RAWLINGS SAYS IT'S READY FOR NIKE'S CHALLENGE IN EQUIPMENT

          Rawlings Sporting Goods "promised shareholders" at
     Thursday's annual meeting that the company "is preparing to
     do battle not only with the Wilsons and Spaldings of the
     world, but also ... Nike," according to Al Stamborski of the
     ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH.  Nike has plans to increase its
     investment in the sports equipment market this year.
     Stamborski reports that while baseball accounts for 55% of
     Rawlings' sales, "the company is trying to cut its reliance
     on that sport by beefing up its offerings and marketing in
     softball, football, basketball, volleyball, hockey and
     soccer."  In related news, Rawlings named Robert Prather, as
     its newest board member (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 1/16).