Rawlings and Easton have entered into a multi-year agreement with Texas-based D-Bat, the baseball and softball training academy franchise. Through the deal, Rawlings and Easton will occupy and manage retail space in D-Bat’s more than 100 facilities while providing an exclusive assortment of stock and custom products for sale.

Rawlings and Easton products will be used exclusively at D-Bat camps and for instructional lessons its conducts with athletes each season.

Started by brothers Cade and Kyle Griffis in Dallas, TX, D-Bat has expanded from three locations in 1998 to more than 130 locations, with 20 currently under construction.

“Today is an important day for both the Rawlings and Easton brands as we join forces with another powerhouse name in the industry to grow the game and reach more athletes,” says Mike Zlaket, CEO for Rawlings and Easton. “We certainly have taken notice of D-Bat’s rapid growth and innovative teaching and coaching methods and feel this partnership exemplifies our shared vision for success.”

“Having used Rawlings and Easton equipment throughout my entire playing career, I fully appreciate the quality and legacy that is synonymous with their brands,” adds Griffis. “Their involvement in this venture further authenticates our mission to provide top-tier instruction to players at all levels, culminating in a truly beneficial experience.”

The engineering, product and marketing teams at Rawlings and Easton will work with several D-Bat location members to test and demo new products in development, while researching consumer trends and shopping habits in geographic regions.

“D-Bat Powered by Rawlings and Easton” co-branded retail spaces first opened in November 2020 in several Texas and Florida locations, followed by 50 locations in the U.S. in 2021. Another 50 are planned for 2022.