Rawlings
American sporting goods brand known for baseball gloves and equipment.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Rawlings is an American sporting-goods company and one of the most prominent brands in baseball and softball equipment. Founded in St. Louis in 1887 by brothers George and Alfred Rawlings, the company began as a sporting-goods retailer and catalog merchant selling equipment for fishing, hunting, baseball, football, golf, polo, tennis and other activities. Over time, Rawlings moved increasingly toward manufacturing and became closely associated with technical innovation, professional baseball and the St. Louis sporting-goods tradition. The brand is best known for baseball gloves, including premium leather models used by professional players, but its business covers a much broader range of diamond-sports equipment. Its current portfolio includes baseball and softball gloves, bats, balls, batting helmets, face guards, protective equipment, uniforms, bags, footwear, training products and accessories. Rawlings also markets licensed fan and team merchandise, including bags, chairs, tents and other products connected with professional and amateur baseball. Through its broader corporate platform, the company is associated with Easton, Miken, Worth and Tanner Tees, giving the group reach across bats, softball equipment, training accessories and related categories. Rawlings' reputation was built partly through product innovation. In 1902, the company is credited with introducing football shoulder pads and an early all-weather football. Its most consequential baseball innovation came in the early twentieth century, when St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bill Doak proposed placing a web between the thumb and first finger to create a more functional pocket. Rawlings acquired the patent and commercialized the concept, helping establish the basic architecture of the modern baseball glove. The company has also maintained a long-running relationship with Horween Leather Company, whose leather has been used in Rawlings professional gloves since 1929. The company's baseball credentials extend beyond equipment. Rawlings created the Gold Glove Award in 1957 to recognize defensive excellence in Major League Baseball. The award later expanded through collegiate, high-school, softball, Platinum Glove and team-defense programs. Rawlings currently holds a series of important league relationships: it is the official glove, baseball, batting helmet, face guard and base of Major League Baseball; the official baseball of Minor League Baseball; and an official baseball and softball supplier to the NCAA and other governing bodies. Rawlings baseballs have been used as Major League game balls for more than four decades, with MLB game balls manufactured in Costa Rica. Rawlings has changed ownership several times. Spalding acquired the company in 1955, and Rawlings later became part of K2 in 2003 and Jarden in 2007. After Newell Rubbermaid acquired Jarden in 2016 and formed Newell Brands, Rawlings was sold in 2018 to Seidler Equity Partners and MLB Properties for $395 million. The transaction returned the company to private ownership and aligned it more closely with baseball's professional governing and commercial ecosystem. Under Seidler ownership, Rawlings has concentrated more heavily on baseball and softball, expanded its distribution and customization capabilities, acquired Easton Diamond Sports in 2020, acquired the Jack Corbett Hollywood Bases business in 2022 and purchased Tanner Tees in 2025. The company also relocated its world headquarters to expanded facilities at Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights, Missouri, where it established the Rawlings Experience, an interactive retail and brand-history destination. In 2025, Ron Ostrowski became president and chief executive officer, while longtime chief executive Michael Zlaket moved to the vice-chairmanship of the board. Rawlings remains an active, privately held brand positioned around performance, professional credibility, craftsmanship, innovation and participation in baseball and softball at every level. The company's baseball credentials extend to official equipment supply and award programs. Rawlings has supplied Major League Baseball game balls under its own name since 1977 and has produced a single ball for both leagues since 2000. In 1957 it created the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, which became one of baseball's most recognizable honors and later expanded into Platinum Glove, team-defense, collegiate, high-school and softball programs. Rawlings also identifies itself as the official helmet and face-guard supplier of Major League Baseball, and after acquiring Jack Corbett Hollywood Bases in 2022 it became the official base of MLB. Ownership has changed several times. Spalding acquired Rawlings in 1955; an antitrust investigation led to their separation in the late 1960s, though a manufacturing relationship continued until 1977. K2 Inc. acquired Rawlings in 2003, and Jarden acquired K2 in 2007. Newell Rubbermaid's acquisition of Jarden, completed in 2016, brought Rawlings into Newell Brands. In 2018 Newell Brands sold Rawlings to Seidler Equity Partners, with MLB Properties as a co-investor, in a transaction valued at $395 million that closed in July 2018. In 2020 Rawlings acquired Easton Diamond Sports, and in 2025 it purchased Tanner Tees. The company is headquartered in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
History
