RAWLINGS SEES SLIGHT BUMP IN QUARTERLY EARNINGS GROWTH

          Rawlings Sporting Goods Co. saw profits increase more
     than 17% for the third quarter that ended May 31, "despite a
     sluggish baseball season" for the company, according to the
     ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH.  Rawlings also saw a 1.9% increase
     in revenue from the third quarter last year, and it was able
     to cut sales and interest costs.  Rawlings said that it
     expects better fourth quarter results, "thanks partly to
     basketball and football programs with several major
     retailers."  The company is also getting "modest fees" for
     licensing its name for a new sports drink, and is "making
     inroads" with new volleyball and soccer equipment lines, as
     a mass merchandiser is expected "to commit soon" to
     Rawlings' volleyballs (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 6/23).