In addition to its foray into the digital world [See story above] Rawlings Sporting Goods made a more basic move last month with the acquisition of the Jack Corbett Hollywood Bases brand from Schutt Sports, Inc., adding field bases and accessories to its list of officially licensed MLB categories.

The acquisition strengthens Rawlings’ roots in baseball and softball while leveraging its technologically advanced equipment for game play.

“Since our inception in 1887, Rawlings has been intrinsic to the game, so extending our brand to include Jack Corbett Hollywood Bases is a natural fit,” explains Rawlings CEO Mike Zlaket. “Rawlings has a proven track record of producing superior equipment, and we are eager to provide the unmatched quality synonymous with Rawlings.”

This new business venture will also give Rawlings opportunities within the memorabilia and collectible markets.

The acquisition further offers a long-term supply of bases at the Major League level.

Jack Corbett, a former minor league player and manager, developed the Hollywood base design, which added an underground stem to attach to the base for increased stability.