Discover the best baseball equipment brands and why they standout from the rest

Discover the best baseball equipment brands and why they standout from the rest

Kevin Omuya
updated at April 29, 2024 at 1:00 PM

Proper gear is crucial for baseball games, as it may elevate an average game to a spectacular one. Bats, gloves, cleats, and protective gear are all available in variety. Some baseball items are popular because of their quality, innovation, and dependability. Let us explore the world of baseball equipment brands and identify what makes some products better.

Various baseball equipment brands
Rawlings(L) and ZETT (R) baseball equipment brands. Photo: @rawlingssg, zettbaseball_jp (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Table of Сontents:

Rawlings, Wilson, Easton, and Mizuno are brand names with top-tier baseball equipment. Other brands like Evoshield, Adidas, and Under Armour are known worldwide and preferred by many athletes.

Top baseball equipment brands

Despite the cutthroat competition, a few brands have become household names, winning over customers. We analysed data from Winus Sports, Baseball Outlet, and other publicly available information to come up with a list of some popular baseball equipment brand names and what makes them unique.

Brand

Founder

Country

Easton

Doug Easton

USA

SKLZ

John Sarkisian

USA

Louisville Slugger

J.F Hillerich

USA

Decathlon

Michel Leclercq

France

STAR

Rupert Murdoch

Korea

Wilson

Thomas E. Wilson

USA

ZETT

Mr. Yozaemon

Japan

SSK

Kyoto Sasaki

Japan

MIZUNO

Rihachi Mizuno

Japan

Rawlings

George and Alfred Rawlings

USA

10. Easton

Easton brands
Photos of junior baseball players posing with Easton brands. Photo: @eastonbaseball (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Founder: Doug Easton
  • Origin: USA
  • Year established: 1922
  • Headquarters: Thousand Oaks, California

Easton produces some of the best baseball and softball equipment brands. In 1992, Doug Easton established Easton Sports, a private sports company headquartered in Los Angeles. Including the nation's capitals of Mexico and Canada, this firm manufactures, sells, and ships sporting goods all around North America.

Among the many sports catered to by Easton Sports include archery, cycling, baseball, softball, and ice hockey. Easton has remained a frontrunner in the sporting goods market for many years.

9. SKLZ

SKLZ baseball branded equipment
SKLZ branded baseball(L) and training ladder(R). Photo: @sklz_apac
Source: UGC
  • Founder: John Sarkisian
  • Origin: USA
  • Year established: 2002
  • Headquarters: Carlsbad, California

Since its inception in 2002, SKLZ has expanded its operations to encompass various sports, including American football, soccer, golf, and baseball. Established in 2002 by John Sarkisian, SKLZ is based in Carlsbad, California.

SKLZ stands out as a world-renowned best baseball team apparel brand among the many options available. The company has gained a reputation for quality throughout Europe, America, and Asia due to its rigorous quality control measures and pursuit of excellence in every aspect.

8. Louisville Slugger

Louisville Slugger baseball gear
Various baseball equipment of Louisville Slugger brands. Photo: @sluggernation (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Founder: J.F Hillerich
  • Origin: USA
  • Year established: 1850s
  • Headquarters: Louisville, Kentucky, United States

A pioneer in producing and distributing baseball-related goods worldwide, the Louisville Slugger Company started in the 1850s as a woodworking shop. It opened its doors in the United States in 1884 and began producing the highest-quality baseball bats.

Among the first batters to have their bats customized by Louisville Slugger were Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, the all-time MLB home run champion, and current Yankees superstars Derek Jeter and A-Rod. The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is an essential stop on every baseball enthusiast's itinerary.

7. Decathlon

Decathlon branded baseball equipment
Decathlon brand baseball gloves(L) and ball(R).Photo: @decathlon_southafrica
Source: UGC
  • Founder: Michel Leclercq
  • Origin: France
  • Year established: 1976
  • Headquarters: Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France

Decathlon is a French retailer that has been around since 1976 and is well-known for its low costs and high-quality products. The company produces sportswear, equipment, and various innovative sports goods.

The French company has operations in over twenty nations. Decathlon has established research and development facilities throughout Europe to cater to its customers' demands. Forbes reports that it introduces over three thousand new products yearly to improve the sporting experience.

6. STAR

STAR baseball brand
Baseball protective gear with STAR brand. Photo: Allstartsportinggoods
Source: UGC
  • Founder: Rupert Murdoch
  • Origin: Korea
  • Year established: 1965
  • Headquarters: Daegu

This Korean company has produced classic football shoes, tennis and badminton rackets, socks, purses, and apparel. Their products have attracted foreign investment since 1965.

