Looking for a Top-Notch Baseball Glove This Season. Find Out Why You Need the Rawlings Premium Series

Looking for a Top-Notch Baseball Glove This Season. Find Out Why You Need the Rawlings Premium Series

Introduce the Rawlings Premium Series baseball glove lineup

As a lifelong baseball fanatic and former high school shortstop, I know firsthand the importance of having a high quality, durable glove. My trusty Rawlings Premium Series has been my gamer for years now. If you’re looking to upgrade your leather this season, then the Rawlings Premium Series should be at the top of your list.

Rawlings is of course one of the most iconic and respected names in baseball gear. They’ve been hand-crafting big league quality leather since the 1800s. The Rawlings Premium Series represents their finest, pro-level gloves made right here in the heartland of America. These premium mitts are designed to meet the demands of elite college and professional players. That pro-level quality also makes them a great choice for serious high school, travel ball, and adult league players looking for a competitive edge.

What makes the Rawlings Premium Series gloves stand out?

It starts with the leather. Rawlings only uses their top 5% of steer hides, which they call their “Pro Grade” leather. It’s strong, durable, and game-ready right off the shelf. No exaggeration, these are the best Rawlings gloves I’ve ever worn. The quality leather forms a long-lasting pocket and provides a super soft feel.

Another key is the patterns. Each Rawlings Premium model is patterned after a specific pro player’s glove for optimal performance at that position. As an infielder, I chose the Premium Pro I glove modeled after the glove of perennial Gold Glove winner Brandon Crawford. The pro patterns are time-tested designs preferred by MLB stars.

These gloves also boast dual welting, rawhide lace, and binding all around for maximum structure and shape retention. The reinforced palm padding and deer-tanned cowhide finger linings provide exceptional comfort and flexibility. I love that these gloves require zero break-in period too. Thanks to the Form-Fit finger design, my Premium glove felt game-ready the first time I slipped it on.

Position-specific Rawlings Premium glove models

Another great thing about the Rawlings Premium Series is the wide range of position-specific gloves available. They truly have a model optimized for each defensive position on the diamond.

For pitchers, the Premium Pro P glove has an optimal pattern and size for hurlers. It’s designed after the glove of Cy Young winner Max Scherzer. For catchers, the Premium Pro C mitt provides maximum pocket depth for framing pitches and controlling errant balls in the dirt. It’s patterned after Gold Glove winner Yadier Molina’s catcher’s mitt.

For infielders, there are Premium gloves modeled after the gloves of elite MLB infielders. The Premium Pro I is modeled after Brandon Crawford’s gamer as I mentioned. There’s also the Premium Pro ITF modeled after Manny Machado’s glove for third baseman. Up the middle, the Premium Pro IP is patterned after Jose Altuve’s glove.

For outfielders, there’s the Pro OF modeled after Mike Trout’s glove. It boasts a deep pocket and wide webbing ideal for snagging fly balls on the run. The Premium Series really does have the perfect glove for fielders of all positions.

Sizing options for every player

Rawlings Premium baseball gloves are available in a full range of sizes too. There are youth models sized from 9 inches up to adult gloves over 12 inches. I’d recommend trying on different sizes at your local sporting goods store to find your ideal fit. An 11.5 inch infielder’s glove works perfectly for my hand size.

For young players with smaller hands, youth glove sizes allow them to still control the mitt. Bigger adult gloves provide the large pocket needed for older players to snare grounders and scoop throws at higher speeds. Having a properly fitted glove helps maximize your defensive abilities, so be sure to take the time to find your ideal size.

Customization available

Another cool feature of Rawlings Premium gloves is the customization options available. At an extra cost, you can customize the web style, leather lace color, binding color, and embroidered patch to reflect your personal style.

As a shortstop, I chose to customize my Premium Pro I glove to have a single post web and red leather lacing to match my team’s colors. It’s a way to make the glove feel like your own. I enjoy personalizing my gamer, though the stock models are beautifully made as well.

Where to buy

You can find Rawlings Premium Series gloves at most major sporting goods stores like Dick’s, Academy, and Modell’s. I’ve also purchased them online at places like Baseball Express and directly from Rawlings. Expect to pay around $250-300 for a Rawlings Premium Series glove. While not cheap, keep in mind these are pro-level gloves built to last years of heavy use.