Rawlings was established in St. Louis in 1887 by brothers George and Alfred Rawlings. The original business operated as a sporting-goods store and catalog merchant, offering products for fishing, hunting, baseball, football, golf, polo, tennis and other recreational activities. After the first retail operation was destroyed by fire, the brothers moved more decisively into manufacturing in the late nineteenth century with financial backing from Charles W. Scudder. The company developed a reputation for practical sporting innovation. Rawlings is credited with introducing football shoulder pads in 1902 and producing an early all-weather football. Baseball eventually became the company's defining category. Rawlings began supplying gloves to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1906, strengthening its relationship with professional baseball in its home city. In the early 1920s, Cardinals pitcher Bill Doak proposed a glove design with a web between the thumb and first finger to create a deeper pocket. Rawlings acquired and commercialized Doak's patented concept, which became a foundation of the modern baseball mitt. Rawlings' glove heritage was reinforced by its leather supply relationship with Horween Leather Company, which dates to 1929. Professional-grade leather, glove construction and player-specific patterns became central to the brand's identity. Rawlings also expanded into baseballs and other sporting categories. Spalding acquired Rawlings in 1955 and used the company in baseball production. In 1957, Rawlings introduced the Gold Glove Award in cooperation with The Sporting News, creating a major branded award for defensive excellence in Major League Baseball. The award later became one of the most recognizable institutional properties in baseball and expanded to include Platinum Glove, team-defense, collegiate, high-school and softball programs. An antitrust investigation led to the separation of Rawlings from Spalding in the late 1960s, although a manufacturing relationship continued for a period. When that agreement ended in 1977, Rawlings began selling baseballs under its own name and became the supplier of Major League Baseball game balls. From 1977 through 1999, it produced separate balls for the American and National Leagues; from 2000 onward, it supplied a single MLB game ball for both leagues. MLB game balls supplied by Rawlings are manufactured in Costa Rica. The company entered a new ownership phase in 2003 when K2 Inc. acquired it. Rawlings moved its corporate headquarters from Fenton to Town and Country, Missouri, in 2005. Jarden acquired K2 in 2007, bringing Rawlings into a larger portfolio of outdoor, sporting and consumer brands. In 2015, Newell Rubbermaid announced its acquisition of Jarden for more than $15 billion in cash and stock. The combined company became Newell Brands, under which Rawlings was operated as part of the company's sporting-goods holdings. In June 2018, Newell Brands agreed to sell Rawlings to Seidler Equity Partners, with MLB Properties as a co-investor, in a transaction valued at $395 million. The deal closed in July 2018 and returned Rawlings to private ownership. The ownership structure connected the brand more closely to professional baseball while preserving its independent operating identity. Rawlings continued to make many baseball gloves in the United States, including through its Washington, Missouri, operations, while maintaining a global manufacturing and distribution network. The post-2018 company concentrated on baseball and softball. In 2020, Rawlings acquired Easton Diamond Sports, combining two major diamond-sports brands and broadening its capabilities in bats, gloves, protective equipment, team gear and technology. In 2022, it acquired Jack Corbett Hollywood Bases from Schutt Sports, becoming the official base of Major League Baseball and adding field bases to its professional portfolio. The same year, Rawlings announced a move to expanded facilities at Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The new location included the Rawlings Experience, an interactive destination featuring historical equipment, Gold Glove memorabilia, custom-glove activities and product demonstrations. Leadership also evolved during this period. Michael Zlaket became Rawlings' president and CEO in 2015 and led the company through the 2018 ownership change, Easton integration and headquarters expansion. Ron Ostrowski joined Rawlings as chief financial officer in 2020 and became president in 2022. He assumed the roles of president and CEO in January 2025, while Zlaket moved to vice chairman of the board. In September 2025, Rawlings announced the purchase of Tanner Tees, expanding the company into premium batting-training accessories. Today, Rawlings remains a privately held American sporting-goods company centered on baseball and softball. Its identity combines professional league relationships, premium gloves, official game equipment, award programs, player endorsements, team partnerships and products for youth, amateur and elite athletes. The company operates a broader diamond-sports platform through affiliated brands including Easton, Miken, Worth and Tanner Tees, while Rawlings itself continues to be identified most strongly with baseball gloves, MLB baseballs and the Gold Glove tradition.
- 2025
Ron Ostrowski becomes president and CEO
[9]Ostrowski assumed leadership after serving as CFO and president, while Michael Zlaket transitioned to vice chairman.
- 2025
Rawlings purchases Tanner Tees
[11]The company expanded into premium batting-training accessories through the purchase of Tanner Tees.
- 2022
Rawlings acquires Jack Corbett Hollywood Bases
[7]The acquisition expanded Rawlings into field bases and helped establish it as the official base of MLB.
- 2022
Rawlings announces new Maryland Heights headquarters
[10]The company announced plans for expanded headquarters and an experiential retail destination at Westport Plaza.
- 2020
Gold Glove Team Award introduced
[6]Rawlings expanded its award platform to recognize the best defensive team in each MLB league.
