Rawlings R9 Series Fastpitch Glove

The Rawlings R9 Series is a fastpitch softball-specific glove line built on full-grain leather construction at an accessible price point - the level where real leather quality, position-specific patterning, and a credible break-in process are all accessible to high school and competitive youth players who are serious about their equipment without stepping into premium pricing. The four variants in this collection cover the primary positions on the fastpitch field: two infield gloves for players in the middle of the diamond, a utility pattern for players who need versatility across positions, and a catcher's mitt built specifically for work behind the plate.

Every glove and mitt in the R9 Series Softball collection shares the same foundational construction: quality full-grain leather shell with a soft, durable all-leather build throughout, a leather cushioned palm pad that absorbs impact from pitched and batted balls, an adjustable pull strap back, and an adjustable wrist closure that allows a customized, secure fit for different hand sizes and preferences. Rawlings rates all four at a player break-in of 20, placing them in the moderate break-in range - enough structure to hold shape through a season, responsive enough to open up without requiring the extended conditioning time of premium pro-grade hides. Three of the four variants use a Pro I web, which creates a controlled, shallow pocket that keeps the ball accessible for quick transfers and clean exchanges across infield positions. The catcher's mitt uses a Pro H web, a construction specific to the catching position that provides the deeper, more structured pocket catchers need to receive and secure pitches through a full game.

All four variants are available in both right hand throw and left hand throw configurations and are designed for high school, 14U, and 12U competitive fastpitch. The 11.5-inch ContoUR Fit infield glove is specifically designed for players with smaller hand profiles, using Rawlings' ergonomic ContoUR Fit construction to reduce the interior volume and improve the glove's feel on smaller hands without changing the leather or web construction that defines the rest of the R9 Series lineup.

Features

• Quality full-grain leather shell with soft, durable all-leather construction throughout all four variants
• Leather cushioned palm pad absorbs impact for comfort on pitched and batted balls across all positions
• Pro I Web on the 11.5", 11.75", and 12" field gloves for a controlled shallow pocket and quick ball transfers
• Pro H Web on the 33" catcher's mitt for a deeper, more structured receiving pocket behind the plate
• Adjustable pull strap back and adjustable wrist closure for a customized, secure fit
• Player break-in: 20 - moderate break-in that builds a dependable pocket without requiring extended conditioning time
• ContoUR Fit on the 11.5" model - Rawlings' ergonomic construction reduces interior volume for players with smaller hands
• All variants available in right hand throw and left hand throw
• Designed for high school, 14U, and 12U competitive fastpitch
• Year 2027 Rawlings R9 Series

Specifications

Shared specs across all variants:

Per-variant specs:

Q&A

Q: How do I choose the right size and position from the four variants?
Start with your position. If you play shortstop or second base and need fast transfers, the 11.75" (R9SB715-2CB) is the infield standard for that level. If you have smaller hands or are in the 12U-14U range at infield, the 11.5" ContoUR Fit (R9SB115U-2N) is built specifically for a more fitted, ergonomic feel on smaller hand profiles. If you need versatility across infield and outfield positions - or play somewhere that demands a larger catching surface - the 12" utility model (R9SB120-2MW) covers both. If you catch, the 33" catcher's mitt (R9SBCM33-24NMP) is the position-specific option with the Pro H web and deeper pocket catchers require.

Q: What is ContoUR Fit and why does only the 11.5" model have it?
ContoUR Fit is Rawlings' ergonomic fit system that reduces the interior volume of the glove to better match the proportions of smaller hands. It keeps the leather and web construction identical to the rest of the R9 Series while adjusting the finger stalls and palm space so the glove moves more naturally with the hand rather than feeling oversized or loose. It appears on the 11.5" model specifically because that size is targeted at players - typically in the 12U to 14U range - most likely to benefit from the adjusted fit.

Q: Why does the catcher's mitt use a Pro H web instead of a Pro I like the other gloves?
The Pro I web is designed for field positions where ball control, quick transfers, and a shallow accessible pocket are priorities. The Pro H web used in the catcher's mitt creates a deeper, more structured pocket suited for receiving and securing pitched balls at the angles and velocities catchers deal with. The two web styles serve fundamentally different fielding functions, which is why catchers' mitts are always sold as a separate category from field gloves.

Q: What does a Player Break-In rating of 20 mean?
Rawlings uses a break-in scale to indicate how much conditioning a glove needs before it is game-ready. The R9 Series rates a 20, placing it in the moderate range. These gloves come with enough structure to hold their shape and form a consistent pocket over time, but they are not stiff to the point of requiring weeks of conditioning before use. Most players find them responsive enough to begin using for practice relatively quickly, with the pocket continuing to improve and personalize through regular play.