For me, the Rawlings Premium glove has been worth every penny thanks to its durability, performance, and quality construction. I know I’ll be using my current gamer for seasons to come. In my experience, the Rawlings Premium Series really does represent the pinnacle of quality for baseball gloves. If you’re serious about your leather, do yourself a favor and pick up a Rawlings Premium today before hits those diamonds this season!

Discuss the high-quality leather used in Rawlings Premium gloves

As I mentioned earlier, one of the standout features of Rawlings Premium Series gloves is the super premium leather used. Rawlings carefully hand-selects only their top 5% of steer hides to make the Premium Series gloves. This “Pro Grade” leather gives the gloves durability, strength, and a perfectly broken-in feel right off the shelf.

Rawlings has been fine-tuning their leather tanning process since they first started producing gloves back in the late 1800s. While the specifics of their tanning methods are proprietary secrets, we do know they use a special blend of oils and waxes to produce leather optimized for glove construction. The Rawlings tanners work closely with glove designers to tweak the process for ideal flexibility, pocket formation, and feel.

For Premium gloves, they exclusively use American steer hides. Lower-priced Rawlings gloves often use cheaper imported hides. But for the Premium Series, they want full control over the material quality. The Rawlings tannery sources all their top grade hides from Midwestern cattle farms they’ve worked with for generations. This ensures the hides are in pristine condition for glove making.

In my experience, the Pro Grade leather has no equal. The first thing you’ll notice is the buttery soft texture. Despite being brand new, the leather forms perfectly to your hand right away with zero stiffness. It’s obvious they put extensive time into the tanning formula to produce leather this flexible while remaining sturdy.

I also love how the Premium leather pocket breaks-in almost instantly while retaining its shape long-term. Some gloves feel decent at first but get sloppy over time. Not the case with these Rawlings gems. The pocket shapes to your preferences quickly but doesn’t stretch out even after seasons of play.

And this leather is certainly built to last. After years of use, my Premium Series glove still looks and feels nearly new. No cracks, no tears, no wearing through the palm or anything like that. I expect to hand this glove down to my kid one day. The Pro Grade leather is that durable.

Beyond feel and durability, the Premium leather gives gloves that unmistakable big league look. The rich, caramel-colored hides glow flawlessly. And Rawlings adds little pro styling touches like rolled welting and embroidered logos that pop against the perfect leather backdrop. Your Premium glove will be a true head-turner at any field.

Why does leather quality matter?

You might be wondering if leather quality really makes much difference in glove performance. I’m here to tell you it absolutely does! The quality of hide impacts everything from durability, to break-in time, to pocket formation.

With stiff, cheap leather you’ll fight to break-in the glove for weeks. The pocket will stay rigid and never really contour to your hand. And the glove will deteriorate quickly from game use.

With soft, supple Pro Grade leather you get instant pliability right off the shelf. The pocket shapes exactly how you need it to. And it lasts for many seasons of heavy use.

Simply put, better leather means better gloves. For infielders like me, having a flexible glove with a customized pocket is vital for controlling throws. Outfielders need sturdy leather that can withstand the impact of diving catches and wall-crashes. Pitchers and catchers need leather that frames pitches without the pocket collapsing.

With the Rawlings Premium Series and their meticulously crafted Pro Grade leather, you get optimally performing gloves at every position. If you appreciate top-notch leatherwork like I do, these gloves will make you smile every time you slip one on.

Supple steer hide with pro performance

In summary, the Rawlings Premium Series uses only flawless, supple American steer hides to create pro caliber gloves ready for elite play. The expertly tanned Pro Grade leather offers an unbeatable combination of instant break-in feel, ideal pocket formation, long-lasting durability, and classic pro-styling.

For me, the Rawlings Premium glove has been a game changer due to the incredible leather quality. I can shape the pocket exactly how I like it while knowing it will retain its structure season after season. That perfect leather forms a natural extension of my hand on the field. If you appreciate top tier leatherwork, you need to get your hands on a Rawlings Premium Series today!

Explain the pro-style patterns copied from MLB player glove models

Another key feature of Rawlings Premium Series gloves is that each model is patterned after the game-used glove of an elite MLB player. Rawlings leverages their partnerships with pro players to directly copy the preferred patterns, shapes, and sizes of their gamers.

