Play Ball, Play Rawlings! A top destination in St. Louis for baseball fans, players and sports enthusiasts is 'The Rawlings Experience,' a 14,000-square-foot facility at Westport Plaza featuring the Glove Vault with historic memorabilia, a custom glove design bar and a virtual batting "hit lab." The site features a 30-foot tall, 35,000-pound Gold Glove Award sculpture on the building's rooftop, as well as a $10,000 Swarovski crystal-encrusted glove on display.
This first-class, flagship facility's been a long time coming for Mike Thompson, Rawlings chief marketing officer, who's been with the company for 42 years. "Visitors see the history of baseball and gloves like never before. Guests can even get their picture taken with the giant Rawlings Gold Glove Award statue," he shares.
Mike says for this project they started interviewing architecture firms during 2022, and The Rawlings Experience St. Louis officially opened April 12, 2024.
As the crown jewel of the game’s premier maker of baseball/softball gloves, Maryland Heights-headquartered Rawlings Sporting Goods, the on-site Glove Vault showcases current and historic Rawlings Gold Glove Awards and personalized gloves from MLB legends, such as the historic Bill Doak glove, Stan Musial, Johnny Bench, Roberto Clemente and a unique one-of-one giraffe-themed design. The Glove Vault also features gameday glove designs of modern superstars and former legends, such as Brooks Robinson, Willie Mays, Ozzie Smith, Masyn Winn, Aaron Judge and Franciso Lindor.
Professional athletes visit often, such as Jordan Walker, Cal Raleigh, Francisco Alvarez and softball pros Jocelyn Alo and Jen Schroeder.
Guests can even design their own custom gloves with help from staffers, choosing colors, materials and patches, explains Lindsey Naber, senior director, partnership marketing for Rawlings.
An indoor batting cage with virtual technology allows testing bats of the latest models, and a store offers extensive merchandising.
A common reaction from visitors, according to Lindsey, is disbelief that an attraction like this is completely free. "Most everyone who visits enjoys their time with us, even if they don’t play the sport or aren’t fans. There’s truly something for everyone at the Rawlings Experience."
New elements recently introduced are a break-in glove service and brand-new line of premium souvenirs.
Lindsey says their new book, “The Finest in the Field: A History of Baseball Through 50 Iconic Gloves," could make the perfect Father’s Day gift.
RAWLINGS' MISSOURI ROOTS
The company was launched in 1887 by Alfred and George Rawlings as a sporting goods store selling fishing tackle, guns and athletic gear. In 1898, staffers began manufacturing the products.
Renowned for innovating football shoulder pads in 1902 and baseball gloves, the historical manufacturing occurred in Missouri locales Ava (1959–2001) and Licking (1960–2002). In 2005, corporate headquarters were moved to Town and Country.
Rawlings was credited with developing the "Deep Well" glove pocket in the 1920s and the Trap-Eze web design in the 1950s. Since 1929, Rawlings used leather from Horween Leather Company in Chicago. Known as "The Mark of a Pro," the company's been the exclusive supplier of baseballs to Major League Baseball since 1977.
Admission to The Rawlings Experience at Westport Plaza is free; no tickets or reservations are required to enter 14,000-square-foot facility.