' Titan Chest Protector features Rawlings' Dynamic Fit System for optimal fit with a flat front to keep ball rebounds close and in front of the body. Removable shoulder caps and an adjustable back harness make for a custom fit.
• The Titan Leg Guards have a conforming full shin design for comfort and mobility and Pro-Dri covered adjustable internal padding for moisture management and comfort.

All series are available in eight new colors: black, cardinal red, dark green, maroon, navy blue, purple, royal blue and scarlet.

The Coolflo Highlight Hockey Style Catcher’s Helmet is the perfect complement to the XRD and Titan series. This Coolflo helmet is 25 percent lighter than other helmets and has Pro-Dri Plus lining. Adult (model number HLCH1S) and youth (model number HLCH2S) helmets are available.

Two other great Coolflo Hockey Style Catcher’s Helmets are:

Rawlings' traditional Coolflo Hockey Style Catcher’s Helmet, with compression molded dual-density foam liner and a leather chin pad. It is available in adult (model number CFPPRO1) and youth (model number CFPPRO2) sizes.

Now available in dark green, Rawlings' Coolflo Hockey Style Catcher’s Helmet has Pro-Dri Plus pads, a replaceable chin pad and color-coordinated cages. It is available in adult (model number CFA1) and youth (model number CFA2) sizes.

Read more on how to measure helmets, chest protectors and leg guards.

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

Return Your Rawlings Equipment FREE at Rawlings Gear

Need to return or exchange an item from Rawlings Gear? Save time by printing a return label right from your own computer.

Rawlings Gear offers this is service free to customers within the continental United States who are shipping a return via FedEx.

This process generates a prepaid FedEx shipping label, so you must have access to a printer and a FedEx location to complete online returns and exchanges.

Go to RawlingsGear.com and click on Free Online Returns at the bottom of your screen under Customer Care or visit http://www.rawlingsgear.com/customer-help/free_online_returns.asp.

If you do not have access to a FedEx location, you can ship items back to Rawlings Gear using the method of your choice and you will be reimbursed up to $6.99 for shipping.

For assistance with this process, contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327). Customer Care representatives can also be contacted for information on how to register your Rawlings equipment.

Add Pro Mesh to Your Rawlings Custom Glove

For a light, durable glove, add a Pro Mesh back when building your custom glove.

It all starts with a call to your Rawlings Gear Customer Care representatives.

They will help you choose your leather (Pro Preferred or Heart of the Hide) and the style of your glove. Then you'll add the Pro Mesh back.

The mesh will be black, and you choose the color of everything else, from the leather to the lining to the lacing.

Color options for Pro Preferred Pro Mesh custom gloves are:
• Shell leather and web: Camel, black, dark brown (bruciato)
• Lacing: Black, dark tan, dark brown, navy, royal, red, gray, purple, dark green, orange, white
• Lining: Dark brown, black
• Welting: Camel, black, dark brown (bruciato)
• Binding: Camel, black, dark brown (bruciato)

Color options for Heart of the Hide Pro Mesh custom gloves are:
• Shell leather and web: Black oiled (HOH Dual Core leather), black dry tanned, burgundy, dark tan, gray, navy, red, royal, orange, dark green
• Lacing: Black, dark tan, dark brown, navy, royal, red, gray, purple, dark green, orange, white
• Lining: Dark tan, black
• Welting: Black, gray
• Binding: Black oiled (HOH Dual Core leather), black dry tanned, burgundy, dark tan, gray, navy, red, royal, orange, dark green

Add stamping, extra padding, a finger hood or a sweatband to give the glove a look all its own. Then add your name and number to make it yours.

Custom Rawlings gloves are $399 for Pro Preferred and $299 for Heart of the Hide.

Start building your Pro Mesh glove by contacting a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327).

It's a Post You Won't Soon Forget: Rawlings' Single Post Web

Rawlings' Single Post and Single Post Double Bar webs team up for the perfect assist.

For the third baseman, the Single Post web features an easy close and quick break-in time. It is formed with a single strip of leather.

For the first baseman, the Single Post Double Bar web forms a snug, secure pocket that keeps the ball from bouncing out. This web is named for its second leather strip.

This web, in tandem with the Double Ca-Thug style, allows a first baseman to mold the end of the glove so the ball can be scooped.