For example, the Premium Pro I infield glove that I use is patterned after the glove of Gold Glove shortstop Brandon Crawford. Rawlings replicated the same pocket depth, finger stall sizes, web shape, and overall profile that Crawford relies on during MLB games.

Basing glove patterns on MLB stars ensures the designs are optimized for real game performance. These pros have tested countless gloves to find the ideal specs for their position. Rawlings Premium gloves give all players access to those field-tested designs.

Premium patterns by position

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the star MLB players that inspired Premium Series glove patterns:

• Pitcher – Max Scherzer
• Catcher – Yadier Molina
• First Base – Paul Goldschmidt
• Second Base – Jose Altuve
• Shortstop – Brandon Crawford
• Third Base – Manny Machado
• Outfield – Mike Trout

That’s a lineup of All-Stars and Gold Glovers right there! You can trust that the glove patterns from these elite players are proven to perform at the highest level. The Premium Series brings their pro-preferred designs to your local diamond.

Customized by position

These MLB pros have their gloves customized specifically for their defensive position too. So the Premium patterns give you models truly optimized for each spot on the field.

For example, outfielder Mike Trout’s pattern has a deeper pocket and wider web to help snag fly balls and line drives on the run. Shortstop Brandon Crawford’s infield pattern features a shallower pocket and smaller web for greater control on quick transfers.

The differences extend to finger stall sizes, wrist openings, binding, and more. Each detail is tailored by position for elite performance. As an infielder, I love knowing my Premium glove is shaped just like an MLB shortstop’s model.

Gain an edge with pro designs

In summary, the Rawlings Premium Series glove patterns are direct copies of game-used gloves from MLB All-Stars. This gives you access to the same pro-approved designs trusted by the world’s best fielders.

Since the patterns are optimized specifically for each position, you get gloves providing a true performance edge no matter where you play on the field. If you want to feel like you’re wearing the same mitt as the MLB pros, Rawlings Premium Series is your best bet. The pro-style patterns are a big reason why I love my Premium gloves!

Of course, it takes more than patterns for a glove to succeed. The flawless Rawlings pro leather quality, luxurious comfort liner, and durable binding come together to complement those player-tested pro designs. But make no mistake, the MLB-modeled patterns are a crucial part of the Rawlings Premium formula.

Take your game to the next level this season with a Rawlings Premium Series glove featuring patterns copied right from the gloves of Major League stars!

Highlight the reinforced palm padding for shock absorption

While pro-level leather and patterns are crucial, another important design element of Rawlings Premium gloves is the reinforced padding in the palm area. This extra padding helps absorb shock from repeated impacts and provides a more comfortable feel.

The palm area of any glove takes a beating every game from fielding grounders, catching line drives, and squeezing the ball on throws. Without proper padding, all that impact can lead to hand sting and fatigue over the course of a game. And over time it can compress the leather leading to an improperly shaped pocket.

That’s why Rawlings outfits the Premium Series gloves with high-density foam and gel padding packets layered into the leather palm liner. This extra reinforcement serves to deaden shock, preventing sting while adding comfort.

Shock absorption equals comfort

Here’s an example to illustrate the shock absorbing properties of the Premium palm padding:

Imagine you’re playing shortstop and a batter rockets a one-hopper your way. If that ball impacts a glove with minimal padding, the force shoots straight into your hand. That can sting and cause the leather to collapse.

Now imagine the same hard-hit ball lands in the pocket of the well-padded Rawlings Premium glove. The heavy foam disperses the impact so less force reaches your hand. The glove feels softer and the pocket retains its shape better after the hit.

Multiply these small impacts over the course of many grounders and fly balls during a full game or season. Having extra padding to dampen repeated impact makes a real difference in preventing fatigue and preserving your glove’s structure.

More padding equals more comfort

Beyond just shock absorption, the extra padding in the Rawlings Premium gloves simply provides a more comfortable feel. The high-density foam forms a pillowy barrier between your hand and the leather shell.

The supple leather and deer-tanned cowhide finger linings already offer plush comfort in Rawlings Premium gloves. That comfort gets boosted even more by the strategic palm reinforcement. After long games my hand stays fresher thanks to the well-cushioned palm.

