View Full Version : Rawlings Catching Gear. For MLB Only????
jdn4891
10-08-2008, 09:21 AM
During the season I noticed that the chest protector worn by Giovanni Soto of the Cubs is made by Rawlings, but cannot be found anywhere for sale to the public.
The blue Rawlings Chest protector that Soto wore appears to be very thin, and sleak. Also, the material it's made from is unlike any other catcher's gear I've seen. I;ve looked everywhere for anything like this for sale, but w/ no luck.
Anyone know anything about this?
Here is a picture, and I notice that it says "GEL" at the neck.
http://www.fansedge.com/ProductDisplay.aspx?pfid=33-99785&index=0
cubsphill
10-08-2008, 09:40 AM
its the 950 series, not available on retail anymore. you might be able to find some on ebay. i have the red leg guards unused, if thats what youre looking for.
The Glovedoctor
10-08-2008, 09:54 AM
In addition, it says "GEO" on the neck - it's personalized. Just so you aren't looking for one that says "GEL," you know. :)
Can't always have everything the pro's use.... lol
shake-n-bake
10-09-2008, 07:20 AM
Can't always have everything the pro's use.... lol
Unfortunately not. I think my son would be willing to trade a kidney for the desert camoflauge All-Star catcher's gear that he saw Jason Varitek wearing. You can do some pretty neat custom gear on All-Star's website though.
Speaking of customized gear, does anyone know where I can get wrist bands, etc. with a number and nickname on them? I'm thinking of doing that for a Christmas present.
NY16CATCHER
10-09-2008, 12:51 PM
Unless you are in the bigs, forget it. Even AAA players can't get that gear it seems (I had a friend at the AAA level try to get a set for me through his contacts at Rawlings and I had a local Rawlings rep I know try to get me a set as well).
He said Rawlings got a ton of requests from the public but doesn't want to make the 950 series again because it didn't sell well at retail the first time around...morons.
Although I am quite liking the new Mizuno gear. I got a set of it last week and I'm really impressed with it.
beisbolcrazy22
10-09-2008, 01:44 PM
If you want something custom, at least with catchers gear, have someone airbrush it.
I got a set of camo gear from this guy http://www.airbrushguy.com he does great work and quick.
jdn4891
10-09-2008, 03:53 PM
Unless you are in the bigs, forget it. Even AAA players can't get that gear it seems (I had a friend at the AAA level try to get a set for me through his contacts at Rawlings and I had a local Rawlings rep I know try to get me a set as well).
He said Rawlings got a ton of requests from the public but doesn't want to make the 950 series again because it didn't sell well at retail the first time around...morons.
Although I am quite liking the new Mizuno gear. I got a set of it last week and I'm really impressed with it.
Regarding the Rawlings Soto gear, I've spoken to someone at Rawlings and this chest protector will be offered in the spring.
The guy said that he couldn't give away all the secrets, but the chest protector is as it seems, very thin, because it is made from a new "super-dense" material. He also said that it is covered in a "vinyl-like" coating wich give it the firm look (and feel) that you see on TV/pics.
So, looks like we will be able to have this gear, just have to wait 6 months.
I'll email him back and get the name of it.
jdn4891
10-10-2008, 06:21 PM
its the 950 series, not available on retail anymore. you might be able to find some on ebay. i have the red leg guards unused, if thats what youre looking for.
Hey, about the Soto chest protector I was referring to, I spoke ti the Rawlings guy again and he said that what Soto has is a new series that is an improvement on the 950 series and it will be out this spring.