Tycho recently wrote an online review of his Heart of the Hide 13-inch Dual Core Baseball Glove (model number PRODCTDC): “I have used this glove for three years. It is still durable and supple. ... This glove fits snugly on my hand, which allows me to use it as an extension of my arm and is extremely useful in handling picks."

Kush of New York seconded that opinion. He wrote of his Pro Preferred 13-inch 2-Tone Baseball Glove (model number PROSDCT2T): “I am in love with the colors, design and, most importantly, the play of the glove. It's like an extension of my arm. I've made some nice plays with it, and plan on a lot more before the glove is retired (which will be never at this rate)."

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

Tips for Selecting a Rawlings Basketball

It's important for athletes to use a basketball that's the right size for their level of competition.

That's why RawlingsGear.com carries basketballs for players of many ages.

Rawlings' basketballs are approved for use in leagues from the AAU to the NFHS.

Choosing a basketball that's the right size, dimension and weight is key to improving your dribbling, passing and shooting.

Use the following chart to select the right basketball for you or your athlete:

High School and Junior High Boys
• Circumference - 29 to 30 inches
• Weight - 20 to 22 ounces

High School and Junior High Girls
• Circumference - 28.5 to 29 inches
• Weight - 18 to 20 ounces

Youth League - Boys and Girls
• Ages 8-12 typically use a regulation girls basketball. For younger players, a smaller ball can be used.
• Circumference - 28.5 to 29 inches
• Weight - 18 to 20 ounces

Remember, too, that a basketball should be inflated to the proper pressure to ensure the right bounce. Typically, when a ball is dropped from a height of 6 feet, it should bounce 49 to 54 inches.

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

Tips to Develop Your Fastball, Slider and Curve Ball

Most pitchers develop several main pitches and then throw variations of those pitches.

Here are some tips for throwing the fastball, slider and curve ball:

Fastball – Four Seam
• Fingers across the seams
• Ball will rotate over four seams
• Ball behavior: stays straight usually more velocity (speed)

Fastball – Two Seam
• Fingers positioned on “horseshoe” seams
• Ball will rotate over two seams
• Ball behavior: sinking action

Slider
• Middle finger on seam
• Slight rotation of hand at delivery
• Ball behavior: hard “sliding” or curve action

Curve Ball
• Middle finger on seam
• Deliver pitch with wrist “cocked,” pulling down on the seam
• Ball behavior: “12 o’clock to 6 o’clock” slow curving action

As a pitcher, you should always warm up and develop good ball control and placement.

View videos showing these pitches.

Rawlings has a variety of 5-Tool training baseballs to help you improve your pitching. Look for model numbers 5THITATP, 5THITAATP and 5THITAAATP. To improve or take care of your arm, the 5-Tool Resistance Bands and Resistance Ball are perfect.

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

Pick Your Style, Size and Web to Customize Your Perfect Glove

Rawlings Gear makes it impossible not to own a glove that's made just for you.

With Rawlings' Custom Glove Pro Shop, you build your glove, from the leather to the size to the style.

Start by choosing from two of Rawlings’ best leathers, Pro Preferred and Heart of the Hide.

Then, you pick the size, style and web for your perfect glove.

Grouped by size, the following styles, or patterns, are available:

11.25" gloves patterns: Pattern PRO217, Pattern PRONP2, Pattern PRO88
Webs available for 11.25” gloves are Post, One Piece Solid, Pro I, Modified Trap-Eze, Basket, Pro H, Basket Connector and Two Piece Solid.

11.5" gloves patterns: Pattern PRO200 (Fastback), Pattern PRO200 (Conventional), Pattern PRODJ2, Pattern PRONP4
Webs available are Post, One Piece Solid, Pro I, Modified Trap-Eze, Basket, Pro H, Basket Connector and Two Piece Solid.

11.75" gloves patterns: Pattern PRONP5, Pattern PRO200 (Conventional)
Webs available are Post, Pro I, Modified Trap-Eze, Basket, Pro H, Basket Connector and Two Piece Solid.

12" gloves patterns: Pattern PRO1000 (Fastback), Pattern PRO502 (Conventional)
Webs available are Post, Pro I, Modified Trap-Eze, Basket, Pro H, Basket Connector and Two Piece Solid.