Considering many infielders take hundreds of ground balls each week, having that extra layer of padded protection can be a real benefit over a long season. For positions like catcher that absorb constant impact, the reinforcement is especially valuable.

Padding preserves pocket shape

Finally, the bonus padding helps maintain the glove’s ideal pocket shape over time. Even the best leather will slowly compress and flatten without proper palm reinforcement. That’s when gloves get “floppy” and lose their responsive sweet spot.

The Rawlings palm padding resists compression by diffusing impact before it can deform the leather. So years after breaking it in, my Premium glove’s pocket remains perfectly formed and game-ready.

All the details like pro patterns and quality leather would be for naught if the padding couldn’t preserve the glove’s structural integrity. Fortunately, Rawlings completes the package with reinforced palms ready for seasons of elite use.

Describe the deer-tanned cowhide lining for comfort and flexibility

While the exterior pro-grade leather rightfully gets a lot of attention, a key comfort feature of Rawlings Premium gloves is actually the deer-tanned cowhide used to line the finger stalls and wrist back.

This soft leather lining molds smoothly to your hand for a natural feel. It also wicks moisture to keep hands dry even on hot, humid days. The deer-tanned cowhide adds next-level comfort and flexibility to Rawlings’ already superb gloves.

Why deer-tanned leather?

Rawlings specifically uses deer-tanned cowhide rather than traditional cowhide for its unique properties. The deer tanning process leaves the hide thinner and more malleable than vegetable tanning of cowhide.

This thin, supple deer-tanned cowhide lining breaks in instantly to match the shape of the wearer’s hand. There is zero irritation or blister risk like you might experience from stiff glove linings. Right from the first inning my hand feels secure and relaxed inside the buttery deer-tanned lining.

And even under intense summer heat, the deer-tanned leather wicks moisture away from my hand. This helps combat slippage and keeps hands dry when sweating. Having cool, dry hands remains crucial for glove control late in games.

Snug, flexible fit

The deer-tanned cowhide linings are precision-fitted to each Premium Series glove model using 3D scanning technology. This creates a sleek, snug fit with no annoying bunching or bagginess in the finger stalls.

At the same time, the thin leather maintains complete flexibility to move naturally with your hand. There is zero constriction or restriction of movement. Your fingers flex freely while still feeling securely nested inside the form-fitting linings.

Whether opening and closing your glove or extending to snag a liner in the gap, the deer-hide lined interior ensures peak performance. The snug-yet-flexible fit gives you total glove control for making plays.

Luxurious feel

Beyond pure performance, the premium deer-tanned cowhide simply feels amazing. Its soft, velvety texture provides a luxurious sensory experience every time you slide on a Rawlings Premium glove.

The smooth linings become an extension of your hand. And since they require zero break-in, that luxurious feel is present straight out of the wrapper. I look forward to slipping on my glove each practice thanks to the premium liner caressing my hand.

Considering baseball gloves sit directly against the skin, prioritizing premium feel is important. The deer-hide lining takes the Rawlings Premium Series to the next level in this regard.

After a long hot practice, stripping off my glove reveals happy, healthy hands thanks to the combination of padded palms and deluxe deer-tanned cowhide linings. That added comfort gives me added confidence fielding my position knowing my hands are protected inside a premium interior.

Review the dual welting and binding for increased structure and shape retention

An important but often overlooked component of quality glove construction is the welting and binding. This reinforced edging helps the glove hold its shape over time. Rawlings Premium gloves feature dual welting and binding to optimize structural integrity.

Welting refers to the thin strips of leather sewn around the glove’s edges as reinforcement. Binding refers to the wider strips wrapped around the outer edges. Let’s look closer at how these details benefit Rawlings Premium gloves.

Dual welting

Rawlings adds two welts to their Premium gloves rather than just one. Two thin strips of leather are sewn together, then sewn to the glove body along the edges.

This double thick welting creates a stronger frame to resist stretching. Over time glove leather naturally loosens as it breaks in. But the dual welts counteract stretching and help the glove retain proper shape.

The dual welting runs along the thumb, pinky, and outer fingers. You can see and feel its raised ridge circling the glove’s perimeter. Not only does it add structural strength, but pro players love the look and feel of the pronounced welting too.

