Reference Guide to All Rawlings Baseballs

• Founded in 1887 by brothers George and Alfred Rawlings, the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company grew to become one of the most respected and enduring names in the field of sports equipment
• Currently, Seidler Equity Partners and MLB co-owns the Rawlings brand

Main Table of Contents

Intro

From its humble beginnings in St. Louis, Missouri, as a small store selling leather goods, Rawlings has carved a significant niche in baseball.

In the vibrant annals of the American sporting goods industry, Rawlings Sporting Goods Company has passed through the hands of several corporate titans, each of which added a unique chapter to its illustrious history.

It all began in 2003, when the adventurous K2 Inc., a global manufacturer known for its portfolio of high-performance sporting brands, turned its gaze toward Rawlings. Known for its skis, Volkl tennis racquets, and Marmot outdoor gear, K2 sought to expand its influence into team sports. The company swooped in and acquired Rawlings (a publicly traded company) for $84 million, adding the iconic baseball equipment producer to its robust portfolio. Under K2’s ownership, Rawlings continued to hold its position as a powerhouse in the sports industry, and yet another shift was on the horizon.

In 2007, Jarden Corporation, a consumer products company with a diverse portfolio, saw the gleaming diamond that was Rawlings. Recognizing the brand’s potential to bolster its roster of consumer brands, Jarden laid down the cash to bring Rawlings into its fold.

Rawlings thrived under Jarden’s wing, but the winds of change were again blowing in 2016.

Newell Brands, an American marketer of worldwide consumer and commercial products, saw value in Jarden’s portfolio and decided to make a play. Newell successfully acquired Jarden, and with it, Rawlings found itself under new ownership once more.

But the most exciting turn in Rawlings’ journey was yet to come. In 2018, a partnership between Seidler Equity Partners, a private investment firm, and an unexpected player stepped onto the field: Major League Baseball (MLB) itself.

The two entities teamed up to acquire Rawlings, marking the first time the MLB took an ownership stake in a sporting goods company. This partnership heralded a new era for Rawlings.

With the MLB now having a vested interest in the quality and performance of its products, Rawlings found itself more intertwined with the game of baseball than ever before.

Baseballs for All Levels of Play

Rawlings produces a variety of baseballs for different playing levels and requirements, including those used in professional leagues, collegiate play, high school leagues, youth recreation leagues, youth tournaments, and recreational purposes.

It offers models from the Official Major League Baseball (ROMLB) used in MLB games, Minor League (both branded and un-branded) baseballs, training baseballs, autograph baseballs, and more.

Coefficient Of Restitution

Other than a small niche of youth baseballs designed for kindergartners, all Rawlings baseballs come with a circumference of 9 to 9 1/4 inches and they weigh 5 to 5 1/4 ounces.

Because of this restriction, Rawlings makes their baseballs with various combinations of materials to provide performance and safety.

To verify that baseballs do not exceed their safety parameters for the intended age group, lab tests are done to determine the energy that is lost during the impact. This measurement is called the Coefficient Of Restitution or COR.

MLB and MiLB baseballs have COR e=0.546 +- 0.032, based on a standard impact with a block of ash wood

Rawlings Baseball Models

Rawlings 6U Baseballs / Tee-Ball

Rawlings 6U baseballs, or more commonly referred to as tee-balls, are specifically designed for young players aged 6 and under who are just beginning their baseball journey.

The circumference on 6U baseball averages around 7 7/8″ to 8″. Tee-ball core is made of foam which makes them lightweight and less likely to cause injury upon impact.

Rawlings TVB baseballs are roughly equivalent to RIF1/SEV1 safety balls.

• Model: Rawlings TVB (check price)
• Target: 6 year old and younger players
• Grade: Recreation
• Core: Foam
• Yarn: Layer of fine poly thread
• Cover: Synthetic leather
• Seams: Flat

Please note that Rawling’s factory images portray a thick leather cover with raised seams. This is NOT the case!

All TVB balls I have used in the past come with thin synthetic covers with flat seams (see my own picture with a retail packaging).