- 2020
Rawlings acquires Easton Diamond Sports
[8]The acquisition combined Rawlings and Easton into a broader baseball and softball equipment company.
- 2018
Rawlings sold to Seidler Equity Partners and MLB Properties
[1]Newell Brands sold Rawlings in a reported $395 million transaction that closed in July 2018.
- 2016
Rawlings becomes part of Newell Brands
[1]Newell Rubbermaid completed its acquisition of Jarden, and the combined company was renamed Newell Brands.
- 2015
Michael Zlaket becomes president and CEO
[13]Michael Zlaket succeeded Robert Parish as president and chief executive officer of Rawlings.
- 2011
Rawlings Platinum Glove Award established
[5]Rawlings launched the Platinum Glove Award to identify the best defensive player in each league from among Gold Glove winners.
Products and positioning
Premium and professional-grade baseball and softball equipment, combining heritage craftsmanship, player-driven innovation, league relationships and broad participation-level coverage.
Baseball and softball gloves
Heart of the Hide
Heart of the Hide is one of Rawlings' best-known premium glove families. It is associated with steerhide leather, professional-inspired patterns and a balance of durability, structure and break-in performance. The line serves competitive baseball and softball players and is positioned below or alongside the company's highest-end professional offerings depending on model and configuration.
Professional baseball gloves
Pro Preferred
Pro Preferred is Rawlings' high-end professional glove family, designed around premium leather, refined construction and player-specific patterns. The series is marketed toward advanced amateur and professional players who prioritize materials, craftsmanship, shape retention and customization. It represents the brand's premium glove positioning and its close relationship with elite baseball players.
Baseball and softball gloves
Gold Glove Series
The Gold Glove Series connects Rawlings' glove business with the company's most recognizable baseball award property. Models are designed for players seeking performance-oriented construction and a visible association with the Rawlings Gold Glove tradition. The range has been offered across multiple fielding positions and player levels.
Baseballs · 1977
Official MLB Baseballs
Rawlings manufactures the official baseballs used by Major League Baseball. The balls are assembled, weighed, measured, tested and inspected for consistency. Rawlings has supplied MLB game balls under its own name since 1977 and has produced a single ball for both leagues since 2000.
Bats
Rawlings Baseball and Softball Bats
Rawlings produces bats for baseball and softball across youth, high-school, collegiate, amateur and advanced competitive categories. Its bat portfolio includes wood and composite or alloy-oriented products, with models designed around league rules, swing profiles, barrel performance and player development. The category is complemented by Easton's bat technology within the broader corporate platform.
Protective equipment
Batting Helmets and Face Guards
Rawlings supplies batting helmets, face guards and related protective headwear for baseball and softball. These products are designed to protect players against pitched or batted balls while meeting applicable league and safety requirements. Rawlings identifies itself as the official helmet and face-guard supplier of Major League Baseball.
Protective equipment
Catcher's and Fielding Protective Equipment
The protective-equipment portfolio includes catcher’s gear, chest protectors, leg guards, masks and other products intended for players in high-impact positions. These products extend Rawlings beyond gloves and balls and support its positioning as a full-line supplier for teams, leagues and individual athletes.
Team apparel and accessories
Rawlings Uniforms, Bags and Accessories
Rawlings sells uniforms, equipment bags, belts, wallets, sunglasses, footwear and other accessories. Team products support school, collegiate, amateur and professional organizations, while consumer accessories broaden the brand beyond game equipment and reinforce its role as a complete baseball and softball outfitter.
Field equipment
Jack Corbett Hollywood Bases
Jack Corbett Hollywood Bases is a field-base and accessories business acquired by Rawlings in 2022. The acquisition added professional baseball bases to Rawlings' portfolio and supported the company's designation as the official base of Major League Baseball.
Training equipment
Tanner Tees
Tanner Tees produces premium batting tees used for hitting practice and player development. Rawlings purchased the business in 2025, extending its portfolio into training equipment used by youth, school, collegiate and professional baseball players.
Marketing campaigns
- 20262026 World Baseball Classic licensed merchandise
United States · Japan · International
Rawlings participated as a licensed consumer-products brand connected with the 2026 World Baseball Classic, producing merchandise and fan-oriented products associated with the international tournament.
Outcome. The partnership provided international visibility for Rawlings beyond the United States and reinforced its connection with organized baseball at global scale.
- 2020Rawlings Gold Glove Team Award
United States · Major League Baseball
Rawlings expanded its defensive-award platform to recognize the best defensive team in the American League and National League.
Outcome. The award extended the brand's defensive-performance message from individual players to full team units and incorporated advanced defensive analysis.
- 2011Rawlings Platinum Glove Award
United States · Major League Baseball
Rawlings introduced a fan-centered award allowing supporters to select the best defensive player in each league from that season's Gold Glove winners.
