The Rawlings Player Preferred™ glove series is a 2017/2021 model targeting recreational, softball, and baseball players of vast ages and skill levels. It comprises seven different gloves that cater to every position. The bigger sizes are ideal for softball, and the smaller sizes suit baseball and the catcher’s mitt.
The series uses high-quality and exceptionally comfortable full-grain leather that breaks in with ease. It has sturdy laces to withstand challenging hits. And each glove features an attractive finish to appeal to beginners, both adults and kids.
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The Overall Details
Brand: Rawlings
Series: Player Preferred™ Glove Series
Model Year: 2017, 2021
Style: Baseball/Softball, First Base, Softball, Catcher
Shell Material: Buffalo Full Grain Leather
Lining Material: Pro Micro
Padding: Zero Shock Palm Pad
Fit: Pro
Back: Velcro Strap
Player Break In: 20%
Target: Recreational, Softball & Baseball Players
The Positions
The Rawlings Player Preferred™ glove series introduces new features like the Pro Taper pattern for a customized fit. Below are the specifications of each of the seven gloves that make up the Rawlings Player Preferred™ glove series: –
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Pitcher, 12-inch
Specifications
Model Year: 2017
Style: Baseball/Softball
Age: Adult
Size: 12-inch
Webbing: Basket
Hand Orientation: Right Hand Throw
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Pitcher, 13-inch
Specifications
Model Year: 2017
Style: Baseball/Softball
Age: Adult
Size: 13-inch
Webbing: Pro H
Hand Orientation: Right Hand Throw
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Pitcher, 14-inch
Specifications
Model Year: 2017
Style: Softball
Age: Adult
Size: 14-inch
Webbing: Basket
Hand Orientation: Right Hand Throw
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First Base, 12.5-inch, Right Hand Throw
Specifications
Model Year: 2017
Style: Baseball/Softball
Age: Adult
Size: 12.5-inch
Webbing: Basket
Hand Orientation: Right Hand Throw
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First Base, 12.5-inch, Left Hand Throw
Specifications
Model Year: 2017
Style: First Base
Age: Adult
Size: 12.5-inch
Webbing: Single Post Double Bar
Hand Orientation: Left Hand Throw
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Outfield, 12.5-inch
Specifications
Model Year: 2021
Style: Baseball/Softball
Age: Adult
Size: 12.5-inch
Webbing: Pro H
Hand Orientation: Right Hand Throw
Catcher, 33-inch
Specifications
Model Year: 2017
Style: Softball
Age: Adult
Size: 33-inch
Webbing: 1-Piece Closed Web
Hand Orientation: Right Hand Throw
Overall Features
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Game Ready Feel
Rawlings Player Preferred™ glove series use an oiled full-grain leather shell that is 80% broken-in. That way, they feel game-ready straight from the box, facilitating your catches. In addition, you can get the glove to a fully broken-in status by using it more often. Or, when you want to store the glove, just place a ball on its wrist area before wrapping it tight using the laces.
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Well Padded, Flexible Full Grain Leather Shell
Player Preferred™ Glove Series uses the durable Zero Shock Palm Padding inside the full-grain leather shell. This padding, coupled with a cozy, moldable Pro Micro lining, gives the glove a flexible and soft feel. This way, it protects the player’s hand from harsh impact. And adjusts the pocket shape as per the demands of each position, hence, guaranteeing good catches.
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Conventional Back, Flex Loop Velcro Strap for Customized Fit
Gloves with a non-slip, conventional back are easy to adjust, have a lighter feel, and can achieve a tighter fit around the wrist. For this, the Player Preferred™ Glove Series opts for the conventional back that stays put as the player pushes their skills to the limits.
This back design complements the flex loop Velcro straps to achieve a custom fit around the wrist and hand. The padded wrist straps or pull straps feel comfortable and further reduce sting impacts.
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Versatile Webbing Styles
Four main webbing styles are adopted by varying positions of the Player Preferred™ Glove Series. These are as follows: –
Basket Web
The Pitcher 12-inch, Pitcher 14-inch, and the First Base 12.5-inch Right Hand Throw gloves of the Player Preferred™ Glove Series use the basket web pattern. As a fully closed pattern, it conceals the pitcher’s grip away from the prying eyes of hitters. And it keeps dirt and light off the ball. Indeed, the basket webbing style creates a shallower depth and sturdy feel crucial for the basemen in the softball leagues.
Pro-H Web
Next, the Pitcher 13-inch of the Player Preferred™ Glove Series opts for the Pro H webbing pattern that has an unbeatable feel and looks. Here, both baseball and softball players get the perfect deep pocket to handle balls from any direction. The web will easily snag ground balls and stop base hits while optimizing the cozy finger linings for comfort. It makes Pitcher 13-inch the go-to glove for slow-pitch softball men or women players.
Single Post Double Bar Web
A single post double bar web pattern features vertical and horizontal leather strips that optimize visibility and flexibility for the first basemen. In turn, it features in the First Base, 12.5-inch, Left Hand Throw glove of the Player Preferred™ Glove Series. Indeed, it creates a deeper pocket that guarantees the best glove-to-hand transfers necessary when handling line drives and challenging grounders.
1-Piece Closed Web
Finally, the Catcher 33-inch of the Player Preferred™ Glove Series uses the 1-Piece Closed Web pattern. Here, anyone serious about improving their ball transfers, pitch framing techniques, hand-eye coordination, and overall catching skills gets a shock-resistant, durable mitt to complement their efforts. The web pattern protects you from stingers during your extended hours of practice, yet, it remains soft and comfortable.
Player Preferred™ Glove Series for Softball
The Pitcher 12-inch, Pitcher 13-inch, Pitcher 14-inch, First Base 12.5-inch Right Hand Throw, Outfield 12.5-inch, and the Catcher 33-inch gloves of the Player Preferred™ Glove Series have softball-specific patterns and sizing. Indeed, their 12-inch to 15-inch sizes and unique webbing complement the softball players’ efforts in catching the ball.
Pros
- Durable full-grain leather shell
- Comfortable and flexible palm linings and pockets
- Double stitching for durability
- Easy to use and adjust Velcro straps
- Ideal for all ages and skill levels
Cons
Have a smaller fit
Conclusion
The Player Preferred™ Glove Series offers a one-year limited warranty on each of their gloves. Hence, young to senior players of varying skill levels can rely on their gloves to give them good value for their money. Is this a good fit for you? Let us know what you think.
My nephew recently started playing baseball, and with his birthday coming up, it is good to find this selection of Rawlings baseball and softball gloves. I am not sure which position he is playing, but he is left-handed, so it is brilliant to find that there is an option for left-handers.
You mention that buffalo leather is used. Is that the case with all the gloves in the series, or are other types of leather also used? Thanks
Hi, LineCowley, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
No, not all gloves are made of Buffalo leather. It is very different between the brands.
I think you could find this article about gloves interesting; there are some ideas about gloves for your one.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.