12.25" gloves patterns: Pattern PRO1000 (Conventional)
Webs available are Post, Modified Trap-Eze, Basket, Pro H, Basket Connector and Two Piece Solid.

12.5" gloves patterns: Pattern PRO502 (Fastback) - Webs available are Modified Trap-Eze, Basket, Pro H, Basket Connector and Two Piece Solid, Pattern PRO504 (Conventional) - Webs available are Modified Trap-Eze, Basket, Pro H, Basket Connector and Two Piece Solid, Pattern PROJD7 (Conventional) - Webs available are Basket and Pro H.

12.75" gloves patterns: Pattern PRO302 (Fastback) - Webs available are Post, Modified Trap-Eze, Basket, Pro H, Basket Connector and Two Piece Solid, Pattern PRO303 (Conventional) - Webs available are Post, Modified Trap-Eze, Basket, Pro H, Basket Connector and Two Piece Solid, Pattern PROTB24 (Fastback) - The Trap-Eze is the only available web.

Custom Rawlings gloves are $399 for Pro Preferred and $299 for Heart of the Hide.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to build your glove at the Rawlings Custom Glove Pro Shop.

Rawlings' Special Edition Sets Are a Collector's Dream

Complete your man cave with Rawlings' one-of-a-kind World Series and All-Star Game baseball sets.

Each set includes 32 Rawlings baseballs stamped with their original logos and displayed in a custom-designed case.

The World Series baseball collector’s edition features official Rawlings World Series baseballs from 1978 through 2009.

The All-Star Game baseball collector’s edition features official Rawlings All-Star Game baseballs from 1979 through 2010.

Display cases are wall mountable and hold up to 40 baseballs.

Rawlings has been the official supplier of baseballs to the Major League Baseball since 1977.

Commemorate these games and all of baseball’s best moments with official baseballs from Rawlings. From Opening Day to Hall of Fame inductions, Rawlings has you covered.

If you collect autographs, be sure to pick up a memorabilia black baseball, made to get autographs with a gold pen.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to buy your Rawlings' World Series or All-Star Game baseball collector’s editions.

Rawlings' Aluminum Bats Meet Your Player's Needs

Developing as a player is a key to the game. Rawlings continues to develop bats to keep up with each new generation of ballplayers.

Rawlings has just released its first of many BBCOR certified bats. Rawlings 5150 Alloy -3 Baseball Bat (model number BBCA) is BBCOR & BESR approved and can be pre-ordered starting today. The 5150 Alloy BBCOR Baseball Bat does meet the bat regulations that changed for the 2010/2011 season. Read more about BBCOR Certification.

RawlingsGear.com carries Rawlings' finest alloy and composite aluminum bats at prices you can't beat.

• Rawlings' Plasma Bats feature 7050 high performance alloy with a premium synthetic leather grip and a Low Rider 105 mph ultra-tough end plug. Barrel size and handle vary by level of play. Plasma bats are available in senior league bat -8 (model number SLPLA8), youth baseball bat -13 (model number YBPLA2) and fast pitch bat -11 (model number FPPLA2). (Note: Rawlings has had previous bat series and technology with similar names: Plasma Gold, Plasma Fusion and Plasma Silver. Plasma bats are not made with the Plasma Fusion technology.)
• Rawlings' Fuel Bats feature 7046 performance alloy with a premium synthetic leather grip and a Sure-Lock end plug. Like Plasma bats, barrel size and handle vary by level of play. Fuel bats are available in senior league bat -5 (model number SLFL6) and youth baseball bat -12 (model number YBFL6).
• Like Fuel bats, Rawlings' Raptor Bats feature 7046 performance alloy with a premium synthetic leather grip and a Sure-Lock end plug. It is the color and design that make Raptor bats different from the Fuel series. Raptor bats are available in youth baseball bat -12 (model number YBRAP5) and T-ball bat -12 (model number TBRAP5).
• A new youth baseball bat is the Composite CRX Bat -12 (model number YBCRX). This is a 100 percent composite bat with oversized barrel technology. This bat has a 2-¼” barrel and is approved in all youth leagues.
• Rawlings' Savage Youth Baseball Bat -10 (model number YBSVG2) features 6061 alloy and also is made with a premium synthetic leather grip and a Sure-Lock end plug. This bat has a 2-¼” barrel and is approved in all youth leagues.
• RawlingsGear.com also carries the only pink bat in the lineup this year—the Girls Rule T-Ball Bat -12 (model number TBRUL4).

