OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA (May 22, 2023) — Women’s Professional Fastpitch entered a multi-year agreement naming Rawlings as the Official Helmet of WPF. WPF athletes will be the first to wear the highly anticipated and innovative new softball helmet and facemask from Rawlings known as the MACH HI-VIZ, which offers a 30 percent larger viewing window for increased visibility. The partnership allows Rawlings to conduct on-field research with the league’s players to aid in future research and design efforts within the helmet category, as well as go directly to the fans at the ballpark to showcase both their new and historically successful products.
“I grew up with the Rawlings brand, first using their gloves as a kid, then their bats at the University of Oklahoma, so I was able to see firsthand their commitment to creating game-changing products,” said Lauren Chamberlain, WPF Commissioner. “Rawlings is the Official Helmet of Major League Baseball, so it made perfect sense for the WPF, as the top league in softball, to wear helmets that reflect that same level of quality, innovation, and protection.”
“Rawlings is proud to be a part of the continued growth in the sport of softball as evidenced by the successful creation and development of the WPF,” said Mark Kraemer, Director of Sports Marketing for Rawlings. “We’re excited to bring some of our new cutting-edge helmet technology to the WPF as these athletes embark on their professional playing journeys.”
Each team will be sporting the Rawlings MACH HI-VIZ helmet and face mask during game play beginning in June. In addition to its 30 percent larger viewing window as compared to traditional helmets, the MACH HI-VIZ features a durable stainless-steel cage with added strength in high-impact areas and 360 Heat Exchange™ technology in its wrapped jaw pads for optimal cooling during usage. Rawlings MACH HI-VIZ helmets and fielders’ masks will be available on Rawlings.com and at select retailers beginning in August.
About Women’s Professional Fastpitch
Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF) is the official professional softball league in the United States, founded by USA Softball, USSSA, and Smash It Sports. WPF showcases the best athletes in softball, provides a world-class experience for fans, and connects young fans to their idols. Catch WPF’s Opening Day with the USSSA Pride, Texas Smoke, Smash It Sports Vipers and OKC Spark on June 15th. You can keep up with all the action at wprofastpitch.com or on socials @wprofastpitch.
For partnership inquiries, please email info@wprofastpitch.com.
About Rawlings
Established in 1887, Rawlings is an innovative leading global brand and manufacturer of premium baseball and softball equipment, including gloves, balls, 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 Baseball, Glove, Helmet, Face Guard and Base of Major League Baseball, the Official Baseball of Minor League Baseball and the Official Baseball and Softball of the NCAA and the NAIA. The company is headquartered in St. Louis. For more information, please visit www.Rawlings.com.
Topics
Women's Professional Fastpitch Rawlings Softball