My favorite baseball gloves brand is Rawlings, no doubt. Not that I don't like Wilson
gloves, but I just love the classy feeling that Rawlings offers me.
It might be the logo. I just love that classy red patch on the glove
and the 'Rawlings' stitched on index finger.
At first, I did not like Rawlings glove at all. It looked too traditional.
Also, their pocket and style of the pattern didn't get to me.
I had to experience balls getting bounced out of my hand when playing catch.
But that all went away when I started using gloves 'two in the pinky'.
For your information, 'two in the pinky' means putting your pinky and ring finger into glove's pinky.(glove's index finger hole is empty)
That way, you generally get deeper pocket and more leverage when you close the glove. (For me, it feels more comfortable to close my front shoulder when pitching too)
In my humble opinion, Rawlings gloves' typical pattern, PRO 200 is better off when you use it two in the pinky because it has deep pocket.
On top of that, my hands are not long nor thick. So it feels kind of insecure when I go traditional with the glove. (each finger for each fingler holes)
If anyone does not prefer Rawlings gloves, I suggest you get a hold of well broken-in,
fairly used Rawlings. You can never hate it.
1. The pattern: Pro200
Nonetheless, pro200 pattern is my favorite pattern.
It's perfect for pitchers because of the pocket's depth.
You never want to tip your pitches right?
The deep pocket allows me to keep the ball well hidden inside the glove.
Other position players can also use it with no problem.
I could recommend this pattern to pretty much any one.
If I have to choose 1 keyword to decrive pro200,
it would be 'Classic'
As a pitcher, when comes to choosing gloves,
'catching' always comes first.
Pitcher not only receive the ball from the catcher,
but also has to take care of the comebackers, bunt ground balls, and first base cover.
If you don't have composure with your glove, how would you deal with these situations?
The pro200 pattern being 'Classic', is just perfect for my criteria.
Deep pocket, perfect for 'two in the pinky'.
That just closed the deal for me.
2. Different webs, Different feel of the glove
Webbing of the glove contributes greatly to the looks.
2 piece web is one of the classics for pitchers and I too love the look of it.
But when it comes down to gaming it, I just can't get used to it.
In my humble opinion,
webs actually do affect the glove's pocket more than it looks.
My favorite glove web is actually H web which helps me form deeper pockets.
(Maybe basket web too)
But 2-piece webs, don't clearly know why, just not the one for me.
What I feel is that, it makes the pocket smaller and not square.
The ball wouldn't 'stick' to my glove no matter what.
I should have formed the pocket a little more close to the palm, Maybe.
3. Palm lining, the Leather, and the Lacing
I was shocked that gamer series also used deer tanned hide as a palm lining just like their Heart of the hides.
It's probably no big deal, but Rawlings sure does their job even when they make cheaper gloves. HOHs are about $250, but Gamer series is only $80.
The leather, it's some sort of U.S. steerhide just like HOH.
The grade of leather maybe different.
Wilson A2000 and A2K are both Pro stock leather, but A2k uses 'selected' Pro stock leather. Probably same sense.
Lacing is also nice and thick. Very reliable.
Started to make me think 'what good is it to pay extra money to buy Heart of the hides?' All I can assume is that maybe the padding inside are not as good.
(It probably won't keep it's form so long like HOH and PP)
Gamer series does not offer many choices in design and colors,
but definitely worth much more than the price.
Plays good, looks good.
Another thing about Rawlings is that it's hard to identify the grade of the glove. There were some parts you can look to identify, but it's gotten difficult.
If you look at them from some distance, or broadcast, not a lot of people can tell the difference.
(Without looking at the palm of course..)
Very nice, very nice for Rawlings to do so.
6. Scores
Leather 2.5/5
Pattern 2/5
Colors 2/5
Satisfaction 2/5
Looks & Feel 2/5
Overall impression 2.0/5
Good glove but not special.
Good quality for its price