When shopping, please be aware that balls with light blue logo are older stock. Fresh stock baseballs come with a log with Rawling’s traditional dark navy color.

For other tee balls, you may want to read “Eight Best Tee Balls“

---

Rawlings 8U Baseballs

The Rawlings 8U baseballs are specifically designed for players aged 8 and under and come with a composite cork and rubber core to adapt to kids who are getting bigger and stronger.

R8U baseball has a “9 inch circumference” stamp, the actual size is closer to 8 inches so that young players with small hands can grip and throw the ball.

Rawlings R8U cover is a low quality synthetic leather and it feels more like vinyl (very slick).

• Model: Rawlings R8U (same as OLB3; check price)
• Target: 8 year old and younger players
• Grade: Game play
• Core: Composite Cork and Rubber (higher cork content)
• Yarn: Layer of fine poly thread
• Cover: Leather
• Seams: Raised

The Rawlings 8U baseball is an identical cousin to Rawlings OLB3 baseball. Both are designed for use in youth leagues for game play and practice.

Both R8U and R10U baseballs have the identically sized, composite cork and rubber. The difference is that R8U core contains larger cork bits whereas R10U core has more rubber bits.

For more detailed information, you may wan tot read my post titled, “Comparing Rawlings 8U, 10U, 12U Baseballs“.

---

Rawlings 10U Baseballs

The Rawlings 10U baseballs are specifically designed for players aged 10 and under who are advancing in their baseball skills and transitioning to a more competitive level of play.

They feature a more traditional construction with leather cover, which feels like a “real baseball” feel than synthetic cover.

• Model: Rawlings R10U (check price)
• Target: 10 year old and younger players
• Grade: Game play
• Core: Composite Cork and Rubber (higher rubber content)
• Yarn: Layer of fine poly thread
• Cover: Leather
• Seams: Raised

The 10U baseballs have a solid cork and rubber center (NOT a cushioned rubber pill), offering a balance between safety and performance.

Designed to withstand the increased velocity and power of the players, 10U baseballs offers increased pop speed compared to a “regular” baseball, being suitable for young hands and arms. Rawlings R10U is interchangeable with Rawlings CROLB.

---

Rawlings 12U Baseballs

The Rawlings 12U baseballs are designed for players 12 and younger who are advancing in their baseball skills and playing at a more competitive level.

These baseballs are identical in size and weight to standard-sized baseballs used in higher age groups and feature a genuine, thick leather cover for increased durability.

• Model: Rawlings R12U (check price)
• Target: 12 year old and younger players
• Grade: Tournament
• Core: Composite Cork and Rubber
• Yarn: First layer of blue wool; second layer of fine poly thread
• Cover: Genuine leather
• Seams: Raised

Smaller composite cork and rubber core is more responsive and provides consistent performance, but still retains safety ball profile.

Rawlings replaced the earlier CROB balls that came with synthetic covers with a leather cover, though it still feels very waxy and slick.

---

Rawlings Babe Ruth RBRO Baseballs

The Rawlings RBRO Babe Ruth baseball is the official ball for the Babe Ruth Youth Baseball league. Rawlings Babe Ruth baseballs are specifically designed for use in Babe Ruth League games, typically played by players aged 15-17.

• Model: Rawlings RBRO (check price)
• Target: 15-17 year old players
• Grade: Competition
• Core: Double cushioned cork and rubber pill
• Yarn: Multi-layer of blue wool; final layer of fine poly thread
• Cover: Genuine leather
• Seams: Raised

Rawlings RBRO baseballs are designed to handle the increased velocity and power of older youth players, delivering reliable flight characteristics and responsiveness off the bat.

Rawlings Babe Ruth baseballs are comparable to Diamond DOL-A baseballs

---

Rawlings Cal Ripken RCAL1 Baseballs

The Rawlings Cal Ripken RCAL1 baseball is the official ball used in the Cal Ripken league under the Babe Ruth umbrella.

Physical and weight specifications are identical to MLB baseballs.