Full binding

In addition to dual welting, Rawlings encases the entire outer edge of each Premium glove in binding. Thick binding covers the welting and creates clean, finished edges.

The binding helps further lock down the shape of the glove. It forms a protective casing that resists deformation or unraveling with extensive use. Even years after heavy play, my Premium glove’s edges remain smooth and structured thanks to the full binding.

And like the welting, the eye-catching binding just looks fantastic and enhances the pro styling. The rich leather bindings pop against the glove body.

Fortified for elite use

Together the dual welting and full binding give Rawlings Premium gloves superior shape retention compared to lower-tier gloves. As an elite player, those details provide reassurance that my glove will maintain its peak playing form.

After the extensive hours of training and practices I put in each season, having durable gear built to last matters. The fortified edges are just one of the many construction elements that make my Rawlings Premium glove a trusted partner throughout my career.

From preserving the ideal pocket to providing added protection, the dual welting and full binding make a real difference in sustained performance. They complement all the other pro-level features like supple Pro Grade leather and modeled pro patterns.

For players serious about their training, Rawlings Premium gloves have your back. Their rock-solid construction will hold strong practice after practice, season after season.

Discuss the rawhide lace provide added shape and support

An intricate detail that enhances both the look and performance of Rawlings Premium gloves is the rawhide lace running along the outer seams.

This decorative lace serves a functional purpose beyond just aesthetics. The interlaced rawhide strips help reinforce the glove’s structure and prevent stretching or distortion.

What is rawhide lace?

Rawhide lace consists of long thin strips of rawhide leather that are tightly interlaced along the outer seams of gloves. It creates an ornate stitching pattern that provides added reinforcement.

Rawlings bonds the rawhide lace to the outer seams around the fingers, thumb, and periphery of Premium gloves. It mirrors the lacing pattern on big league gloves.

The intricate lacework adds artisan craftsmanship and eye appeal to the already beautiful Rawlings models. But more importantly, it serves important functional benefits.

Shape support and retention

The tightly wound rawhide lace adds an extra layer of strength to fortify the glove’s structure. The interlaced strips help restrict stretching or deformation of the leather.

Around high-stress points like the fingers and thumb joints, the rawhide lace keeps the shape of the glove pocket intact over time. As you work the pocket and play-in your Rawlings glove, the lace stabilization ensures the model retains proper shape and performance.

And along the outer edges, the rawhide binds the perimeter to prevent the glove from loosening or flopping. Even after seasons of play, my Premium glove’s structure stays tight and true thanks to the lacework.

Premium pro look

Beyond pure function, the meticulously hand-laced rawhide simply looks fantastic and adds to the glove’s high-end aesthetic. The prominent lacework evokes classic baseball glove styling.

As soon as I put on my Premium glove, the crisscrossed rawhide strips catch my eye. The patterns pop against the rich leather backdrop. It’s those little premium touches that make my Rawlings glove feel special.

Of course, pro ballplayers care more about performance than looks. But there’s no denying the perfectly laced rawhide lacework provides pro-level visual appeal. Form matches function in the superb Rawlings Premium Series gloves.

Explain the flexibility from the Form-Fit finger design with no break-in needed

One of my favorite attributes of Rawlings Premium Series gloves is the Form-Fit finger design that provides instant flexibility right out of the wrapper.

Most gloves require a lengthy break-in period to achieve the ideal flexibility and feel. But with Form-Fit technology, Premium gloves feel game-ready with zero break-in time. Let’s examine how this finger design provides immediate performance.

Anatomical finger shaping

The Form-Fit design uses 3D hand scans to engineer anatomical finger stalls contoured to match the natural closed-hand shape.

Rather than just straight, tubular fingers, the Form-Fit stalls curve to fit the grasps of actual human hands. This creates a customized feel with no tight or pinched spots as you close your glove.

The Form-Fit contours also eliminate wasted space and bagginess inside the fingers. My fingers fill the stalls perfectly for immediate responsiveness.

Pre-curved shaping

In addition to anatomically matching human fingers, the Form-Fit design pre-curves the finger stalls to match a natural gripping position.

The fingers bend slightly inward in a ready-to-catch shape. This subtle pre-shaping allows my hand to sit in ideal catching posture as soon as I don the glove.

