Rawlings is probably the most well known of all baseball glove makers, and has been making their gloves for more than 80 years. Rawlings makes both top of the line baseball gloves as well as inexpensive, low end Rawlings gloves that are made in Asia. The most expensive glove by Rawlings is the “design your own” custom glove that the company sells for nearly $400! Players can choose from 8 different series of baseball gloves featuring more than 60 models of gloves from Rawlings.

I discovered the Rawlings line of gloves at a local athletic department store; I was very impressed with Rawlings innovative technology and designs. I purchased the Prodigy AHC94 glove. It took a little bit to get it broken in – several treatments with glove conditioner and Hot Glove and over a week of playing catch. Once broken in, however, I couldn’t be happier with the glove. It is a big glove, 12.5″ but seems larger.

When I first put it on I was concerned that it would be too large for my right hand. The grasp-clasp wrist and internal finger system are designed so that even though the glove is large, I had no problem closing the mitt and catching the ball. When using this glove, nothing gets by me at first base!

The coach of my university team and I took to calling it “the garbage can lid” since the glove is huge and round when fully spread, but I am able to knock down everything hit my way and catch everything thrown to me. The construction of this glove is first-rate as well. My off-brand fielding glove has basically fallen apart several times; the ties keep coming undone and I have to re-string it. But the Rawlings glove has yet to come untied, much less loose the tight seams. I left it out in the rain one time, all I did was rub the glove with Rawlings glove conditioner and it was good as new.

The price is steep compared to the average sporting goods store price for a youth glove, but it is actually reasonable compared to other high-end gloves such as Nokona’s or Wilson top-end gloves. The Rawlings glove is a very worthwhile purchase for most levels of baseball, where it will see a lot of use at a higher level of play. I am very impressed with the Rawlings gloves and will definitely purchase a Rawlings fielding glove for my son Adi (is only six months old, but you’re never too young to learn the game).

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