Since its founding in 1887, Rawlings has remained the industry standard for baseball gloves and equipment. From becoming the official baseball glove of Major League Baseball to the creation of the distinguished Rawlings Gold Glove Award, the Rawlings brand has become synonymous with quality in the baseball world. This storied relationship between equipment and the game that defines it is set to be chronicled in ‘The Finest in the Field®: a History of Baseball Through 50 Iconic Gloves.’
Authored by award-winning writer and filmmaker Ed Wheatley, with a foreword by Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench, ‘The Finest in the Field®: a History of Baseball Through 50 Iconic Gloves’ details not only Rawlings’ heritage in the baseball world, but also decades of the history of baseball itself. “This book reflects Rawlings’ deep connection to the history of the game and celebrates the gloves that have epitomized defensive excellence through the years,” said Mike Thompson, Chief Marketing Officer for Rawlings.
The story is told through rich illustrations and photographs of 50 gloves, paired with immersive essays that place the artifacts within their historical context.“ Within each glove is a unique story – some more dramatic and some where the glove’s role is more subtle, always remaining by each player’s side,” said Johnny Bench, Hall of Fame catcher.
The book highlights iconic moments, famous plays, and the defensive greats that have defined America’s pastime. It’s a journey through baseball history guided by the game’s most important tool, accompanied by imagery, period advertisements, and further baseball memorabilia certain to fascinate baseball fans of all ages.
‘The Finest in the Field®: a History of Baseball Through 50 Iconic Gloves’ is currently available for preorder, and is set for release at your favorite/preferred book retailer and Rawlings.com on March 24, 2026.
About Rawlings:
Established in 1887, Rawlings is an innovative leading global brand and manufacturer of premium baseball and softball equipment, including gloves, balls, and protective headwear. Rawlings unparalleled quality, innovative engineering and expert craftsmanship are the fundamental reasons why professional athletes, national governing bodies and sports leagues choose Rawlings. Rawlings the official baseball, glove, helmet, face guard and base of Major League Baseball®, the official baseball of Minor League Baseball® and the official baseball and softball of the NCAA® and the NAIA®. Rawlings acquired Easton Diamond Sports®, the official equipment supplier of Little League® Baseball and Softball, Team USA Softball®, and USSSA® Softball, in 2020. The company is headquartered in St. Louis.
For more information, please visit www.Rawlings.com.
This is a sponsored post from Rawlings.