Rawlings

Rawlings is one of the oldest companies in the sports equipment world. They were founded back in 1887 as a retail store. But in 1898, a fire burned down the store, which led to Rawlings getting into manufacturing. In 1902, Rawlings introduced the first shoulder pads for football players, which were made out of fiber and felt. Rawlings baseballs were first produced in 1907, followed by the first modern day baseball glove in 1919. Throughout the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, Rawlings developed baseball gloves that introduced designs like the deep well pocket and basket web pocket that remain part of baseball glove designs today. In 1957, Rawlings introduced the Rawlings Gold Glove Award to recognize the best fielding players in the game at each defensive position. Rawlings uniforms and protective equipment, like Rawlings catcher's gear, became Major League Baseball's official equipment in the 1980s. Rawlings baseball equipment is the company's primary product line but Rawlings also manufacturers protective shirts, protective shorts. Rawlings baseball gloves come in a variety of designs, some of which include fielder's gloves, catcher's gloves, first basemen's gloves and more. Rawlings also manufacturers baseball bats, softball bats, batting helmets, baseball shirts and baseball pants. Rawlings sponsored baseball players include many of Major League Baseball's best players, including Derek Jeter, Joe Mauer, Albert Pujols, Jose Reyes, Torii Hunter and many more.