South Korea's Xinxin Business Co., Ltd. set up a foreign-invested firm called the Qingdao Xinxin Sports Goods Co., Ltd. Professional leagues in Korea use the company's "STAR" brand of soccer balls and volleyballs, which are all well-respected on an international level.

5. Wilson

Wilson brand baseball equipment
Wilson brand of baseball equipment. Photo: @wilsonballglove (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Founder: Thomas E. Wilson
  • Origin: USA
  • Year established: 1913
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States

It is a top producer of sporting goods, including but not limited to tennis balls, soccer balls, volleyballs, footballs, golf balls, and other related items. The Wilson baseball features several exclusive technologies, including a wave core, an elastic groove made of leather, and technology that absorbs moisture.

Wilson, one of the pioneers in using metal in tennis racket construction, enjoys a large customer base in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The corporation is constantly cranking out new products and its extensive product line.

4. ZETT

ZETT brand of baseball equipment
A display of ZETT baseball equipment. Photo: @zettbaseball_jp
Source: UGC
  • Founder: Mr. Yozaemon
  • Origin: Japan
  • Year established: 1926
  • Headquarters: Osaka, Japan

As part of its sports trade business, the ZETT Group manufactures baseball gear and Converse apparel under the ZETT Co., Ltd. brand. Sports facilities are the responsibility of Zeos Co., Ltd., while Lodge Co., Ltd handles outdoor product retail.

The "baseball science" brand philosophy has allowed ZETT to consistently provide top-notch equipment. The company has also created a massive process linking production and consumption.

3. SSK

SSK baseball equipment
SSK brand baseball equipment. Photo: @sskbaseballshop (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Founder: Kyozo Sasaki
  • Origin: Japan
  • Year established: 1946
  • Headquarters: Chuo-ku Osaka, Japan

Founded in 1946 in Japan, SSK is a thriving business that designs, manufactures, and distributes baseball gear, including bats, gloves, uniforms, and balls. It has the backing of many baseball players.

The SSK (Sasaki) founder, Kyozo Sasaki, established his sports store in the Shimo-Kyo neighbourhood of Kyoto in November 1946. The event marked the beginning of SSK's journey to become a dominant player in the baseball industry.

2. MIZUNO

MIZUNO baseball brand
MIZUNO brand of baseball equipment. Photo: @mizunobaseballusa
Source: UGC
  • Founder: Rihachi Mizuno
  • Origin: Japan
  • Year established: 1906
  • Headquarters: Osaka, Japan

Rihachi Mizuno founded MIZUNO Corporation in 1906. Since then, it has grown into a global powerhouse in the footwear, apparel, and sports goods industries. Its product variety encompasses nearly every major sport, with over 300,000 categories.

The production facilities focus on ready-to-wear apparel, baseball mitts, and golf equipment. After starting to make baseball gear, Mizuno eventually turned their attention to golf clubs. As the running shoe era began, it became a household name in the '60s and '70s.

1. Rawlings

Baseball equipment Rawlings brands
Rawlings baseball equipment brands. Photo: @rawlingssg
Source: UGC
  • Founder: George and Alfred Rawlings
  • Origin: USA
  • Year established: 1887
  • Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, United States

This world-famous sports equipment manufacturer has been making and selling baseballs, bats, helmets, and apparel since its founding in 1887. Popular Rawlings products include lightweight protective gear, the S100 series of batting helmets, and the football shoulder pad (1901), all of which keep athletes safe from head to toe.

In team sports, Rawlings is ubiquitous, producing a wide range of goods for baseball, basketball, and football games. Rawlings' goods, participants, and relationships unmistakably represent ProTM.

Frequently asked questions

Many baseball fans wonder which companies have the most influence on the game. Here are the most asked questions about the best baseball equipment brands.

Popular manufacturers like Nike and Adidas provide baseball basics like cleats and performance gear. Because of their cutting-edge innovations in sports technology, players choose them.

What are some top-rated baseball bat manufacturers?

Louisville Slugger branded bats
Louisville Slugger branded baseball bats. Photo: @sluggernation (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Easton and Louisville Slugger are two of the most well-known baseball bat brands. Easton is at the forefront of bat technology with its innovative aluminium and composite bats.

What companies produce the best baseball gloves?

Rawlings and Wilson dominate the baseball glove industry. Rawlings is known for making the best brands of baseball gloves, a symbol of greatness on the field.

Who supplies the official baseballs for the major leagues?

Major League Baseball has long relied on Rawlings as its official baseball supplier. They supply baseball equipment that meets rigorous professional requirements as an official partner for over 40 years.

Final word

These companies have stood out in the cutthroat baseball gear industry for their legacy, innovation, and high-quality products. Players can trust these top baseball equipment brands to take their game to the next level when they step onto the field.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

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Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.