• Model: Rawlings RCAL1 (check price)
• Target: 14-15 year old players
• Grade: Tournament
• Core: Cork and rubber pill
• Yarn: Single layer of blue wool; final layer of fine poly thread
• Cover: Genuine leather
• Seams: Raised

RCAL1 baseball comes with genuine leather cover that feels great. Coupled with tight seams, these baseballs are very durable.

Cal Ripken Baseball (RCAL1) are identical to Ripken Baseball (RCAL; Ripken baseball is unaffiliated with Cal Ripken league) and has the same physical characteristics as ROLB1 or 14U baseballs.

---

Rawlings CROLB Baseballs

The Rawlings CROLB baseballs are identical to Rawlings 10U baseballs. The only difference is that CROLB is the current model (Rawlings no longer seem to market 10U baseballs).

• Model: Rawlings CROLB (check price)
• Target: 10U or younger players
• Grade: Recreation
• Core: Composite cork and rubber
• Yarn: Single layer of fine poly thread
• Cover: leather
• Seams: Raised

Like Rawlings R10U baseballs, CROLB is also susceptible misshaping after few uses.

Rawlings replaced the earlier CROB balls that came with synthetic covers with a leather cover, though it still feels very waxy and slick.

I would rather spend few $$ and buy 12u baseballs rather than Rawlings CROLB and 10U baseballs.

---

Rawlings RDYB Dixie Baseballs

This Dixie League baseball model RDYB is the official baseball of the Dixie Youth League at the tournament grade level.

• Model: Rawlings RDYB (check price)
• Target: Age 15 and older players
• Grade: Tournament
• Core: Cushioned Composite Cork and rubber pill
• Yarn: Two layers; first layer of wool; second layer of fine poly thread
• Cover: Genuine leather
• Seams: Raised, Superstitch
• Extra Innings Technology

These baseballs are competitive grade with a full grain leather cover for added durability.

Rawlings RDYB baseballs have raised seams for a better grip, a cushioned pill (composite cork and rubber center) and carry the official Dixie Youth League stamp.

---

Rawlings RDYB1 Dixie Baseballs

This Dixie League baseball model RDYB1 is the official baseball of the Dixie Youth League at the competition grade level.

• Model: Rawlings RDYB1 (check price)
• Target: Age 14 and younger players
• Grade: Competition
• Core: Composite Cork and rubber
• Yarn: Two layer; first layer of wool; second layer of fine poly thread
• Cover: Genuine leather
• Seams: Raised, Superstitch
• Extra Innings Technology

These baseballs are competitive grade with a full grain leather cover for added durability, Rawlings raised seams for a better grip, a composite cork and rubber center and carry the official Dixie Youth League stamp.

---

Rawlings Little League Baseballs

Rawlings Little League baseballs are designed specifically for use in Little League baseball games, catering to players typically aged 12 and under.

• Model: Rawlings RLL1 (check price)
• Target: Age 12 and younger players
• Grade: Game play
• Core: Composite Cork and rubber
• Yarn: Two layer; first layer of wool; second layer of fine poly thread
• Cover: Genuine leather
• Seams: Raised, Superstitch
• Extra Innings Technology

These baseballs adhere to the regulations and standards set by Little League International. They feature a durable cover, made of full-grain leather which ensures longevity and a consistent feel. The Little League baseballs have a solid cork and rubber center.

These baseballs are designed to meet the needs of Little League players, offering an appropriate level of hardness and size for their skill level and age group.

---

Rawlings Senior Little League Baseballs

Rawlings Senior Little League baseballs are specifically designed for use in Senior Little League baseball games, typically played by players aged 13-16.

• Model: Rawlings RSLL-1 (check price)
• Target: Ages 13-14 year old players
• Grade: Game play
• Core: Composite Cork and rubber
• Yarn: Two layer; first layer of wool; second layer of fine poly thread
• Cover: Genuine leather
• Seams: Raised, Superstitch
• Extra Innings Technology

These baseballs adhere to the regulations and standards set by Little League International.

