Eulogy for Brooks Robinson: The Master of Defense

We remember and honor a true legend of the baseball world, Brooks Robinson. Brooks was not just a baseball player; he was a defensive virtuoso whose talents on the field left an indelible mark on the game.

Brooks Robinson, known affectionately as "The Human Vacuum Cleaner," was renowned for his exceptional defensive skills. His legacy is etched in the annals of baseball history, primarily due to his unmatched prowess as a third baseman.

Brooks Robinson's defensive abilities were like no other. He had an uncanny knack for making the impossible look routine. His fielding was a thing of beauty, a ballet of reflexes and precision. The way he would dive, stretch, and scoop up grounders left fans and fellow players in awe.

But what truly set Brooks apart was his choice of equipment. He famously used the Rawlings "Heart of the Hide" baseball mitt. This glove was crafted from the finest leather and was known for its durability and performance. Brooks Robinson's trust in this glove symbolized his commitment to his craft. It wasn't just a piece of equipment; it was an extension of his hand, a tool that allowed him to perform defensive miracles.

Robinson's defensive accolades are too numerous to list comprehensively, but his 16 Gold Glove Awards, a record that stood for decades, speak volumes about his defensive genius. His skills not only saved countless runs but also inspired generations of baseball players to aspire to greatness in the field.

Today, as we bid farewell to Brooks Robinson, we remember not only the man but also the embodiment of defensive excellence. His legacy will forever remind us that in the game of baseball, defense is an art, and Brooks was a master artist.

Rest in peace, Brooks Robinson, and may your glove forever shine in the diamond of our memories.

Five of the Most Famous Baseball Gloves in History

Baseball is a sport that has been around for over 150 years, and in that time, there have been many famous baseball gloves. Some of these gloves are famous for their quality, while others are famous for the players who used them. Here are five of the most famous baseball gloves in history:

1. The Louisville Slugger H&B Model J100

The Louisville Slugger H&B Model J100 is one of the most famous baseball gloves in history. It was made by the Louisville Slugger company, which is also known for making baseball bats. The H&B Model J100 was first made in 1905, and it quickly became popular with professional baseball players. The glove was made of high-quality leather, and it had a comfortable fit. It was also very durable, and it could withstand the rigors of professional baseball. The H&B Model J100 was used by many famous baseball players, including Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Lou Gehrig.

1. The Rawlings Gold Glove

The Rawlings Gold Glove is another famous baseball glove. It is awarded annually to the best defensive player at each position in Major League Baseball. The award was first given out in 1957, and it has been given out every year since then. The Rawlings Gold Glove is a symbol of excellence, and it is one of the most coveted awards in baseball.

1. The Wilson A2000

The Wilson A2000 is a popular baseball glove that is known for its quality and durability. The A2000 was first made in 1987, and it has been a popular choice among professional baseball players ever since. The glove is made of high-quality leather, and it has a comfortable fit. It is also very durable, and it can withstand the rigors of professional baseball. The A2000 has been used by many famous baseball players, including Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Mariano Rivera.

1. The Rawlings Heart of the Hide

The Rawlings Heart of the Hide is another popular baseball glove that is known for its quality and durability. The Heart of the Hide was first made in 1974, and it has been a popular choice among professional baseball players ever since. The glove is made of high-quality leather from the heart of the hide, and it has a comfortable fit. It is also very durable, and it can withstand the rigors of professional baseball. The Heart of the Hide has been used by many famous baseball players, including Roberto Clemente, Reggie Jackson, and Cal Ripken Jr.

1. The Mizuno Pro Select

The Mizuno Pro Select is a high-end baseball glove that is known for its quality and performance. The Pro Select was first made in 2004, and it has quickly become a popular choice among professional baseball players. The glove is made of high-quality Japanese leather, and it has a comfortable fit. It is also very durable, and it can withstand the rigors of professional baseball. The Pro Select has been used by many famous baseball players, including Ichiro Suzuki, Yu Darvish, and Masahiro Tanaka.

These are just a few of the most famous baseball gloves in history. There are many other great gloves out there, but these are some of the most iconic. If you are looking for a high-quality baseball glove, any of these gloves would be a great choice.

If you are fortunate enough to own one of these gloves, it’s really important that you take proper care of it. That’s where the Mitt-Spit line of products comes in. You own an iconic glove. Love on it with the right products and the mitt will last decades.

How is a baseball glove made?

Have you ever wondered how a baseball or softball glove is made? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the process of creating this essential piece of baseball/softball equipment.

The Materials

The first step in making a baseball glove is to gather the materials. Most gloves are made from leather, which is typically cowhide or steerhide. The leather used for gloves is specially processed at a tannery to make it more durable and pliable. The leather hide is also typically dyed the iconic brown color that we associate with baseball gloves.  After the dying process, it can also be pigment coated any color of the rainbow. 

The leather is then cut following specific patterns into the various parts that make up the glove. These parts include the palm, webbing, and fingers. The pattern is specific to each type of glove with a catcher’s mitt being the most complicated. 

The Assembly

Once the leather parts have been cut, they are assembled into a glove including the padding material and other internals. The first step in this process is to stitch the leather parts together. Because of the contours and basic shape, this is often done by hand using a special type of needle and thread. The needle is in the curved shape of a half-moon.  The thread is typically a heavy-duty nylon for long term strength and durability. The stitching is key as it determines the shape and strength of the glove.

The next step is to shape the glove. This is done by placing a ball or other round object inside the glove and then tying it closed. This helps to create the “pocket.”

The glove is then processed with softening agents to reduce the leather’s inherent stiffness, making it more pliable. This helps to create a comfortable fit for the player.  However, it will still take some effort to break-in the leather, so it feels responsive on your hand.

The final step in the process is to add the finishing touches, such as lacing, promotional signatures or logos. The lacing is usually leather strips. They are used to tighten or loosen the glove as needed, while the logos and signatures are added for promotional and branding purposes.

The Result

After these steps have been completed, the result is a high-quality baseball glove that is ready to be broken-in and used on the field.  Properly breaking in a baseball mitt is necessary so that the finished product is both durable and comfortable, making it the prized possession for any baseball player.

The process of making a baseball glove is a combination of art and science. It requires skilled craftsmen who understand the properties of leather and how to stitch it together to create it functional and comfortable. Whether you are a professional player or a weekend warrior, the baseball glove is an essential part of the game that allows players to make incredible catches and turn the tide of a game.