Batting glove maker Irving Franklin dies

By , and was the innovator of the baseball batting glove, died Thursday.. He was 93 years old.. Franklin died in his sleep in Falmouth, Mass., according to his son, Larry J. Franklin.November 13, 2011

STOUGHTON, Mass. -- Irving H. Franklin, who co-founded Franklin Sports in 1946 with his brother Sydney FranklinIrving Franklin was a true visionary in producing the prototype of the batting glove that is still used today. He also established product lines for superstar athletes, including Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt and Jets quarterback Joe Namath.

Franklin launched the company to manufacture a line of youth sporting goods, which grew into a major brand in the global market.

Franklin and Franklin Sports became known for innovating and designing the first batting glove made for major league players. It became the "Official Batting Glove of Major League Baseball." The company remains the industry leader as the premier batting glove company. Larry Franklin took over as president in 1986. His son Adam works in the company as well. -- AP

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