Rawlings (company)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rawlings is an American company that manufactures sports equipment. It was founded in 1887, and is a subsidiary of K2 Sports. It specializes in baseball but also manufactures softball, basketball, football, and golf products.
[edit] Detailed History
- 1887: George and Alfred Rawlings announce opening of retail sporting goods store in downtown St. Louis.
- 1920: Rawlings introduces historic Bill Doak glove. This revolutionary glove featured a multi-thong web laced into the first finger and thumb with a natural formed deep pocket. Becomes the prototype for all-purpose gloves of the future.
- 1941: Rawlings hears fielders' plea. Develops the Trapper-a three-fingered, deep-well pocket glove that changes the design of first base mitts and sets the standard for Major League specifications.
- 1946: The Rawlings glove line expands to include a glove for each position - with a name, position and number.
- 1947: Rawlings introduces The Playmaker, a new three-fingered glove.
- 1957: Rawlings establishes the Rawlings Gold Glove Award to recognize fielding excellence.
- 1959: The Trap-Eze, or so-called "six-finger" glove, is introduced by Rawlings and quickly becomes a favorite of many major league players.
- 1970: Rawlings joins with Adirondack to supply the Major League bats with the distinct Pro Ring design.
- 1971: Fastback glove is introduced, featuring a closed-back design for a snug fit, greater extension and better glove control.
- 1976: Rawlings is awarded the contract as exclusive supplier of baseballs to the American League and National League.
- 1985: Rawlings awarded the contract to become the "Official Uniform Supplier to Major League Baseball" and named an "Official Sponsor of Major League Baseball".
- 1986: Rawlings selected as Official Football for NCAA Championships and Official Basketball for NCAA Men's and Women's Championships including The Final Four.
- 1994: Rawlings becomes public company, traded on the NASDAQ, symbol: RAWL.
Rawlings has 3 different types of professional gloves: Pro Preferred, Heart of the Hide, and Gold Glove.
- 2006: Rawlings is celebrated for becoming the longest lasting baseball in Major League Baseball.
Rawlings makes many professional webs for gloves including Trap Eze, Modified Trap Eze, Basket Web, H Web, and I Web. Rawlings is the most used glove in Major League baseball with over 70% of all Major League Baseball players using a Rawlings glove. Some pro players currently using their gloves include: Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Johnny Damon, Albert Pujols, Torii Hunter, Barry Zito, and Carl Crawford