They feature a durable, full-grain leather which ensures longevity and a consistent feel. The Senior Little League baseball comes with the same sized, solid cork and rubber center as Rawlings Little League baseballs (RBLL).

While dissecting the baseball, I found the yarn to be wound more tightly.

---

Rawlings Major League Baseballs

Rawlings ROMLB baseballs are the official Major League Baseballs used in professional MLB games. These baseballs are crafted to meet the rigorous standards set by Major League Baseball.

• Model: Rawlings ROMLB (check price)
• Target: Professional
• Grade: Tournament
• Core: Double cushioned pill
• Yarn: Four layers of wool
• Cover: Full grain leather
• Seams: Flat

MLB baseballs feature a premium full-grain leather cover for exceptional durability and authentic feel. These ROMLB baseballs come with double cushioned solid cork and rubber center, providing a lively bounce off the bat.

The baseballs are hand-stitched with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring reliable seams and superior grip for pitchers. Rawlings ROMLB baseballs undergo rigorous testing to meet the strict specifications required for professional play.

---

Rawlings Minor League Baseballs

Rawlings MiLB baseballs are the official Minor League Baseballs used in professional minor league baseball games. These baseballs are crafted to meet the rigorous standards set by Minor League Baseball.

• Model: Rawlings MiLB (check price)
• Target: Professional
• Grade: Tournament
• Core: Double cushioned pill
• Yarn: Four layers of wool
• Cover: Full grain leather
• Seams: Flat

Like the MLB baseballs, MiLB baseballs feature a premium full-grain leather cover for exceptional durability and authentic feel. These minor league baseballs come with double cushioned solid cork and rubber center, providing a lively bounce off the bat.

Minor league baseballs use a light gray wool which is slightly less dense than blue wools.

Rawlings MiLB baseballs also undergo rigorous testing to meet the strict specifications required for professional play.

---

Rawlings NCAA Baseballs

Rawlings NCAA baseballs are specifically designed to meet the standards and regulations set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for college baseball games for Division 1, Division2, Division 3 baseballs. These baseballs are used in NCAA-sanctioned competitions and provide a consistent and high-quality playing experience.

• Model: Rawlings FSR1NCAA (check price)
• Target: college (D1, D2, D3)
• Grade: Tournament
• Core: Double cushioned pill
• Yarn: Four layers of wool
• Cover: Full grain leather
• Seams: Flat

They feature a durable cover, typically made of full-grain leather or synthetic leather, offering longevity and a professional feel. The NCAA baseballs have a solid cork and rubber center, delivering reliable performance, optimal flight characteristics, and a lively bounce off the bat.

NCAA baseballs are designed to meet the college-level play, ensuring consistent performance and durability throughout games.

---

Rawlings PONY Baseballs

Rawlings Pony baseballs are specifically designed for use in Pony Baseball, a youth baseball organization for players aged 13-14. These baseballs are tailored to meet the standards and regulations set by Pony Baseball Inc.

• Model: Rawlings RPLB1 (check price)
• Target: Intended for Age 14 and younger players
• Grade: Competition
• Core: Cork and Rubber pill
• Yarn: Four layers of wool
• Cover: Genuine leather
• Seams: Raised
• Extra Innings Technology

Full-grain leather cover offers great durability and a classic feel through a season of baseball practices.

• Model: Rawlings RPLB (check price)
• Target: Intended for Age 15 and older players
• Grade: Tournament
• Core: Double cushioned cork and rubber pill
• Yarn: Four layers of wool
• Cover: Genuine leather
• Seams: Raised
• Extra Innings Technology

Both Rawlings Pony RPLB (tournament) and RPLB-1 (competition) baseballs are an excellent choice for players and teams participating in Pony Baseball, providing durability, adherence to league regulations, and a high-quality playing experience.

---

Rawlings Ripken Baseballs

• Rawlings Ripken Baseballs are identical to Rawlings Cal Ripken baseballs

Rawlings ROLB1 Baseballs

The Rawlings ROLB1 baseballs are designed for use in various leagues, including youth and recreational play. Constructed with a full-grain leather cover, ROLB1 provides excellent durability and a consistent feel.

