1963 Rawlings RJ 80

[drs9]

I have a Rawlings model RJ 80 glove (Ken Boyer endorsement) that I received as a Christmas present in 1963 at the age of 9 (best Christmas present ever!). For sentimental reasons, I've been thinking about having the glove restored, but wondered if the glove has any significant inherent value. I've been unable to find anything about that model glove on the internet. Do any of you have any information or insight about the glove or its production and distribution?

Thanks.

[okdoak]

I don't have any info on that specific model, but I'm guessing that it was one of their less expensive models just because that's the kind that most kids get from their parents. I mean, how many parents back then would spend $40 for a top of the line glove, even if they could afford it? Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of demand for them because there are so many available and collectors want the top of the line models. And even those usually have to be in exceptional condition to sell for more than $200 on ebay.
We must be about the same age, because my Best Present Ever was the Dubow Enos Slaughter I got for my 7th birthday in 1961. Like you, the memories I have of my glove are worth a million times what the glove itself would bring on ebay. Sorry that I can't give more specific info.

[drs9]

Thanks for the comment. I think the glove sold for around $35 in 1963--a fair bit of money at that time, and a monstrous amount considering my parents' financial condition. I spent quite a bit of time admiring that glove in the store without ever having any expectation of getting it--which is, of course, what made it such a great present.

[okdoak]

I see that my assessment was right on the money, as usual. At $35 your glove would have been one of their higher end models. Their 1963 catalog lists a Ken Boyer TT15 for $39.95 and a TG78 @ $12.45. Those were both 6 finger models, the Big T Trapeze and just your everyday Trapeze. It doesn't list an RJ 80, but we've seen a lot of Rawlings from the 60's with odd model numbers that weren't listed in their catalogs. It's possible that it was made for a department store or other retail outlet, as they did for JC Penneys. If you can post a picture of it somebody may be able to give you a more definitive answer.

[vintagebrett]

I would agree that the model number probably indicates it was specially made for a retail store.

[drs9]

The glove was purchased from a Gambles hardware store in a small town in northeast Missouri. I believe Gambles, including its various divisions and sister stores, was a fairly large corporate entity in that era (although it seems to be extinct now), so it seems plausible to me that the RJ 80 model was made for marketing by them. I'm on vacation at the moment and won't have access to photos of the glove for a couple of weeks, but I'll post some then. It looks very, very similar to photos of the model XPG 26 that I've seen on-line. I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out to be essentially the same glove.

I'm new to this forum, but I have to say that it's great! I'm impressed by the depth of knowledge and level of dedication. Thanks again!

[okdoak]

If you do decide to restore it, Kenny Jenkins is a good choice. A full restoration (liner, padding, laces) can run $150+ but he uses quality materials and does great work. Stop back and post pictures of your glove when you get a chance.

http://www.kennysgloverepair.com/

[softball66]

Some thoughts. One of the Ken Boyer endorsed gloves was the TT80 which was a $13.45 glove in 1964 and same model as its previous TG78 in 1963. I believe that this RJ80 was specially made for store(s) like Gambles with the special numbering "RJ" but this is very likely the less expensive glove. This would be a Trapeze style. But, if what you're saying like the XPG26, then this is not a trapeze (6-finger style) but more of the standard five-finger hinge pocket glove. The Mantle XPG26 sold $!8.75 in 1966. So, basically, we're talking about a youth model glove.
Picture would be very helpful.

[drs9]

I'm finally back from vacation and able to post some photos of the Rawlings RJ 80 from 1963. Incidentally, it's about an 11 1/2-inch glove. Although I know there were a number of Boyer-endorsed Rawlings 6-finger gloves from this period and just earlier, this is not one of them, as you can see.

Some of the lacing is not orginal; I relaced some of the glove myself in about 1981, but what I replaced was done in the orginal pattern.

Thanks for the comments thus far, and the recommendation of Kenny Jenkins for restoration. If I get it restored, he's the man.

[softball66]

You were right this resembles the XPG26 and the XPG8 even with that split web "Speed Trap" web.
Your palm is pretty rough and dried though. Back looks good and how is your lining? Maybe Kenny can put a new patch on there for you too.

[drs9]

The lining is a mess, I'm afraid--it's the worst part of the glove and will probably have to be replaced.

[okdoak]

I agree with Joe that it looks a lot like one of their XPG series gloves just not sure which one. Your glove has rolled piping and that reinforced half moon shaped piece of leather below the web that they put on their better gloves. I had a Tom Tresh with an odd model number (RTM 66) that looked a lot like your glove. Rawlings made a top of the line Boyer XPG 3 starting in 1966, but the web and lacing pattern were newly innovated.

[drs9]

Just to post an end to the story: I have the Kenny Jenkins-restored glove sitting by me now, reconditioned and with new liner, Rawlings patch, lacing, etc., and couldn't be happier. Of course, I now have more money in it than it would be worth to anyone else, but this is one that I don't expect anyone but me to own, unless it's my 11-year-old son, someday.

Thanks again for your comments. Kenny J. agreed that it was one of Rawlings' higher quality gloves from the era, and, with the RJ 80 model number, likely made for and distributed by some department store or chain, as some of you suggested.

[okdoak]

Glad to hear it! Can't beat that new glove feel after Kenny works his magic. I have one that he relined also. Doubt if I'll ever break even on mine either, but I think it's worth it for a special glove.