I don’t have to pinch, squeeze, and flex the fingers over time to achieve proper closure. It’s built in from the start thanks to smart ergonomic design.

Snug, flexible performance

Together, the anatomical shaping and pre-curving allow my fingers to slip right into position in the Form-Fit stalls. I get instant comfort and control without the traditional peasant-hands closed-glove feel.

The Form-Fit design strikes the perfect balance of contouring to my fingers without any constriction. I can open and close the glove smoothly without resistance or interference.

While some gloves sacrifice mobility for shape-holding snugness, the Form-Fit fingers retain easy flexibility for lightning quick handling. I never feel restricted going after hard-hit balls in the hole or making quick transfers on the run.

Ready for elite play

In summary, the Form-Fit finger design allows Rawlings Premium gloves to feel customized and flexible from the first wear. There’s no fussing with break-in routines before game-ready feel.

Thanks to anatomical contours and pre-shaping, I can take the field with confidence knowing my Rawlings Premium glove will perform like a seasoned veteran.

Highlight the durability from all-leather shell construction

While premium feel and performance are priorities, long-lasting durability is also a key benefit of the Rawlings Premium Series gloves.

Rawlings uses an all-leather shell construction to encase the entire exterior of each Premium glove. This full-grain leather building provides exceptional resistance to wear and tear.

All-leather protection

The full-grain steer hides cover the back of the hand, fingers, outer palms, and thumb for complete leather coverage. There are no synthetic materials used in the shell.

This all-encompassing leather shell shields the glove from abrasion or damage. The supple yet hardy hides withstand season after season of elite use.

During dives on the infield dirt or crashing against outfield walls, the quality leather protects the glove from blows that would quickly damage inferior mitts. The Premium leather simply shrugs off extreme impacts.

Battle-tested toughness

I’ve put my Premium Series glove through endless ground balls, fly balls, and quick transfers over the years. Aside from natural pocket wear-in, it shows zero signs of exterior deterioration.

The all-leather shell has resisted rips, holes, and loosened stitching despite the intense demands of competitive play. My glove still looks and performs like new thanks to the durable full-grain leather.

I never worry about babying my glove or avoiding tough plays for fear of damage. The Premium leather construction brings complete peace of mind to go all out every practice and game.

Long-term investment

In an era of planned obsolescence, the enduring durability of Rawlings Premium gloves makes them a worth investment. I fully expect to be using my current gamer for many more seasons before even considering a replacement.

That extended lifespan justifies the upfront cost. Rather than buying cheaper gloves every few years, the Premium leather stands the test of time. The durability ensures no performance drop-off deep into a glove’s life.

For players making a serious commitment to improving their game, Rawlings Premium gloves become trusty equipment partners. The all-leather protection keeps them catching and performing consistently year after year.

Review the various position-specific glove models like catcher, infielder, outfielder

A great benefit of the Rawlings Premium Series is the wide selection of models optimized specifically for each defensive baseball position.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Rawlings offers position-specific gloves with designs tailored for the unique demands of playing catcher, infield, outfield, and pitcher. Let’s overview some of the standout models.

Catcher mitts

For catchers, Rawlings Premium Pro C mitts provide maximum pocket depth for framing pitches. The reinforced palm padding protects against constant impact while the deer-tanned lining wicks moisture.

These catcher mitts soak up errant balls in the dirt while maintaining quick glove-to-hand speed on steals. Premium models like the PROCM33BCH catchers mitt give backstops pro-level performance.

Infield gloves

Premium infield gloves boast shallow pockets, smaller webbing, and narrower finger stalls for lightning quick handling and transfers.

The PROI12LB infielder’s glove I use has ideal palm padding and webbing flexibility to easily scoop up grounders. Models like the PROIPTB5 are perfect for third basemen.

Outfield gloves

For outfielders, Rawlings Premium gloves have deeper pockets and sturdier construction to endure high-speed impact.

The PRO303-6GB Pro Preferred outfielder glove provides an expansive pocket for securing fly balls and reinforced binding to withstand constant sprinting and wall collisions.

Pitchers gloves

For pitchers, Premium gloves offer customized webbing to promote feel and control on a range of pitch grips and types.

The PRO303-CTB4-Right Pro Preferred pitcher’s glove allows quick access to the seams while keeping the index and middle finger securely spaced for accurate pivot motion.

