First-Ever Female Athlete to Win Rawlings Gold Glove Award®
Iconic defensive award in baseball since 1957 extends to softball
Aug 11, 2016, 10:28 ET
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. a subsidiary of Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL), today announced that the Rawlings Gold Glove Award®, an established symbol of defensive excellence given to the top position players in Major League Baseball® will also be awarded annually to a female softball player in the National Pro Fastpitch League (NPF).
Similar to the award selection process in baseball, coaches and managers within the NPF organization will vote for a potential winner excluding those on their respective teams.
"We're thrilled to partner with the National Pro Fastpitch League to celebrate and recognize defense with the introduction of the renowned Rawlings Gold Glove Award," said Mike Thompson, executive vice-president of marketing at Rawlings. "As we reestablish the Rawlings brand in softball, it makes perfect sense to reward female athletes for their exceptional fielding ability and prowess."
"It is a tremendous honor for the players of the NPF to now be included in the prestigious roster of Gold Glove Award winners," said Cheri Kempf, commissioner of the National Pro Fastpitch League. "This is a wonderful statement by Rawlings on the performance value of our athletes."
The award will be announced at the annual Awards Banquet for National Pro Fastpitch, held in Tuscaloosa on the eve of the 2016 Championship Series, Thursday August 18th at 7:00 p.m.
The Rawlings Gold Glove Award was established in 1957 to recognize super defensive performance at each position in pro baseball. Previous winners include athletes whose careers have been defined by their fielding ability including Ozzie Smith, Brooks Robinson and Derek Jeter. In 2007, in conjunction with the award's 50th anniversary, the award program expanded to include winners at the collegiate and high school levels.
About Rawlings
Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. is an innovative manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods worldwide. Founded in 1887, Rawlings is an authentic global sports brand, trusted by generations of athletes of all skill levels. 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 Ball Supplier and Batting Helmet of Major League Baseball®, the official baseball of Minor League Baseball™ and the NCAA®, and the approved baseball, basketball, football and softball of the National High School Federation®. For more information, please visit Rawlings.com or by phone at (314) 819-2800.
About the Rawlings Gold Glove Award®
The Rawlings Gold Glove Award® is a registered trademark owned by Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. The award is correctly identified as the Rawlings Gold Glove Award. The name should not be shortened, abbreviated or otherwise misused. Proper identification of this service mark using the registration symbol and the Rawlings name is important to protect the integrity of the program and perpetuate this worthy tradition. For more information, please visit www.rawlingsgoldglove.com.
About Newell Brands
Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer's®, Coleman®, Jostens®, Marmot®, Rawlings®, Irwin®, Lenox®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, FoodSaver®, Mr. Coffee®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, NUK®, Calphalon®, Rubbermaid®, Contigo®, First Alert®, Waddington and Yankee Candle®. Driven by a sharp focus on the consumer, leading investment in innovation and brands, and a performance-driven culture, Newell Brands helps consumers achieve more where they live, learn, work and play.
About the NPF
National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2002, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in diamond sports beyond their collegiate success. The NPF is comprised of six teams: Akron Racers, Chicago Bandits, Dallas Charge, Pennsylvania Rebellion, Scrap Yard Dawgs and USSSA Florida Pride. National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and New Zealand, representing the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women's softball.
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SOURCE Rawlings