All Rawlings non-wood bats carry a one-year warranty. If the bat hasn't been used, it can be returned to RawlingsGear.com. If it has been used, visit Rawlings.com for warranty details.

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

Rawlings Introduces New Wood Bats

Rawlings has added several new wood bats to its collection this year.

Adirondack Pro Wood Composite bats are made from the finest maple, bamboo and poplar wood. Each model is designed for increased durability and improved feel compared with traditional wood bats. These bats feature a high-gloss barrel, smooth matte handle and balanced weight distribution for improved swing ability. They are custom engineered for durability and feel.

• Similar to model number 271MAP, the Composite Wood Bat (model number 271MBC) has a -3 weight drop and is made from maple and bamboo with a Pro cupped end.
• The new Fungo Composite Wood Bat (model number 114MPC) has an ultra-light -15 weight drop and is made from maple and poplar with a 2-¼” barrel.

A new bat that has been added to Rawlings' Professional Model series is an ash wood bat (model number JM77AP) with a 2-½” barrel and a Pro cupped end. It is the same shape as Joe Mauer’s bats.

Finally, Rawlings has added a new Performance Wood Bat. This maple wood bat (model number 271MAR) is made from performance-grade maple with a 2-½” barrel and a Pro cupped end. It features a flared knob with an unfinished pro handle.

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

Tips for Washing Your Rawlings Apparel

Keep your uniform looking like the day you got it with these tips from Rawlings:

LAUNDERING PREPARATION
• Garments should be washed separately before initial use.
• For best results and maximum wear, uniforms should be laundered immediately after each game, in cold water.
• The rinse cycle should also be set for cold water.
• Garments that cannot be cleaned promptly after wearing should be hung individually on rust-proof hangers or hooks. Perspiration fading may occur if wet garments are left in a pile.
• After a game, inspect uniforms for snags or tears and make repairs before washing to prevent further damage.
• Remove all contrast color items, such as belts, from garments before laundering and wash them separately.
• Before laundering a load of new uniforms, a sample garment should be washed according to care label instructions.
• Prior to washing, turning the garments inside out will help preserve the twill or perma-print lettering.
• Do not wash uniforms with other items, such as towels.

SOAKING
• Heavily soiled garments should be soaked in lukewarm water with a protein release agent for a maximum of 45 minutes.
• Spray on products such as Spray’n Wash® or Shout® and leave on for 15 minutes to absorb before washing.
• Products such as Stick Stain® or Shout Gel® can be rubbed on stubborn stains and left overnight for washing the next day as well.
• For blood stains, it is best to rinse in cold water as soon as possible, and if necessary, soak in cold water before washing.
• One of the above pre-treatments or an oxygen based laundry booster such as Oxy Clean® can also be used for blood stains.
• An oxygen based laundry booster such as Oxy Clean® can also be used to eliminate odor.
• For ink stains, use hair spray. Simply spray on and rub until the ink is gone, then wash as normal.
• Immediately after soaking, garments should be run through a normal wash cycle.

WASHING
• Do not overload the washer.
• Do not wash white and colored garments together.
• All garments should be washed in cold water. Rinse water temperature should not vary more than a few degrees from wash water temperature.
• Use a mild detergent (ph under 10.0) for washing uniforms.
• The water level in the washing machine should be kept high to hold down mechanical action. Only when uniforms are extremely soiled should the water level be lowered to increase mechanical action.
• Avoid overloading the machine because it can cause garments to shrink.
• Use an anti-static agent such as Bounce® dryer sheets, especially on garments to be tumble dried, to minimize lint attraction and spark discharge.

BLEACH
• Never use a chlorine bleach on any garment, as it fades colors and weakens some materials.
• Do not use bleach on any garment that contains spandex or carries braid, trim or embroidery.
• When bleach is required on all-white garments, use a light application of an oxygen based bleach.