Ideal for every position

As you can see, the Rawlings Premium collection offers pro-quality gloves purpose-built for each defensive position.

Every detail is geared toward amplifying performance at a certain position – from webbing styles, leather stiffness, pocket depth, and finger span.

By matching your Premium glove to your position, you get an ideal on-field companion specialized for your role. This maximizes comfort and playability.

Compare to lower-priced Rawlings gloves and other brands

With Rawlings offering gloves at lower budget price points, you may wonder how their Premium Series compares to more affordable models in their lineup and other brands.

While the Premium gloves demand a higher investment, the performance differences justify the price for committed players. Let’s examine some key advantages over lower-cost gloves.

Leather quality

The biggest divergence is leather quality. The Rawlings Premium gloves use their top 5% of hides graded as Pro Select leather. Lower models use lower grades of leather.

This premium leather offers unmatched softness, pocket formation, and durability. Less expensive hides tend to be stiff and rigid with inconsistent break-in.

Craftsmanship

Rawlings Premium gloves are hand-crafted in their U.S. factory by their most skilled glovers. Lower gloves are often imported with less manual oversight.

This craftsmanship ensures meticulous construction and attention to detail. Budget gloves more prone to loose stitching, poor fit, and inferior feel.

Padding and linings

The Premium gloves use amply padded palms and supple deer-tanned cowhide linings. Cheaper models have minimal padding and basic nylon-cotton linings.

This premium interior protection maximizes comfort and control while lower-end gloves can irritate hands.

Fit and finish

From binding material to lace tightness to label quality, every component on Premium gloves is a cut above. Lower gloves cut corners on fit, finish and aesthetics.

Premium gloves simply look and feel like high-end gloves compared to budget production quality.

Performance and longevity

Ultimately, the Premium gloves deliver far superior performance and longevity versus low-cost gloves. Advanced materials and construction translate to better playability that endures over seasons of intense use.

Bargain gloves may save money upfront but require frequent replacing. The Premium glove investment pays off via years of uncompromised excellence.

Worth the investment

Serious ballplayers who compare the Premium Series to lower-priced gloves inevitably recognize the performance advantages provided by premium components and craftsmanship.

Your glove is your most important piece of fielding equipment. Investing in pro-quality leather, patterns, padding, and construction pays off in the long run.

While casual players can get by with budget gloves, I recommend players focused on performing at a high level invest in the Rawlings Premium Series for a worthwhile boost in quality and durability. The performance validates the price.

Explain sizing options from youth to adult available

One benefit of the expansive Rawlings Premium glove lineup is the range of sizes available from youth to adult.

Rawlings offers scaled-down pro designs perfect for little leaguers along with full-sized gloves ideal for elite high school, college, and pro players.

Youth glove sizes

For young players with smaller hands, Rawlings Premium gloves come in youth sizes down to 9 inches. Popular youth models include the Pro Preferred YB Catcher’s Mitt and the Pro Preferred YD Infielder’s Glove.

These youth gloves allow developing players to benefit from pro-quality leather and patterns in a manageable size. The smaller mitt size helps young players gain control and gradually enhance their skills.

Transition glove sizes

As players grow, transitional glove sizes help progress to larger mitts. Sizes from 11-12 inches suit players advancing from little league to higher levels.

These mid-range glove sizes maintain many pro details in a size intermediary between youth and pro dimensions. Popular transitional models include the Heart of Hide 11.75″ infield glove.

Full-sized adult gloves

For elite high school, college, and professional players, Rawlings offers full-sized Premium gloves. Sizes range from 12.25 inches up to 12.75 inches.

These pro dimensions provide the expansive pocket and hand spacing needed for advanced fielding skills. My preferred 12.5 inch Pro Preferred infield glove provides ideal size for serious play.

Find your fit

With the spectrum of Rawlings Premium sizes, players at every level can find an optimally fitting glove sized to their hand. Trying on different sizes is recommended to get the ideal fit.

An appropriate hand-filling glove improves control and confidence. Don’t settle for an ill-fitting mitt. Instead, leverage Rawlings’ breadth of sizing options to enhance your defense this season.

Discuss customization options like preferred pocket type

Beyond the wide array of stock models, Rawlings also offers customization services to tailor Premium gloves to your exact specifications.