Outcome. The campaign created a more interactive extension of the Gold Glove property and later incorporated the SABR Defensive Index into the selection process.
- 2007Expanded Gold Glove recognition
United States · NCAA · NJCAA · NAIA · High-school baseball
Rawlings expanded the Gold Glove platform beyond Major League Baseball to recognize defensive achievement among collegiate, junior-college, NAIA and high-school athletes.
Outcome. The initiative broadened Gold Glove branding from a professional award into a multi-level development and participation platform.
- 1957Rawlings Gold Glove Award
United States · Major League Baseball
Rawlings created an annual award recognizing the best defensive players at each position in Major League Baseball. The award became a central part of the brand's association with fielding excellence and defensive performance.
Outcome. The award became one of baseball's most recognizable honors and later expanded into Platinum Glove, team-defense, collegiate, high-school and softball programs.
Brand decisions
2026
Selected category price adjustmentsPrice changeBackground
Rawlings cited industry-wide market conditions while stating that pricing across much of its portfolio would remain unchanged.
Action taken
The company announced price adjustments for selected product categories effective February 1, 2026.
Aftermath
The decision reflected an effort to manage cost and market pressures while limiting changes to selected categories rather than applying a portfolio-wide increase.
2025
Purchase of Tanner TeesM&ABackground
Rawlings identified training products as a complementary category within its broader baseball and softball equipment business.
Action taken
The company purchased Tanner Tees, a manufacturer of premium batting tees used by players and programs from youth baseball through the professional level.
Aftermath
The acquisition extended Rawlings into batting practice and player-development equipment while adding another specialized brand to its diamond-sports platform.
2024
Leadership succession from Michael Zlaket to Ron OstrowskiStrategyBackground
Ron Ostrowski had served as chief financial officer from 2020 and president from 2022, while Michael Zlaket had led Rawlings as president and CEO since 2015.
Action taken
Rawlings announced that Ostrowski would become president and CEO on January 1, 2025, and that Zlaket would transition to vice chairman of the board.
Aftermath
The company preserved leadership continuity while placing day-to-day executive responsibility with the leader who had overseen finance, operations and Easton integration.
2022
Acquisition of Jack Corbett Hollywood BasesM&ABackground
Rawlings already supplied major categories of MLB equipment and sought to expand its official product relationship with the league.
Action taken
The company acquired Jack Corbett Hollywood Bases from Schutt Sports and added professional field bases and related accessories to its portfolio.
Aftermath
Rawlings became the official base of MLB and broadened its presence from player equipment to field infrastructure.
2022
Relocation and expansion of the world headquartersStrategyBackground
Rawlings stated that growth in its baseball and softball business created a need for additional office space and a more visible brand destination.
Action taken
The company announced a move from Town and Country to expanded facilities at Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights, Missouri, incorporating corporate offices and an experiential retail venue.
Aftermath
The Rawlings Experience opened as a consumer-facing destination featuring product demonstrations, glove customization, memorabilia and brand history.
2020
Acquisition of Easton Diamond SportsM&ABackground
Rawlings sought to expand its baseball and softball capabilities and create a broader multi-brand equipment platform.
Action taken
Rawlings entered into an agreement to acquire Easton Diamond Sports, combining complementary positions in bats, gloves, protective equipment, technology and team products.
Aftermath
The combined organization gained a wider product portfolio and a larger base of league, retail and player relationships.
2018
Sale of Rawlings to Seidler Equity Partners and MLB PropertiesM&ABackground
Newell Brands reviewed and sold selected businesses as part of portfolio management following its acquisition of Jarden.
Action taken
Rawlings was sold to Seidler Equity Partners, with MLB Properties participating as a co-investor. The transaction was reported at $395 million and closed in July 2018.
Aftermath
Rawlings returned to private ownership and continued operating as a specialized baseball and softball company with closer financial and commercial ties to professional baseball.
Transaction value. $395 million (2018 transaction)
Sources13 sources
- 1Rawlings (company)en.wikipedia.org
- 2Rawlings official company informationrawlings.com
- 3Rawlings contact informationrawlings.com
- 4Rawlings Gold Glove Award historyrawlings.com
- 5Rawlings Platinum Glove Awardrawlings.com
- 6Rawlings Gold Glove Team Awardrawlings.com
- 7Rawlings acquires Jack Corbett Hollywood Basesrawlings.com
- 8Rawlings announces Easton Diamond Sports acquisitionprnewswire.com
- 9Rawlings leadership transitionnsga.org
- 10Rawlings headquarters relocationnsga.org
- 11Rawlings dealer newsdealer.rawlings.com
- 122026 World Baseball Classic partnersmlb.com
- 13Michael Zlaket becomes president and CEOprnewswire.com
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