DRYING
• For best results, garments (particularly those containing spandex) should be hung to drip dry.
• Do not dry uniforms on high heat.
• If you must use a dryer, use a damp dry or air dry setting. High heat can cause clothes to shrink, Perma-Print® ink to crack and twill to wrinkle.
• When tumble drying, use the lowest temperature or “air” setting. The uniforms will stick together, especially those with Perma-Print® ink.
• Remove garments promptly from dryer.

DRY CLEANING
• Do not dry clean any of your uniforms.

STORING
• Garments should be completely dry before storing.
• Store uniforms in a cool, dry area protected from sunlight and fluorescent light. This will prevent mildew and yellowing.

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

Rawlings' Leather Goods Will Last as Long as Your Glove

Take Rawlings' top-quality leather with you wherever you go with leather goods from Rawlings Gear.

RawlingsGear.com carries portfolios, laptop cases, wallets, card cases, luggage tags, key chains, coasters, travel kits, messenger bags, duffel bags and backpacks.

They're all made from the same Heart of the Hide and Player Preferred leather as your favorite glove.

Heart of the Hide leather is handcrafted from the top 5 percent of steer hides. It is a smooth leather and is available in tan or black, depending on the item.

Player Preferred leather is a buttery soft leather that feels like an already-broken-in glove. It is a pebble grain leather and is also available in tan or black, depending on the item.

Rawlings leather items will last as long as your glove. They get softer and comfortably weathered over time.

Limited quantities are available.

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

Rawlings Makes Official Softballs Too

Rawlings may be known for its official Major League baseballs, but it makes a pretty formidable softball too.

Rawlings' softballs are made in the official optic-yellow color of the NCAA and NAIA. Optic-yellow softballs are fast becoming the standard for all levels of play.

All Rawlings softballs have a durable polyurethane center. Official fast pitch softballs have Rawlings' patented Superstitch raised seam and Core Bond adhesive.

RawlingsGear.com carries the following softballs:

• NFHS approved 12” fast pitch softball (model number NFHS12Y47L)
• ASA approved 11” fast pitch softball (model number ASA11Y47L) and 12” softball (model number ASA12Y47L)
• Little League approved 11” fast pitch softball (model number LL11Y47L) and 12” softball (model number LL12Y47L)
• Babe Ruth Softball approved 11” fast pitch softball (model number BRO11Y47L) and 12” softball (model number BRO12Y47L)
• 11” fast pitch softball with composite cover (model number OL11Y47S) and 12” softball (model number OL12Y47S)
• 12” fast pitch softball with leather cover (model number OL12Y47LX)

RawlingsGear.com also carries the following slow pitch softballs:

• ASA Silverback 12” softball with leather cover (model number SBA12Y44L)
• ASA Silverback 12” softball with composite cover (model number SBA12Y44S)

RawlingsGear.com has three training softballs available – 10”, 11” and 12”.

Rawlings' recreational softballs are 12” white softballs (model number SB3). These are more commonly used in slow pitch competition.

Rawlings softballs can be purchased individually or by the dozen.

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

RawlingsGear.com Has Your Youth League Ball

It's hard to find a youth league for which Rawlings doesn't provide the official baseballs.

Rawlings supplies official tournament grade and competition grade balls to the USSSA, AAU, Little League, Senior Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball, Cal Ripken Baseball, Pony League, Dixie Baseball League (Boys Majors and Youth), Dizzy Dean Baseball and Nations Baseball.

Tournament grade baseballs are high quality. They are made with the same cushioned cork center technology as Major League baseballs.

Competition grade baseballs are made with a composite cork and rubber center. They have a full-grain leather cover for durability and raised seams for improved grip.

RawlingsGear.com carries the following model numbers for each league:

League Model Numbers
USSSA R200USSSA, ROLBUSSSA and ROLB1USSSA

AAU AAU2 and AAU3

Little League Baseball and Softball RLLB, RLLB1, RSLL and RSLL1

Cal Ripken Baseball RCAL and RCAL1

Babe Ruth League RBRO and RBRO1

Pony League RPLB and RPLB1

Dixie Baseball League RDYB and RDYB1

Dixie Boys & Majors RDBM and RDBM1

Dizzy Dean Baseball RDZY and RDZY1

Nations Baseball RNBTA


Rawlings official league baseballs can be purchased individually or by the dozen.

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

Personalize Your Next Glove With Laser Engraving From Rawlings Gear

Personalizing your Rawlings' glove doesn't have to cost a lot.

