Over the years, Rawlings expanded its product line to include other sports equipment and apparel, such as baseball bats, balls, helmets, and protective gear. The company has also been innovative in developing new technologies for its products, such as the introduction of the first multi-colored baseball glove in 1957 and the development of the first batting helmet with a built-in face guard in 1977.
Rawlings has also been associated with some of the biggest names in sports, including Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Roberto Clemente. The company has been the official supplier of baseballs to Major League Baseball (MLB) since 1977, and has also been the official supplier of helmets, gloves, and balls for the National Football League (NFL) and other major sports organizations.
In 2003, Rawlings was acquired by Jarden Corporation, a leading consumer products company. Under Jarden's ownership, Rawlings continued to expand its product line and distribution channels, and in 2016, the company was acquired by Newell Brands, a global consumer goods company.
Today, Rawlings remains a trusted and respected brand in the world of sports equipment and apparel, with a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction that has remained unchanged for over 130 years.
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247 issues
1901-2024
Rawlings was founded in Saint Louis in 1887, during the middle of the Long Depression, by George and Alfred Rawlings.
/ Rawlings was founded in Saint Louis in 1887, during the middle of the Long Depression, by George and Alfred Rawlings. The brothers set up a sporting goods store with its own catalog. They sold "Fishing Tackle, Guns, Baseball, Football, Golf, Polo, Tennis, Athletic and General Sporting Goods". The company is credited with introducing football shoulder pads in 1902, and the first all-weather football
1 issues
1930-1930
This is a pamphlet titled, "Fundamentals of Basketballs" written by Dr. James Naismith and published by the Rawlings Manufacturing Co.
/ This is a pamphlet titled, "Fundamentals of Basketballs" written by Dr. James Naismith and published by the Rawlings Manufacturing Co. It is partially a promotional document for "Rawlings-Naismith Official Basketballs". There is an endorsement statement and an advertisement in the back. The rest of the 24 page pamphlet is a description of basketball, a listing of attributes that can be developed by playing the game, advice on how to play the game, and how basketball is used in various classes, school levels and organizations. The pamphlet is undated. Dated references within the pamphlet end around 1909, suggesting it may have been produced shortly after this time. However, the basketballs in the book are much newer than that. The Rawlings Facebook page shows an advertisement for the AXS and AXL Naismith Signature basketballs - the same ones shown in this booklet. Naismith's image in the booklet matches the one in this advertisement. This places the actual date of this booklet confidently around 1930.