For an additional fee, you can customize attributes like pocket type, colors, and embroidery to make your glove truly one-of-a-kind. Let’s look at some of the personalization options.

Pocket customization

One of the most popular customizations is modifying the pocket type of glove patterns. Options include:

• Conventional open web
• Closed web with lacing
• Single-post open web
• Dual-post open web

Choosing your preferred web style helps optimize pocket control and ball visibility. As a middle infielder, I prefer an open single-post web on my custom glove.

Leather lace and binding

The color of the lace and binding along the exterior seams can also be requested. Popular options include black, brown, red, blue, gray, and orange.

Matching team colors with lace binding is a nice touch. Or choose black or brown for a classic pro look.

Embroidery personalization

Adding your name, number, or team emblem can further personalize your custom Premium glove.

The embroidered customization sits prominently on the thumb of your unique glove. I chose to add my jersey number and initials for added flair.

Make it your own

Taking advantage of Rawlings’ custom services allows you to put your own creative spin on a pro-quality glove. While I’m partial to classic glove aesthetics, custom options let you stand out with unique flair.

Just keep in mind cosmetic changes don’t alter the underlying high-end construction. But adding personal touches can make your glove feel like an extension of you on the diamond.

Provide info on where to buy Rawlings Premium baseball gloves

With an understanding of the Rawlings Premium Series glove models and benefits, you may be wondering the best places to purchase them.

Fortunately, multiple retailers carry the full selection of Rawlings Premium gloves. Here are some of the best options to consider for your purchase.

Local sporting goods stores

Most major sporting goods chains will carry at least some Rawlings Premium models in-store. Stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Modell’s, and Academy Sports offer a decent selection of popular Premium gloves.

The advantage of stores is trying before you buy to gauge fit and feel. Just know selection is often limited so custom orders may be necessary.

Online specialty retailers

For wider selection of Rawlings Premium models, online specialty retailers like Baseball Express, Baseball Monkey, and JustBallGloves are ideal.

These niche sites offer the entire catalog of current Rawlings Premium gloves to order. And many allow you to customize specs. Home delivery makes acquiring exactly the right glove convenient.

Direct from Rawlings

Finally, you can purchase your Rawlings Premium glove directly from Rawlings.com. Their site has all models available for order along with latest pricing info.

One perk of buying directly from Rawlings is promotions like periodic discounts or free customization upgrades. Signing up for their newsletter can alert you to special savings.

Shop around for deals

I recommend checking multiple sources as pricing and availability can vary. Look for free shipping promotions and keep an eye out for periodic sales.

With a high-end glove like the Rawlings Premium Series, it pays to shop around for potential ways to save on the purchase. But focus mainly on acquiring the ideal glove for you.

Wherever you buy, look forward to the unparalleled quality and performance of your new Rawlings Premium Series glove this season!

Conclude by summarizing top reasons to choose Rawlings Premium gloves

After detailing the many features and benefits of Rawlings Premium Series gloves, let’s recap the top reasons you should strongly consider them for your next mitt.

Unmatched leather quality

TheRawlings Pro Grade leather used in Premium gloves is simply the finest ball glove leather available. It forms pliable, long-lasting pockets unmatched in feel and performance.

Hand-crafted precision

Meticulous construction by Rawlings’ most skilled glove craftsmen results in sturdy gloves built to withstand seasons of elite use.

Ideal pro patterns

Every Premium glove pattern precisely mirrors the preferred design of an MLB star, providing field-tested specs optimized for your position.

Customizable fit and styles

From a range of sizes to full customization services, Rawlings Premium gloves can be tailored to your fit, style and position preferences.

Complete hand protection

Rawlings prioritizes interior padding and linings to protect player’s hands and maintain pocket structure.

Trusted quality and heritage

With over a century crafting big league gloves, Rawlings is the trusted name in premium gloves.

Worth the investment

While a higher initial investment, Rawlings Premium gloves deliver lasting performance that justifies their price for dedicated players.

Simply put, Rawlings sets the gold standard for quality, durability, and performance with their Premium Series. If you appreciate pro-grade equipment and demand the very best from your gear, do yourself a favor by choosing a Rawlings Premium glove this season. Thanks for reading and let me know if you have any other questions!