Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., the Official Baseball Supplier to Major League Baseball since 1977, will utilize a new supplier for the production of the “pill” for all Major League Baseballs. Hultec, an affiliate of Fort Worth, Texas based S & B Technical Products, will manufacture the round cushioned cork center of each baseball called the “pill” or “core.”
This change is being made to ensure the consistent production of the highest quality ball that meets the exacting standards of quality control and the rigorous standards and specifications of Rawlings and Major League Baseball. The specifications for pill performance will remain consistent with the prior pill supplier. The balls have been and will continue to be thoroughly tested and verified by Rawlings, as well as the independent third party testing lab appointed by Major League Baseball; the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Baseball Research Center.
Mike Thompson, SVP of sports marketing and business development for Rawlings, said, “We have enjoyed a rewarding partnership with Major League Baseball® that has spanned more than three decades and is based on our mutual love for the game. Together we are highly focused on protecting the integrity and the future of Americas pastime. This reflects our joint ongoing commitment to provide only the highest quality balls for MLB.”