All ROLB1 baseballs feature a pill that is made from cork and rubber.

• Model: Rawlings ROLB1 (check price)
• Target: Intended for Age 12 and younger players
• Grade: Competition
• Core: Cork and rubber core
• Yarn: Two Layers; thick wool then fine poly thread layer
• Cover: Genuine leather
• Seams: Raised

Rawlings replaced the earlier CROB balls that came with synthetic covers with a leather cover, though it still feels very waxy and slick.

Unlike a double cushioned pill, the composite cork and rubber center pill deadens upon impact, ensuring a solid performance with optimal pop off the bat, reliable flight characteristics, and offers enhanced durability. With a traditional red stitching pattern, these baseballs offer excellent visibility on the field.

---

Rawlings ROLB1X Baseballs

The Rawlings ROLB1X baseballs have identical specifications that of the ROLB1 baseballs. The only difference is that ROLB1X may have minor cosmetic imperfections (“blem” balls).

• Model: Rawlings ROLB1X (check price)
• Target: Intended for Age 12 and younger players
• Grade: Practice
• Core: Cork and Rubber pill
• Yarn: Two layers; blue wool then fine poly thread
• Cover: Genuine Leather
• Seams: Raised

Most teams use ROLB1X during practice or BP but I have used them in game situations.

All ROLB1 baseballs feature a pill that is made from composite cork and rubber center and its leather cover is highly durable.

---

Rawlings ROLB2 Baseballs

The Rawlings ROLB2 baseballs are identical to Rawlings 12U baseballs. The only difference is that ROLB1X may have minor cosmetic imperfections (“blem” balls).

• Model: ROLB2 (check price)
• Target: Intended for 12U players and younger
• Grade: Competition
• Core: Cork and Rubber core
• Yarn: Two layers; blue wool then fine poly thread
• Cover: Leather
• Seams: Raised

Rawlings state that ROLB2 baseball is competition grade (intended for games) but many ROLB2 balls are susceptible to being out of shape.

Although Rawlings ROLB1 has a higher COR (ball is livelier) intended for older players, I suggest buying ROLB1 over ROLB2 baseballs.

---

Takeaways

Rawlings baseballs excel in their combination of affordability, quality, and versatility. Rawlings provides baseballs that fit different budgets without compromising quality. These baseballs are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, utilizing premium materials such as full-grain leather or synthetic leather covers.

High-quality materials used in Rawlings baseballs ensure exceptional durability, a consistent feel, and prolonged use. The solid cork and rubber centers of Rawlings baseballs deliver consistent performance, optimal flight characteristics, and a lively bounce off the bat.

Whether it’s for practice, recreational play, or competitive games, Rawlings offers baseballs suited for various levels of play and league regulations. As a trusted brand in the industry, Rawlings baseballs are sought after for their reliability, making them an excellent choice for players and teams seeking a winning combination of price, quality, and usability.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Rawlings offer warranty on their baseballs?
  • Yes, Rawlings provide one-year warranty on their baseballs

• What are some differences between MLB and MiLB game baseballs?
  • Rawlings produces MLB game balls (ROMLB) at their Costa Rica plant that produces around 80,000 dozen baseballs or around 960,000 baseballs per year.  Costa Rica plant has the highest quality control with the use of highest grade leather and other materials.
  • Rawlings MiLB game balls are produced at their Chinese plants which produces over 2 million baseballs per year with varying degrees of quality

• What is Extended Innings Technology (EIT)?
  • EIT keeps baseballs more firm by applying waterproofing glue with tight raised seams to protect the ball from moisture and humidity. EIT baseballs are mostly used in high school and college level play and will supposedly last 15% longer with the same great consistency and moisture protection

• What makes Rawlings baseballs different from other brands?
  • Rawlings baseballs are known for their high quality, durability, and the brand’s long-standing reputation in the sport. Rawlings is the official baseball supplier for Major League Baseball, which speaks volumes about their quality and performance

• Which Rawlings baseball is used in Major League Baseball?
  • The Rawlings Official Major League Baseball is used in MLB games. It is handcrafted with a cushioned cork center, wool winding, and full-grain leather cover.

