Rawlings & IBL Forge Ground-breaking Partnership
Mississauga, Canada – January 8 2024
The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL), Canada’s top baseball league since 1919, and Rawlings Sporting Goods Canada, a leader in sports equipment, have proudly announced a landmark three-year partnership. This collaboration is set to usher in a new era of innovation and excitement in Canadian baseball.
A Union of Tradition and Quality
This exciting partnership is a testament to the shared values and commitment of both organizations toward enhancing the sport of baseball in Canada. Rawlings Canada will support the IBL with essential baseball equipment, ensuring that all teams have access to top-quality gear.
In a move that highlights safety and performance, Rawlings will also provide each team with MACH Helmets. These helmets, known for their advanced protection will be the official batting helmet of the IBL. All IBL catchers will be required to wear Rawlings equipment by 2026. The initiative underlines both parties' dedication to player safety and performance enhancement.
Additionally, the Rawlings Hollywood Style Bases will be introduced as the official bases of the IBL. This change, to be implemented across all teams also by the 2026 season.
Rawlings will honor the league's most valuable player with a custom-made Pro Glove at the end of each season. This prestigious award further symbolizes excellence and achievement in Canadian baseball.
Player recognition will also be a monthly affair, with Rawlings providing a Player Swag Bag to the winning player's team, fostering a culture of recognition and reward within the league.
A Bright Future for Canadian Baseball
This partnership between the IBL and Rawlings Sporting Goods Canada signifies a bright future for Canadian baseball. It represents a blend of tradition and innovation, aiming to elevate the sport to new heights in Canada. Both organizations express their excitement and commitment to this partnership, looking forward to the positive impact it will have on the players, fans, and the future of baseball in Canada.
About Rawlings:
Established in 1887, Rawlings is an innovative leading global brand and manufacturer of premium baseball and softball equipment, including gloves, balls, bats, and protective headwear. Rawlings' unparalleled quality, innovative engineering and expert craftsmanship are the fundamental reasons why more professional athletes, national governing bodies and sports leagues choose Rawlings.Rawlings is the Official Base, Baseball, Helmet, Face Guard and Glove of Major League Baseball, the Official Baseball of Minor League Baseball and the Official Baseball and Softball of the NCAA and the NAIA.
About IBL
The Intercounty Baseball League is the top-level baseball league in Canada, boasting ex-major league professional and elite NCAA college baseball players. The 2024 season will mark the 106th season of the Intercounty Baseball League. The IBL is the fifth-longest continually operated baseball league in the world and serves as a valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 40 Intercounty Baseball League players have advanced to Major League Baseball or returned to the IBL following their MLB careers, including Fergie Jenkins, John Axford, Chris Leroux, Scott Diamond, Peter Orr, Paul Spoljaric, Rich Butler, Rob Butler, and Rob Ducey.