Despite being only the second most popular sport in the US, the first being football, baseball is considered our national pastime. To some players, the most important part of their arsenal is the baseball glove. It’s so important, in fact, that it can be difficult to convince a player to use a different glove. This has been a problem for Rawlings, who just introduced the most expensive baseball glove on the market.
The Rawlings Primo is made of two layers of Italian leather with strategically placed break points to maximize movement capabilities. The glove is designed to absorb ball impact and allow you to close your hand naturally at the moment of impact. The full-grain leather and calf lining allow for a smooth look and comfortable feel while the treatment the leather and lacing undergo ensures durability.
The glove retails for around $450. Unfortunately, the glove has become most popular with pitchers, who are generally the players least attached to their gloves. Other players may cite superstition or simple familiarity with their current glove as reasons not to switch to the most expensive baseball glove.
A replica of Lou Gehrig’s glove (by Akadema).
The Primo is a far cry from the most expensive baseball glove ever sold, however, which was purchased several years ago at a Sotheby’s auction. That glove, the last one worn by the legendary Iron Horse Lou Gehrig, was sold to Penny Marshall for over $387,000. Several other gloves have been purchased by collectors for hundreds of thousands of dollars, including several worn by Mickey Mantle. In fact, Billy Crystal purchased a Mickey Mantle glove for $239,000 at the same auction from which the Lou Gehrig glove was purchased.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
i have one of those gloves. they are great and built very well
Bullcrap, my Cal Ripken glove is worth 525$
So hahahahaha
these gloves are great. I used to have one but someone stole it. I guess that just proves to me that it really is that good of a glove.
jason u got rippef of
no u all got ripped off the player matters more than the glove
ya lou is 20x more famous then cal
i've got a glove worth $3,000,000.28. its my old jr. high "mitt".
My glove is worth $65 and I have had that glove for 7 years now. Some people I know have a Primo, amd after about a six months to a year, the Primos start to fall apart.
A kelley customized can run up to $500. a lot better than a primo, and 100% hand made and way easier to break in. Just saying.
im digging this glove got that nice italian leather