• Are Rawlings baseballs good for practice and training?
  • Yes, Rawlings produces a range of baseballs suitable for practice and training at different skill levels, from beginner to professional.
• What materials are Rawlings baseballs made from?
  • Rawlings baseballs typically feature a cushioned cork center, wound with wool, and covered with full-grain leather for superior performance and durability.
• What sizes and weights do Rawlings baseballs come in?
  • Standard Rawlings baseballs used in professional leagues adhere to the official size and weight, which is around 9 inches in circumference and 5 ounces in weight. However, Rawlings also produces baseballs in various sizes and weights suitable for youth leagues and training purposes.
• Where are Rawlings baseballs manufactured?
  • Rawlings baseballs, especially those for professional leagues, are primarily manufactured in Costa Rica.
• What age group are Rawlings baseballs suitable for?
  • Rawlings produces baseballs for all age groups. From softer safety balls for young children to professional-grade baseballs for adults, there are options for every level of play.
• How do I clean and maintain my Rawlings baseballs?
  • You can clean Rawlings baseballs with a damp cloth to remove dirt. It’s important not to soak them in water or expose them to extreme temperatures, as this could damage the ball.
• Do Rawlings baseballs come in different seam heights?
  • Yes, Rawlings offers both raised-seam and flat-seam baseballs. Raised seams are typically found on baseballs for youth and high school play, while flat seams are used on baseballs for higher-level play, including college and professional leagues.
• Are there specific Rawlings baseballs for indoor use?
  • Yes, Rawlings offers a variety of training baseballs, some of which are designed for indoor use. These indoor baseballs are softer to prevent damage to floors and walls.
• Are Rawlings baseballs used in youth leagues?
  • Yes, Rawlings produces a variety of baseballs that are used in youth leagues. They offer baseballs with raised seams and safety balls for younger players.
• What is the average cost of Rawlings baseballs?
  • The cost can vary significantly depending on the type of baseball. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Rawlings recreational youth baseballs can cost around $2-$4 per ball, while official Major League baseballs are usually priced around $15-$20 per ball.
• Where can I buy Rawlings baseballs?
  • Rawlings baseballs can be purchased directly from the Rawlings website, other online retailers like Amazon, or local sports equipment stores.
• Are there bulk purchasing options for Rawlings baseballs?
  • Yes, Rawlings offers options to purchase baseballs in bulk, typically in dozens or buckets. Buying in bulk can be a cost-effective option, especially for teams or individuals who frequently practice.
• Do Rawlings baseballs come in different colors or designs?
  • While the traditional Rawlings baseball is white with red stitching, they do offer baseballs in various colors and designs, especially for their training and youth product lines.
• What is the return or replacement policy for Rawlings baseballs?
  • The return and replacement policy can vary based on where the baseballs are purchased. It’s best to check the specific policy of the retailer or the Rawlings official website.
• How does the performance of Rawlings baseballs compare to other brands?
  • Rawlings is known for high-quality baseballs that deliver consistent performance, hence their use in Major League Baseball. However, the “best” performance can depend on the specific needs of the player or team.
• Do Rawlings make safety baseballs for very young players?
  • Yes, Rawlings manufactures softer, reduced-injury-factor (RIF) baseballs designed to be safer for young children learning the game.
• What is the lifespan of a Rawlings baseball?
  • The lifespan of a Rawlings baseball can depend on how often it’s used and the conditions it’s exposed to. A ball used in regular practice sessions may last a few months, while a ball used in a professional game might be retired after a single use.
• Are there any Rawlings baseballs made with synthetic materials?
  • Yes, Rawlings does produce baseballs with synthetic covers. These are typically more durable and weather-resistant than leather-covered baseballs, making them a good choice for practice and recreational use.

You May Also Like