RawlingsGear.com offers custom laser engraving for $15.

Purchase your glove and have your name, your team's name or your number engraved on it. Laser engraved gloves can be shipped in 12-14 business days.

Choose script or block letters, and use up to 15 characters. View samples of laser engraved gloves.

"I purchased this glove for my 8-year-old son. He loves it, and it was soft and flexible right out of the box. Now he can retire his old glove! I had it laser engraved—well worth the extra for that as well," wrote D9SMOM of Middleburg, Fla., in an online review. She purchased a Gold Glove Legend 11.50 inch baseball glove (model number GGNP4L) for her son.

Note that laser engraving on black leather will result in a tone-on-tone effect, creating a subtle, embossed look. If it is important that the engraving stand out, consider purchasing a tan or brown glove.

Engraving can be done only at the time of purchase.

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

How to Choose a Shortstop's Glove

Command the infield with the right shortstop's glove.

Here are some tips for selecting your Rawlings shortstop's glove:

• Control is the key for a shortstop glove. Shortstops need quicker hand movement than any other fielder.
• Go with a smaller/mid-size glove with a shallow pocket. A shallow pocket allows you to find the ball quicker and turn two.
• Demand an open web. It will help you get the ball out of your glove quicker on double plays.

One of RawlingsGear.com's most popular shortstop's gloves is the Heart of the Hide 11.5 inch Baseball Glove (model number PRODJ2), a glove developed by shortstop Derek Jeter.

The glove is built to Jeter's personal preferences.

Mickeyd of Utica, N.Y., recently wrote at online review of his PRODJ2: "Been playing baseball and softball (slow and fast pitch) as an infielder for 45 years. This is the best glove that I have owned. This is an outstanding fielder's glove for the price."

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

New Rawlings' Football Pants Now Available

Several new styles of football pants are now available at RawlingsGear.com.

Whether your player needs integrated or slotted pants, RawlingsGear.com has the right football apparel to meet your needs. Integrated pants have the pads built in; slotted pants have up to 14 slots for hip, thigh and knee pads to be inserted.

RawlingsGear.com carries these integrated football pants:

• Adult Integrated Game Football Pants (model number F4500P) have an elastic waist and a built-in belt. They are 92 percent nylon/8 percent Lycra and include hip, spine, thigh and knee pads. The pants are washable and are available in six colors and in sizes XS to 3XL. This style also comes in a youth version (model number F2500P) in sizes S to 2XL.
• Youth Integrated Practice Football Pants (model number F1500P) also have an elastic waist with a built-in belt, but are 100 percent polyester. They include hip, spine, thigh and knee pads. The pants are washable and are available in black and white and in sizes X to 2XL.

RawlingsGear.com carries these slotted football pants:

• Performance Grade Adult Slotted Game Football Pants (model number F45NF) are Lycra and have 12 slots. They are available in six colors and in sizes XS to 3XL.
• Premium Adult Slotted Game Football Pants (model number F4535) are 92 percent nylon/8 percent Lycra and have 14 slots. They are available in 12 colors and in sizes XS to 3XL.
• Adult Slotted Game or Practice Pants (model number TITANIUM) are made from a soft touch mechanical stretch fabric and have 14 slots. They are available in black and white and in sizes XS to 3XL.
• Adult Slotted Game or Practice Pants (model number F45014) are 100 percent polyester and have 14 slots. They are available in white and in sizes XS to 3XL.
• Premium Youth Slotted Game Football Pants (model number F2540) are 92 percent nylon/8 percent Lycra and have 10 slots. They are available in 12 colors and in sizes XS to XL. Pee wee pads may be necessary for XS, S and M sizes.

Rawlings also offers adult girdles (model number FGP) and youth girdles (model number YFGP) with built-in pads. They are 82 percent polyester/18 percent Lycra. These girdles are washable and include two pads for the hip and one for the spine. They are available in white only and come in adult sizes XS to 3XL and youth sizes S to XL.

Also, check out Rawlings' Zoombang compression shirts and girdles, which absorb 80 percent of impact and are constructed from Pro-Dri fabric. Read more about Zoombang compression shirts and girdles.

Don’t forget your belt! Rawlings has one-size fits all belts (model number FBELT) in 10 colors.

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