Goodacre wins second annual Rawlings Gold Glove Award for Softball

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rawlings Sporting Goods Company Inc., a subsidiary of Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL), announced the second annual Rawlings Gold Glove Award® for Softball was awarded to Chelsea Goodacre. Goodacre is a catcher on the USSSA Pride, based in Viera, Fla.

A native of Temecula, Calif., Goodacre did not commit an error in 211 total chances (196 putouts and 16 assists) in 40 games this season.

"Chelsea Goodacre logged a performance of the ages behind the plate this season for the USSSA Pride, and without question played a huge role in the league's lowest team ERA," said Cheri Kempf, commissioner of the National Pro Fastpitch League. "Beyond that, Chelsea is an incredible ambassador for the game and I look forward to her year as reigning Gold Glove Award winner of the NPF."

The Rawlings Gold Glove Award® for softball is given annually to one player in the National Pro Fastpitch League (NPF). Similar to the award selection process in baseball, coaches and managers within the NPF organization voted for the winner excluding those on their respective teams.

"We're thrilled to partner with the National Pro Fastpitch League to celebrate and recognize the importance of defense," said Mike Thompson, the executive vice-president of marketing for  Rawlings. "It makes perfect sense to reward female athletes for their exceptional fielding ability and prowess and Chelsea certainly is a deserving recipient of this award."

The first Rawlings Gold Glove Award for softball was awarded last year to A.J. Andrews, an outfielder for the Akron, Ohio Racers.

"We have been delighted with the notoriety and attention the Rawlings Gold Glove has brought to A.J. Andrews and consequently, the NPF over the last year," said Kempf. "We are honored to be a part of this historic award and proud of the vision of Rawlings to include the talented players of professional fastpitch in the prestigious company of Gold Glove Award winners."

This is the 60^th anniversary for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award and it was established to recognize defensive excellence at each position in pro baseball. Previous winners include athletes whose careers have been defined by their fielding ability including Ozzie Smith, Brooks Robinson and Derek Jeter. In 2007, in conjunction with the award's 50^th anniversary, the award program expanded to include winners at the collegiate and high school levels.

About Rawlings
Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. is an innovative manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods worldwide. Founded in 1887, Rawlings is an authentic global sports brand, trusted by generations of athletes of all skill levels. Rawlings' unparalleled quality, innovative engineering and expert craftsmanship are the fundamental reasons why more professional athletes, national governing bodies and sports leagues choose Rawlings. Rawlings is the Official Ball Supplier and Batting Helmet of Major League Baseball®, the official baseball of Minor League Baseball™ and the NCAA®, and the approved baseball, basketball, football and softball of the National High School Federation®. For more information, please visit Rawlings.com or by phone at (314) 819-2800.

About the Rawlings Gold Glove Award®
The Rawlings Gold Glove Award^® is a registered trademark owned by Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. The award is correctly identified as the Rawlings Gold Glove Award. The name should not be shortened, abbreviated or otherwise misused. Proper identification of this service mark using the registration symbol and the Rawlings name is important to protect the integrity of the program and perpetuate this worthy tradition. For more information, please visit www.rawlingsgoldglove.com.

About Newell Brands
Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer's®, Coleman®, Jostens®, Marmot®, Rawlings®, Irwin®, Lenox®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, FoodSaver®, Mr. Coffee®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, NUK®, Calphalon®, Rubbermaid®, Contigo®, First Alert®, Waddington and Yankee Candle®. Driven by a sharp focus on the consumer, leading investment in innovation and brands, and a performance-driven culture, Newell Brands helps consumers achieve more where they live, learn, work and play.

About the NPF
National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2002, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in diamond sports beyond their collegiate success.  The NPF is comprised of six teams: Akron Racers, Chicago Bandits, Dallas Charge, Pennsylvania Rebellion, Scrap Yard Dawgs and USSSA Florida Pride.  National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and New Zealand, representing the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women's softball.

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SOURCE Rawlings